How to increase and maintain milk supply?

I've been breastfeeding my baby for almost 8 months now, I'm glad that I'm able to maintain my milk supply. Like many mothers who prefer breastfeeding, I always try to find ways to increase my milk supply. I tried many methods other mothers tried and succeed, such as, papaya soup (raw papaya, sliced and cook as soup) and fish bone soup (you can find the recipe here). Some mothers seems to be lucky to have abundant of milk supply, probably due to genetic. I envy those who are able to produce 4oz - 8oz per pumping session, and I thought that I should produce such amount, I only realise (after reading books and articles about breast milk) that average women only able to produce around 2oz or 3oz of milk per session (both breast). Those who are able to pump 4oz and up are over supply (how lucky!). I should count my blessing, because atleast I'm still able to pump out milk at this time (almost 8month now). Although I find that on a good day, I'm able to pump 4oz (very rarely), but most of the time only manage to pump 3oz, and certain time 2oz or nothing at all. It makes you wonder why the inconsistency, doesn't it? I think our mood and the way we think does effect our milk output. Some says that if you're under stress or depress, milk supply will be low.
Our diet also does affect our milk output, we should eat balance healthy diet because the nutrient in our food will eventually goes to our milk. Its true that breastfeeding women gets hungry faster. I always feels extra hungry after every feed for my baby, and extra thirsty too, so I always make sure I've my snack and a bottle of water nearby and I never skip a meal. Oat milk drink and oat cookies are two things that I always make sure I've enough stock. Oat milk can improve milk supply, and its good for our body too, not to mention delicious to eat and drink. I also find that if I eat food that is extra oily, my milk output is more, such as margarine (on loaf of bread) or fried noodle or chicken with skin (steam chicken). If you're afraid of gaining weight because you keep eating, I can tell you that as long as I'm breastfeeding, I still maintain my pre-pregnancy weight until now.
Drinking lots of water also helps to maintain your milk supply. I drink atleast 3 bottles (1800ml) of water each day, even at work, we need to make sure that our body is not dehydrated. Every morning for breakfast I will drink a glass of oat milk or oat meal drink (3-in-1) and two sandwiches (kaya and margarine), and lots of water through out the day. But it doesn't mean that you have to force yourself to drink, just make sure you're not thirsty and don't drink too much carbonated drinks.
Some women take galactagogue to increase their milk supply, however, I find that it only works for some women. I did take recommended galactagogue such as fenugreek, but it didn't work any wonders for me. I also tried Sacred Tea for Nursing Mothers, it is able to maintain my milk supply but didn't really increase my milk supply to double or triple as it did to some lucky women. It's worth a try as a last resort. But make sure you've done your research first and better to consult your doctor before taking any galactagogue.

Letting your baby suckle your milk often can also increase milk supply, and hence the concept more demand more supply. The more you breastfeed your baby, the more milk comes in. If you're working, it is good to have a dual electric pump, and express your milk every 3 - 4 hours for at least 10minutes each session. However, some mothers say that they express better with hand or manual pump, therefore it depends on each individual. I usually express my milk at lunch time and before going home for 10-15minutes. Thinking about your baby while expressing will help letting down and the flow of milk, I don't have problem with this as I think about my baby all the time.

If you really need help in breastfeeding or the technique of breastfeeding, you may contact your lactation consultant in your area. If you reside in Sabah, Malaysia, you can call the admin at Likas Hospital for the contact. I still have their contact, if you need it, you may email to me at smallwonders33@gmail.com.
Baby brings joy in our life, provide him with the best, your milk contain the best nutrient your body can give, and whats more, its free.
Playtex Drop-Ins System - Breast Milk Storage Kit

My delivery story

During my pregnancy time, I'm one of those people who wanted to have a normal delivery for my baby. My husband and I went for the pre-natal course, and they taught us various techniques of exercise to do prior to the delivery day. Honestly, I did follow the steps they taught us probably for a few days then I stop. I'm just too lazy and my belly is too huge so I couldn't be bothered to do it, excuses after excuses, which I now regret. Everyday, I'll tell myself I'll do it next week, after all, it's still a long wait, weeks turn to months and that day finally came. I was like 'Uh Oh!', too late. So, for you ladies out there who is still pregnant, remember to do your exercise, you have to find a way to motivate yourself, having a supportive husband is a plus.
I find that my delivery story is somewhat funny. It was New Year's Eve, and like every year, my dad will have free tickets for New Year's Eve Dinner Buffet at Shangrila. I consider myself one of those lucky preggers who're able to eat anything they want without any problem. I probably eat too much that night that my water just broke. But I didn't feel any pain, we went to the hospital anyway to check in. The nurses ask me whether I feel any contraction, and I ask her back 'What does contraction feels like?' so the answer is obviously no. The private hospital I went to has a nice single room with a plasma TV and a private bathroom. I wish I've taken a shower that night because the day after the delivery, I can't even wash my hair (due to confinement). I was waiting anxiously until finally I felt my contraction, it was slow at first, then it becomes more frequent and painful to the point I can't even stand and need my hubby AND the nurse to massage my back to relieve the pain. I can't describe the pain, it was everywhere from my hip to my tummy. At that moment, I felt really blessed to have a supportive and caring husband by my side until the moment I gave birth. After 8 agonising hours of pain, my doctor finally came to check on me again and he told me 'Only 3cm', that means 7 more cm to go. According to him, it usually takes 1 hour for the pelvic to open for 1cm, and in my case it takes longer because my contraction is not frequent (every 3-5minutes). He give me two option, to wait or to arrange for surgery, I decided to wait another 4 hours. He came again after 4 hours and check on me, it remain 3cm, which means either induce labor (which means to wait another 6 more hours of excruciating pain) or surgery. My hubby who can't stand to see the pain I'm enduring, beg me to go c-section. After we decided for surgery, I've to wait another hour for the operating theater to be available. That one hour is the longest one hour I ever felt, the pain is worst than the pain I felt the past 12hours, every minute I ask my hubby where's the doctor, where's the nurse, omg, I can't do this anymore I tell him. Finally they prepare me for delivery, and my hubby who is as scared as I was, hold my hand through the process. And finally we heard our little prince cry, and from that moment on, I forgot about the pain I felt before and all I felt is pure happiness. Nothing in this world can describe the pain I felt, but if I was to relive the process all over again for my baby, I would do it ten times more if I have to.
It was New Year's day, and the happiest day of our life. From that day on... our life begins a new and exciting chapter with our bundle of joy.

