How to Supplement Without Diminishing Milk Supply
Exclusively breastfeeding your baby is optimal for the first six months of life, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. As ideal as exclusive breastfeeding may be, there could be times when you must supplement breastfeeding with formula to feed your little one. A work schedule that takes you away from your baby could be one situation that necessitates supplementation. When you must supplement, careful management should help prevent a reduced milk supply.
Things You'll Need
- Breast pump
Instructions
Assess how often you feed your baby in a 24-hour period before you begin supplementing to determine the number of times you need to empty your breasts every 24 hours. International board certified lactation consultant Nancy Mohrbacher calls this your ̶0;magic number̶1; -- the minimum number of times you need to either breastfeed or pump every 24 hours to maintain long-term milk production. Maintain your breastfeeding schedule with your baby as much as possible. Every opportunity you have to breastfeed your baby when she̵7;s hungry, put her to the breast and allow her to feed as long as she desires. Frequent and unlimited breastfeeding helps stimulate your breasts to continue producing breast milk, according to the Ask Dr. Sears website. Pump when you are not with your baby to maintain a standard breastfeeding schedule. For example, if your baby is with a caregiver at a midmorning feeding, do not skip the feeding. Instead, stimulate your breasts and maintain your milk supply by pumping at the time you would normally breastfeed. The Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to provide you with reasonable break times and a private area to pump for one year after the birth of a baby. Pump at least every 3 hours during times you are away from your baby, advises the KidsHealth website. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Eat a healthy diet and drink enough water to satisfy your thirst to ensure that your diet will enable you to maintain your milk supply. Monitor your anxiety and stress levels, because stress could interfere with your milk supply, warns international board certified lactation consultant Kirsten Berggren, writing for La Leche League International. If you feel anxious, meditate or take a walk to restore your emotional equilibrium. Exercise regularly to maintain your physical and emotional health. Fit a few minutes of personal restoration time into every day by relaxing or pursuing a hobby.
