How do you build up a breast milk supply?
Building a breast milk supply can be a valuable strategy for breastfeeding mothers. Whether you're planning to return to work, have a night out, or simply want peace of mind, having a supply of breast milk can help ensure your baby's nutritional needs are met even when you're not available to help. to feed directly. In this blog post we discuss how to build a breast milk supply and when it is necessary.
Why stock up on breastfeeding?
There are several reasons why mothers choose to build up a breast milk supply:
- Return to work or school: For mothers returning to work after maternity leave, building a breast milk supply can be essential for feeding the baby in the mother's absence.
- Planned absences: Whether you're going out for the evening, have an appointment, or just need some time for yourself, a breast milk supply can be useful for planned times when you're not available to nurse immediately.
- Emergencies: A breast milk supply can be invaluable in emergency situations, such as illness of the mother, hospitalization of the baby, or other unexpected circumstances that temporarily prevent the mother from feeding.
- Peace of Mind: Having a breast milk supply provides mothers with peace of mind knowing that their baby can be fed with breast milk even if they are not available to feed directly.
“A freezer full” is not necessary in the above cases. A few extra feedings, for example up to 1.5 to 2 days, is initially more than sufficient.
How do you build up a breast milk supply?
Here are some steps you can follow to build a breast milk supply:
- Start early: Start building your breast milk supply well before you need it. Ideally, you should start storing breast milk about one to two months before your return to work or other planned absences. The first supply can also be used to practice with a bottle, to prevent 'bottle refusers'. Start practicing drinking from a bottle at the latest after 6 weeks.
- Express after the first morning feeding: Use the Youha Breast Pump to express a small amount of breast milk after the first feeding in the morning. The mothers often have the most milk in the morning. This way you minimally disrupt supply and demand. This can help boost your milk production while building up a supply.
- Catch leaking breast milk with drip trays or a Youha pod: Many mothers suffer from leaking breasts. By using nursing pads you lose these precious drops of breast milk. The Youha drip trays or the Youha Pod are the ideal solution. You catch the leaking milk and store it as extra stock. Supply and demand are not disrupted.
- Store breast milk properly: Store expressed breast milk in Youha breast milk bags . Make sure to cool the milk immediately after pumping and then store it in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on when you plan to use the milk.
- Label and date the breast milk: Remember to label each bottle or pouch of breast milk with the date it was expressed. This way you can easily use older milk first and prevent waste.
Building a breast milk supply can be a comforting strategy for breastfeeding mothers. By starting to stockpile breast milk early and storing it properly, you can ensure that your baby receives adequate nutrition, even when you are not available to feed immediately.
