Carmen, Cebu - It's natural for a new mom to worry about not producing enough milk when her baby is cranky or wants to nurse more even after lactation. Mommies do not fret, as this is a normal apprehension for new mothers. Just note that the baby's weight gain reassures everyone that everything is fine. However, the results of baby weight checks may not be as encouraging for some mothers, which conclude that they may be experiencing a low milk supply.

Different misconceptions occur about having a low milk supply. Sometimes people tend to believe that they can’t produce milk and ended up buying formula milk. How can we boost and support a nutritionally low milk supply? Here are some tips:

• Breastfeed as soon as possible. Delay in starting breastfeeding can contribute to a low milk supply. Hold your baby skin to skin immediately after birth, and your baby will most likely breastfeed within the first hour.
• Breast-feed often. Breastfeed eight to twelve times per day, roughly every two to three hours, for the first few weeks.
• Check your latch. Check that your baby is properly attached and positioned. Keep an eye out for signs that your baby is swallowing.
• Be alert to feeding problems. At each feeding, provide both breasts. It's normal for your baby to nurse on only one breast at a time, but if this happens frequently, your milk supply will suffer. You could pump the opposite breast to relieve pressure and protect your milk supply until your baby starts taking more at each feeding.
• Don't skip breastfeeding sessions. To help maintain your milk supply, pump your breasts every time you miss a breastfeeding session.
• Avoid alcohol and nicotine. Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption can reduce milk production. The same effect can be obtained by smoking.
• Eat a balanced diet. Consuming a balance and variety in your meal intake with an additional 500 kcal from the normal intake to produce enough milk that your baby needs.

 
Enough breast milk supply will always reflect how the mother thinks and take care of herself to provide optimum health for her child. // ND II Geraldine Mae S. Pausanos, RND