Increasing Your Milk Supply

The quality of your breast pump will make a big difference to the efficiency and comfort of this process. Unimom pumps are widely used because of their gentle, quiet action, hospital-grade efficiency, and affordability. Double expressing is a fantastic choice as it can increase the breastfeeding hormone prolactin, and you have the added bonus of your pumping being completed in half the time. Unimom pumps give you the choice to single or double express.

While pumping, start out on a low setting and slowly increase it according to your comfort, as starting on a high level can effect milk flow. Gently stroke your breasts and then apply some pressure as if you are hand expressing – this will help you to maximise your output. If you are double expressing you can use a hands-free pumping bra which means you can still apply this stimulation to your breasts – or just have your hands free to read a book!

If you don’t have a breast pump, hand expressing after each feed can help. Massaging your breasts in a circular motion in a warm shower, or applying warm packs or flannels before a feed can also help to get the milk flowing.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR MAXIMUM BOOST

• Galactagogue tea with Goat’s Rue is reputed to increase breast tissue and boost supply, and sipping a warm cup of this mixture of lactation-supporting herbs will also help you to relax. If you’re finding it difficult to get through a whole cup while it’s still hot (a common problem for mothers with newborns!) it’s also delicious cold mixed half and half with apple juice.
• Lactation AOK is a very effective, natural, and easy to take tonic to boost supply.
• Both Blessed Thistle and Fenugreek are traditionally used to get milk flowing, and are available as capsule supplements.

Founded and directed by a Midwife and Mother, in 2010 Express the Best was birthed from a passion to promote breast feeding/ breast milk and natural health by helping NZ families to afford top quality products that would encourage them to pursue this journey. Distributors of Unimom, a top quality brand, proven world wide, at more affordable prices. Approved by Lactation Consultants, Midwives, other health professionals and used in NZ hospitals.
We also distribute pump ease hands free pumping bras and wet bags and our very own convenient, bamboo covered, quality cloth nappies.