Tips for Increasing Breast Milk Supply and Exclusively Breastfeeding

Babies’ first food after birth is breast milk. Along with its nutrient content, it contains components crucial for immune system development and more.

Here are some key tips for increasing breast milk supply:

Some facts about nursing and its benefits for both mother and baby

Breastfeeding and the fundamental nourishment it offers have been integral to human existence, as for all mammals.
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby's life, followed by breastfeeding alongside complementary foods from 6 months to 2 years, or as long as desired by the mother and baby. Similarly, the Ministry of Health also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life.
Much has been said about breastfeeding’s significance for both the baby and nursing mother:
Breastfed babies have a lower risk of ear infections, respiratory inflammation, asthma, atopic dermatitis, diabetes, certain cancers, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Breastfeeding mothers experience a decreased risk of postpartum depression, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

How to exclusively breastfeed for at least six months

It is advisable to prepare for breastfeeding before birth by gathering information, from an appointment with a lactation consultant or by attending a childbirth preparation course.
Initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth or within the first hour supports successful breastfeeding and fosters emotional and physical bonding between mother and baby.
Remaining with the baby: Hospital rooming-in allows the baby to stay with the mother continuously, facilitating prompt feedings whenever the baby needs to eat and enabling the mother to recognize hunger cues before they escalate into crying. Crying is a late hunger cue, and when the baby is not near their mother, she may miss early hunger signs such as sucking on fingers, head movements, or searching motions.
When the baby cries, it can be challenging to calm them down and nurse, but having the baby near the mother allows her to quickly respond.
Breastfeeding on demand rather than by a schedule: Nurse whenever the baby shows hunger cues, regardless of when they last ate, even if it was only half an hour ago. With demand-driven breastfeeding, the body adjusts to produce an optimal and adequate milk supply to sustain the baby's needs.
It is not recommended to introduce a pacifier or bottle during the first month after birth, until breastfeeding and milk supply are established.
Monitoring the baby's stools is important: Typically, 5-6 wet diapers and around 3 soiled diapers are expected daily in the first few days after birth.
Gaps exceeding 3-4 hours between nursing sessions are not recommended: The notion of "not waking a sleeping baby" does not apply in the first few days; if more than 3-4 hours have passed, you should wake the baby and nurse. This practice helps maintain milk production levels.
Be mindful of foods and medications that may decrease milk supply: sage, mint, fennel, and certain cold medications.
Before taking any medication, it's advisable to consult a doctor or teratology center.
Monitor the baby's weight to ensure they are gaining weight at an appropriate rate.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Breastfeeding for the first time can be complicated, challenging, and even painful. Alongside the stress, fatigue, and perhaps sadness after childbirth, breastfeeding can become an unpleasant and frustrating experience. Seek assistance from nurses, lactation consultants, and listen to your body.

Breastfeeding is a natural and physiological process, but in today's world, we are often less familiar with the process than in the past. Today, women do not commonly breastfeed openly in public, and girls may not witness their mothers breastfeeding freely, so we often have to learn on our own. To make the breastfeeding experience satisfactory, easier, and even enjoyable, it's beneficial to prepare and seek out support and guidance from a professional.

Maccabi also offers breastfeeding support. At well-baby clinics (Tipat Halav), certified nurses can offer support, including counseling over the phone. For details, visit the Maccabi website or contact the call center at *3555.

Article contributions from Zehavit Goldstein Vardi, clinical dietitian and lactation instructor at Maccabi.