Breastfeeding Boosting Methods

When I was pregnant I’d had sometimes have colostrum leak from my nipples and wake up with the telltale yellow crust on them. I’d taken that as a sign that I’d be one of the majority of women who could breastfeed and even thought I’d be an oversupplier of milk. I’d been right on the first assumption, yet unforunately wrong on the second.

I’ve sought advice through so many channels. Before I was pregnant I read several books and attended a class. After I’ve joined breastfeeding groups on Facebook, attended La Leche meetings, asked our pediatcian and a Lactation Consultant. I wish I could ask William what he thinks of the latter and get an answer as it must seem strange to him being weighed several times in an hour and having her watch him eat.

I’d originally thought I wouldn’t be pumping much until I returned to working. As pumping can help boost supply I’ve been doing so and the Pump Strap does make it easier then having to use one hand at each breast. Having tried it with and without, I cannot believe anyone would use a method that wasn’t handsfree.

I love cookies, so I was delighted to hear some women found just eating Lactation cookies helped. Even though Milk Makers cookies have a testimonial on the bag on how they helped a group of women all have boosted supply, this has not been my experience. They do taste great, especially the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, yet even one a day isn’t helping and I won’t buy another bag after my current one runs out.

Some women have found success with drinking milk boosters. I’ve tried Mother’s Milk Tea, part of a shower gift from a new mom, and Gatorade both in yellow and blue.

It cracks me up that the Mother’s Milk Tea Box recommends drinking three to five cups of tea a day. I’m not a huge tea drinker, though I’ve have many small cups when I eat at a Chinese restaurant. I’ve only had a cup here and there and the same with the Gatorade.

The Lactation Consultant has recommended a few herbal supplements. I’m currently on Fenugreek, nine capsules a day taking three at each meal. This visit she added on four Shatavari a day, one with breakfast and lunch and two with dinner. If that doesn’t work, we’ll next try Galactic Gold four times a day as the only supplement.

The herbs seemed to make a difference on one day when I was able to pump two and a quarter ounces.

Yet other times I’d pump the standard for me one ounce or less. Milk production remains a work in progress for me.

~ Danielle