FAQ

Common misconceptions are that if we're breastfeeding our baby and they want to feed not long after we've just fed, then it's because we don't have enough milk. Babies cry for many reasons, especially in the early days, and sometimes they just want our reassurance and comfort, especially if they've been put down on a surface away from us. The best indication of whether or not a baby is getting enough milk, is if they're pooing frequently (about 3-4x in 24 hours in the first 6-8 weeks, and once a day from then on), gaining along their centile curve, and having several regular calm alert periods in the day from about 2 weeks onwards. If your baby is crying and you put them to the breast and they settle, this is a great way to settle them, and doesn't necessarily mean they aren't getting enough milk from you. If you would like some help to determine whether your baby is actually getting enough at the breast, contact us for peer support or visit a group. Another common misconception is that when we pump milk and don't get a bottle full, then we don't have enough milk. If you are currently breastfeeding a baby, then sometimes it can be difficult to get extra milk than your baby is already requiring and getting at the breast, because your body wants to make the perfect amount of milk for your baby, no more, no less. If your baby is doing well at the breast, according to the signs listed above, then there's no need to worry. However, if you still have concerns that these things aren't happening, or that your baby isn't on the breast, and you feel you would like to increase your pumping volumes to meet your baby's intake needs, then please see the below FAQs to determine if any of our tips could help.

There are many different types of breastpumps on the market now, and they all can serve a different purpose. If you are pumping infrequently, for example once a day or for an event, then a lower grade single/double electric, or even an in-bra or hands-free pump may work. Hand expression and manual breastpumps are also great for the occasional pump session. If you are needing to pump regularly throughout the day to maintain or increase your milk supply in order to feed a baby who isn't latching well or at all, then you will want a more high spec breastpump with a stronger, more stimulating, vacuum. If you don't currently have one and feel that you would need this as a matter of urgency, please submit the form above to enquire about accessing a breastpump through our organisation. Sometimes using a milk catcher or haakaa style breast pump while breastfeeding, can help passively increase supply alongside using other pumps and supply increasing methods. We would always caution when using a milk catcher style breastpump, as they can increase supply in many cases where people are using them and don't need to increase supply, resulting in an increased risk of oversupply and mastitis. So, just make sure that you do need to increase supply before using a pumping method to do this. See the above FAQ to determine whether increasing supply is really necessary.

Firstly, and most importantly after making sure you have a sufficient breastpump for your needs (see above FAQ), is making sure you have a properly fitted breast flange. You can use the Flange Fits Guide to make sure that you've got the correct fit to optimise your pump fit and output. Once you've ensured a proper pump fit, you can also try the following tips and tricks: Gentle breast massage and jiggling before pumping. Relaxing and getting comfortable with a meditation (one can be found on this page), some music, snacks & a drink. Stream a breastfeeding meditation to get in the right mindset. Remember that the highest vacuum setting does not mean more milk. Comfort is key! Get your oxytocin flowing! Sometimes looking at or thinking of your baby can help. Though, sometimes distracting your mind from things can help - watch tv or listen to music. Everyone is different, so try various ways of working with your mind-body connection. Some people find covering the bottle/milk container helps minimise stress of looking at how much milk you’re getting. Consistency! If your baby isn’t latching, then making sure you are pumping both breasts at least 8-10x in 24 hours for 15-20 minutes, even if you aren’t getting that much out to start with. An increase in milk supply is the result of an increase in certain hormones that course through our blood stream, and this can only be achieved through consistent pumping. Having realistic expectations. Pumping to increase supply is hard work. Keep it up! You got this!

There are a lot of products on the market now that claim to help increase milk supply. The truth is that many of the teas and treats that claim to aid lactation don't generally have enough of the necessary active ingredients to make a difference to supply. It's also important to be aware that if you do find a supplement or ingredient in a high enough dosage that claims to increase milk supply, you should only really do so with the guidance of a lactation professional, like a lactation consultant (IBCLC), as some herbs that can increase some people's supply, can also have a detrimental impact to supply for other people. A full medical history should always be undertaken before deciding whether or not to consume what would seem even the most innocuous herbal supplements. Ultimately, eating and drinking things to increase supply, will only ever be limiting, when milk is not being removed from the breasts. Increasing milk supply will always rely on emptying the breast, so if you don't have a well latched baby removing milk and telling your body to make more milk, then you will need to be regularly removing milk (8-10x in 24 hours) with a well fitted, suitable breastpump. It would almost always be more valuable to focus on milk removal over expensive cookies and teas and various other supplements.