OBGYN + Breastfeeding Mom Shares 4 Tips to Increase You Breastmilk Supply

Are you breastfeeding and struggling with low supply? This week Dr. Sarah Bjorkman, a board-certified OB/GYN and new mom, shares her experience with undersupply and tips for increasing breastmilk production with 4 simple steps.

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***updated with breast pump hacks for flanges, etc.

Intro Music: A WAY FOR ME - Nicolai Heidlas by Chem Ocampo

Keywords: pregnancy update, the doctors bjorkman, pregnancy, obgyn,
exclusively pumping tips, exclusive pumper, pumping, how to pump,
exclusive pumping power pumping to increase milk supply

[PFJ]

One of the best things for me was getting enough sleep and trying to relax. When I stressed out about my milk supply and started not sleeping enough to pump and power-pump, I was actually failing at seeing results. Only when I started to nap with the baby I noticed my milk production increasing. Also, the tips of water intake and eating are very true! So, relax, sleep, eat and drink and power-pump in-between, but be sure to get some sleep.

[michaelaknibbs]

My biggest tip is PATIENCE. I was ready to throw in the towel after 4 days of drinking, eating and power pumping.... it works, but it can be hard work! You've got this! And if it doesn't work, you're not a failure. However you feed your baby, you're doing great ❤️❤️

[smushbrain]

1. Empty your breast frequently
2. Eat enough calories
3. Drink enough water
4. Power pump

[luisapineda]

I’m a mom of 2. I exclusively breastfed my first born for 13 months. And I’m currently exclusively pumping for my 6 week old baby. What I found has worked for me increase my supply this time around is making sure I pump between the hours of 1am-5am. I’ve read from research that the hormone prolactin is at its peak during these hours and it has worked work me. I also try to drink a cup of fennel tea once a day.

[amandacosnett]

These are good recommendations. But one thing I had hoped you'd address is the fact that a lot of women think they need to increase their supply when in reality their supply is fine. Lots of women think they don't make enough milk when they actually do. Baby's diaper output, weight gain, and general health tell you way more about your supply than things like how much you pump, baby's fussy behavior, baby's sleeping pattern, whether or not baby guzzles down a bottle after nursing, etc.

[emewang]

SLEEP, EAT, REPEAT (breastfeed/pump 2-3hours)

Also, showers REALLY helped me lactate. After I would shower, I was basically RUNNING to my pump as I would be dripping like crazy the second I stepped out. Even when I would clean the shower for two minutes, something about the hot steam really made me swell up! 🍼

[KatherineForbes]

Thanks for explaining details behind every tip. Everyone says eat more, drink more, power pump, etc — but I appreciate you giving specific numbers and days!!

[Shesawakeandyouredumb]

Starting my day by drinking a TON of water, eating oatmeal for breakfast and having a couple cups of Mother’s milk herbal tea really helped a lot!! I panicked going back to work and I feel that these plus relaxing and breathing, lol really were key:)

[GCL]

I breastfed for a year and found that feeding on demand and staying very hydrated did the trick. I read about 'breastfeeding vacations' where every so often you just spend the day in front of the tv or in bed and just feed, feed, feed. I ate lots of oats and avoided sage after one bad experience of eating it and temporarily drying up! Keep feeding and guzzling water!

[sarawingate]

As a new mom, I feel that no one tells you about the mighty struggle that is breast feeding ahead of time. I had to start with feeding formula then go to combo feeding....I saw how much more my little one preferred breast milk. Then I began a quest to increase my supply, you name it and I have tried it and am still doing it. The same week I watched this video, I started an amino acid supplement and since then I have milk in the freezer!!! I was so worried that by the time I went back to work I wouldn't have an emergency stash.
I can't thank you enough...I hope I have by sharing your video often on a subreddit I joined for other breast feeding mommas! ❤

[DewanshuMehta-qs]

After my wife delivery, breast milk started decreasing since 4 months. I got mamicon syrup and capsule from I ordered from amazon and breast milk started decreasing since 4 days. It is very helpful❤🎉😊😊

[AnaLampWoman]

Gatorade, tons of water and the Hakaah helped my milk supply so much! Using the hakaah on the opposite breast while breastfeeding helped empty both boobs which then helped my body produce more. Also, you can store that and help with your freezer stash. I also pumped sometimes immediately after feeding to make sure I was fully empty and I pumped in between feedings to build my freezer stash, by the end of month three I had so much in the freezer, it no longer fit so I was able to donate my milk for around 6 months:)
I hope this helps someone out there, and if you have any questions, let me know! I am happy to go into more detail

[TheAsdfasdf]

We watched this video while using our breast pump for the first time. Very helpful and informative

[catherineg]

Thanks for sharing these tips! I’m early in my pregnancy journey (17 weeks) but already researching pumps, how to keep up milk supply, and get tidbits on what to expect.

[michellecortes]

Thanks for the tip. I've been watching your videos since I found out I was pregnant. Now that I'm breastfeeding I've realized calories and electrolytes are what keeps my supply up. I find that no matter how much water I drink I still feel dehydrated and my supply takes a dip but when I incorporate Coconut water or anything that replenishes electrolytes my supply increases tremendously.

[ArtemisC]

Power pumping really helped me! Both my baby and I preferred breastfeeding from one particular breast so the neglected breast milk supply decreased to where I was only making less than an ounce. After power pumping for 2 days my milk supply increased considerably

[sarah]

I have never had supply issues, yet from the beginning I’ve had lactation consultants and midwives and people on the internet telling me to pump all the time in addition to feeding my baby, and do all this stuff to increase supply or I’ll risk not having enough. Then last week I went to see my midwife who got back from being away and I told her my boobs were hurting a lot, and she was like “why are you pumping so much? You’re probably overdoing it..” like, there is SO MUCH pressure to do all this stuff. I’m exclusively breastfeeding my baby and he’s gaining a tonne of weight, there is no reason I should feel like a lazy failure for not pumping so much I produce enough milk for two babies, I only have the one. So now I have a freezer full of milk for no reason, and a clogged duct and painful boobs.. I think people should maybe not get into all this unless there’s a problem. Women did this for a long time before breast pumps were invented. My mom didn’t own one and she was perfectly able to feed us.

[divinelove]

I drank body armor & the munchkin lactation cookies. It helped a lot! Even coconut water 😊 but the main thing is Hydration, frequent stimulation, & protein!

[noraMD]

I am a surgeon, wanting to have kids. I am still in my residency but 31yo. Can you talk about the work/life balance as doctors as well and how you decided when to have a kid? Thanks

[adreadarling]

I exclusively pump and for 6 weeks have been struggling with oversupply. I just followed recommendations over the weekend to block feed and went from 6oz per side to 1oz and I am freaking out. Thank you for this video.. it helps a lot