Like the economics, it’s all about the supply and demand theory.

The more the breast milk is used up, the more your breasts will respond to meet the demand. So, the trick is to empty your breasts. This can be done easily when you breastfeed the baby or by pumping out.

What will help during both processes is you consistently telling your self that you need more milk. And do remember that everyone is capable to supply the breast milk for that baby of hers, and it’s the nature of like. Not a miracle of such, just natural.

Most new mothers dish out the excuse for switching to bottles because they can’t produce much milk. The more you tell that to people, the more your believe it and soon your breasts will believe what you say too. So, tell it otherwise and work harder at it. Insyallah it will work out.

Increasing breast milk does not happen overnight, but surely it will.

To assist, you can try the following tips :

• Frequent and regular breastfeeding, even at night, seriously. It is recommended that baby is breastfed 8 to 12 times a day, or every 2 to 3 hours. Offer him every time he shows signs that he wants to be fed. After a while, your baby will pick up the skill of needing to breastfeed more frequently and faster too. Try too to offer the breast before baby starts to cry. Once the cries have started, he’s already in a distress mood and you have to calm him before be can comfortable to be nursed.

• Try to completely empty both breasts at every session. Some babies are small eaters and often fall asleep after the first breast. If waking him up is not working, hand express your breast milk of the other breast. The next session, offer the breast which you have expressed from. The important message you’re sending your brain is that milk is out, please make some more.

• If you are kept away from the baby, ensure regular and frequent express, either hand express or a good pump. I’ve been overseas when my baby’s just 3 months old and at this time, hand-expression is a tad too slow, so I always borrow an electric pump. If it’s not possible to store the milk, just pump and throw. What’s important if for you body to recognise that milk production must go on.

• Make sure that you have enough rest and sleep. Both give your body the chance to produce more breast milk. The best time to sleep is when the baby’s sleeping. In the beginning, seek help form relatives of friends or even get a confinement lady to assist.

• Drink plenty of water, juice or anything fluid. Maybe not coffee as it’s diuretic. Your body loses a lot of fluid during production, and you need to replenish and the lost water.

What can cause my milk supply to decrease?

• Shorter or less frequent breastfeeding or expressing sessions.
• Getting pregnant soon after having a baby.
• Not being able to latch on the baby.
• Pressure on your breasts when sleeping face down or wearing bra that is too tight.
• Stress and fatigue.
• Use of certain substances and chemicals.
• Drinking too much alcohol.
• Smoking.
• Taking certain medicines.

All babies are different and their feeding habits differ vastly too. That’s characters, I believe. However the baby’s character is, what you need to be mindful of is to be comfortable for you and the baby and here are my top three positions when I breastfeed my babies.
As with any positions, it helps to massage your breasts to stimulate letdown reflex and to help milk flow before you pick up your baby.

The Cradle Hold

A pillow would help, but not a must. I’ve never used a pillow before and have faired considerably well.

First, the baby’s head is held in the crook/elbow area of the arm on same side as breast to be used for feeding. The baby’s body will lie alongside mom’s upper waist. The mom supports the breast with the opposite hand and roll baby’s body is in toward mother’s body so they are belly-to-belly.

Using your free left hand, squirt a few drops of breast milk to entice the baby. Plus, a wet nipple can prevent sores on the nipple.

Now, place your thumb at the top of the areola (12 o’clock) and the index finger underneath (6 o’clock). This is like cupping and this helps your baby to get a better grip or mouthful of your breast. When baby opens his mouth wide enough, quickly and always gently move the baby’s head towards the nipple. Try not to force the baby, just nudge him. Forcing will only gag him and put him off.

The Football Hold.

This position frees your hand a little and is great if baby tends to nurse from one side only. For a Football hold on the left side. First, arrange some pillows on your left side under your arm. Make sure that baby’s mouth and your nipple are at the same level.

Place baby on the pillows, lying him on his side. If you find yourself twisting your breast, then chances are you will struggle to stay comfortable. Sometimes, a specially designed breastfeeding pillow can help tremendously. Use your left am to support baby’s head and body.

The Lying Down Hold

This is by far my favourite. It is easy to manoeuvre from both left or right. Let’s try right this time. Arrange a set of pillows along the left side of your body. While you lie down, make sure that the pillows provide some support for you. Place the baby at the opposite side and make sure his head and mouth are at the same level as your breast. Support you baby’s body and head with your right arm. To start, use your free left hand to form your right breast. Like the other 2 holds, wait till the baby opens up wide before you offer him the breast.

Although these may sound a little technical, don’t fret. Before long you’ll be an old hand at this. I’ve perfected the art of breastfeeding while lying down and some nights I could not remember if I were at the left or right side of the bed. It does come very naturally. Trust me.