Most new mothers are concerned about their breast milk supply. Unfortunately there is no method for measuring total intake by the baby if she is being breast fed. But if your baby is thriving there is little cause for concern.

Causes of insufficient milk
Insufficient diet: This is one of the major causes of milk reduction. Instead of going in for supplements improve your diet.

Stress and illness: Stress, illness and hormonal disturbances often contribute to low supply, especially if you have a thyroid or a pituitary gland problem.

Use of formula and pacifiers : Babies who are given formulas or those whose sucking needs are satisfied by a pacifier are likely to suckle less.

Use of pills: Milk supply will be lowered if you take combination contraceptive pills. It is better to use alternative birth control measures during lactation.

Improper technique: If the areola is not well inside the baby’s mouth there will not be sufficient release of milk. It will also lead to sore nipples.

Caffeine intake: Avoid caffeine as it has an adverse impact on milk production.

Ways to improve milk supply
It is a well-known fact that breast feeding is the best option for healthy growth and babies should be kept exclusively on breastfeed for the first six months. Keeping this in mind following simple guidelines will ensure a good supply.

Food intake
Food is the most important factor that influences breast milk supply. If keeping a proper nutritious diet is important during pregnancy, it is no less important during lactation. Your child is totally dependant on you for nutrition.

Drink plenty of Water
Milk supply will be reduced if the mother is dehydrated. So drink plenty of water, you should take at least 8 glasses of water daily.

Try to keep stress free
Stress has an adverse effect on milk supply. Therefore feed in a quiet room where you can relax without any distraction.

Give enough feeding time
Normally it takes a baby more than 20 minutes to get sufficient milk. So don’t be in a hurry, otherwise the baby will get only the thin foremilk and miss out on the fatty hindmilk.

Massage your breast
Massaging your breast before feeding will bring down good and rich milk for your baby.

Establish a routine
Begin with feeding every two hours and then gradually bring it to at least 8 feeds in twenty four hours. Allow the baby to feed as long as she wants. Remember suckling improves milk supply.

Position Properly
If the baby is unable to latch on properly to the areola she will not get enough milk. So ensure that the areola is far back enough in the mouth for proper compression of milk sinuses.

Stay Close
Don’t be too rigid about feeding schedules and keep the baby close to ensure proper demand and supply feeding.

Some foods recommended to increase milk supply
Some foods are said to improve the breast milk supply and adding them to your diet may lead to some increase though do not expect a dramatic impact suddenly. There can be no fixed rule about quantity of intake, just include them in your diet in their natural form. These are oatmeal, carrots, sweet potatoes, parsley, peas, green beans, barley, brown rice, apricots, beets and avocados.

If you have regular balanced meals and take proper care of yourself there is no reason why you won’t enjoy a happy and satisfying lactation time. Most importantly stay relaxed and avoid getting stressed. Another thing to keep in mind is to stay away from caffeine, smoking and alcohol during the entire lactation period.

There are some food supplements and herbal medicines available in the market but if you eat well, drink plenty of water and include milk and pulses in your diet there should not be any problem. Remember if your baby is growing well and is active there is absolutely no reason to worry.

There may still be a small category of women whose milk supply is really insufficient for the baby. In such a situation there is some milk enhancing medication available which should be taken under proper guidance only.