Soft breasts mean insufficient milk

During breastfeeding, mothers often find that their breasts become very soft. Because under normal circumstances, breasts are hard during breastfeeding and do not become very soft, it is possible that this is related to insufficient milk. It is recommended that all postpartum mothers pay attention to increasing the number of breastfeeding times and extending the breastfeeding time. This will gradually unblock the mammary glands and increase the amount of milk.

How to increase breast milk supply How to increase breast milk supply How to increase breast milk supply

1. Increase the number of feedings

Feed your baby at least every two hours. During the day, if the baby sleeps for more than two hours, the mother should wake him up to feed. At night, the baby should be woken up at least once and fed one more time. Although breastfeeding must follow the principle of supply and demand balance, not all babies will actively seek what they need. Some babies, especially those who are sleepy and gentle, may not ask for the breast often enough to meet their growth needs if their mother does not guide them.

2. Extend the feeding time

Don't set a rigid rule about how many minutes you should feed on each breast. If you switch to the other side too quickly, the baby will only get the foremilk from both breasts. Although he will feel full, he will not get enough calories needed for growth.

3. Feeding alternately from left to right

The most common practice is to start with the baby feeding on one breast for about fifteen minutes, then switch to the other side until the feeding is finished. But this method doesn't work for some babies who prefer a leisurely suck or fall asleep easily. When alternating feedings, you need to watch your baby carefully and let your baby suck less intensely and swallow less on the first side. When you start soothing sucking, switch to the other side and repeat the cycle. This alternating feeding method is especially suitable for sleepy babies. Another trick to encourage your baby to feed more is to burp him before switching sides.

4. Double the feeding

After your baby has eaten and drunk enough, don't put him down to sleep immediately, but hold him for a while. Spend 10-15 minutes holding him or carrying him upright to keep him awake and to help the air bubbles in his stomach pass. This way, there is room in the baby's tummy. Give him another round of feeding to make sure he is full.

5. Naps and nighttime feedings

One of the best ways to stimulate milk secretion during these two feeding time periods is to follow the old adage - take your baby to bed for feeding. This will relax both you and your baby and stimulate longer and more frequent breastfeeding.

6. Breastfeeding with a baby carrier

During the intervals between feedings, try to carry your baby in a sling or carry him/her on your body. In fact, some babies feed better and more frequently when they are moving. The rhythmic shaking caused by the mother's walking can help the baby stay awake and better complete the sucking action.

7. Focus

When you're stressed out or anxious about other things, the hormones that produce milk can't function to their full potential.