Challenges of Breastfeeding at work

I'm a working mother who chose to breastfeed my child. Like many working mother who chose to breastfeed, we face many challenges and obstacle. The day I came back to work, I suffer with an engorge breast, it was a painful experience. I haven't bought a breast pump at that time, so I've to squeeze the milk out, it was tiring and painful. As soon as I reach home, my baby is already waiting for me loyally and hungry, I wash myself, then immediately I let him nurse. I though to myself I've to buy a breast pump as soon as possible. My kind ex-colleague who is also a breastfeeding mother, totally understand my experience. She has just stopped breastfeeding her little one, and she's kind enough to lend me her breast milk storage bag + ice pack. I'm grateful of her. She let me understand the needs of breastfeeding and how to breastfeed at work. It is not practical for me to pump my milk every two hours, but I do pump during lunch time and before I go home. It took me 10-15minutes each time, with my new electric pump, it just make life easier.
Luckily for me, we have a small pantry (like store room) where they store food and drinks just in case there's visitor or client coming for meeting. The pantry is where I do my pumping business, my colleagues understand it now each time I went to the pantry I'll put a post it note on the door 'In Use', so that they know I'm inside.
To be able to express your milk while you're working is not easy, you need to find the time and place to do so. You have to be discreet, making sure it doesn't affect your working time and your work. To be able to do it for at least 10 minutes each time is good enough. You can work out a schedule to express your milk, such as if you start work at 8am, you can breastfeed your baby early morning at 7am before you go to work, then you can start expressing your milk at 10am or 11am (for 5-10min), then during lunch time, 1pm (for 10-15min), and then at 4.30pm (for 10-15min).
Having a supportive colleagues and bosses is a plus. Let them understand your needs as a mother to express your milk for your little one. I'm sure they will understand and be supportive of you as long as it doesn't interfere with their work.
Hopefully, I'll be able to continue pumping my milk for at least 1 year. Happy expressing :-)

Why do I breasfeed?

If anyone ask me that question, I'll simply say 'Why not?'. Its the best gift you can give to your baby. Breast milk has all the nutrient that baby needs to grow healthy. There are a lot of goodness in breast milk apart from the nutrient that keeps baby healthy, it also boost his immune system. If I am to list down all the goodness of breast milk to baby's body, it will be a very long list compared to formula fed baby.
Breastfeeding not only benefit baby's body but also the mother. Breastfeeding mother tend to able to lose their baby fat faster, they are able to slim down faster and get back their pre-pregnancy figure sooner. Ever since I started breastfeeding, I tend to watch my food intake, personally, I just want to make sure my baby gets all the good fat in his milk. I also notice that, I'm eating healthier compared to before I was pregnant. That's just one of the benefit I notice about breastfeeding towards my body, by research has proven that breastfeeding helps our body in so many other way such as preventing breast cancer and other type of cancer.
Breastfeeding save money. One can of baby formula in the market cost around RM25-50, depending on brand. The good one costs more. An average baby usually drinks 1 can per week. If you spend RM50/week, that would be RM200 for a month, but if you're breastfeeding, you just save RM200/month.
Breastfeeding also save time, no hassle, no need to sterilise. Especially when you're outing, baby hungry, all you need to do is nurse your baby anytime of the day. You don't have to pack too many things while you're out. You also don't have to worry about running out of milk, or have to go to the grocery store to refill your stock of milk, because your milk is attach to your body.
Another thing I like while breastfeeding my little one is the bond that we have together between mother and son it just feels special. The way he looks at me with his cute little smile while he latch. I just feels that my baby is a happier baby because I chose to breastfeed him. But that's just my personal experience.
My advice to mother-to-be is to breastfeed your baby as long as you can, because its good for you and your little one. Believe me, you'll never regret your decision to do so. Even if you think your milk supply is low (its all in the mind actually), it is better than choosing not to breastfeed at all. I know some people would say, why bother if can't breastfeed exclusively anyway, never think negatively, to give some is better than not giving at all. Your baby will know the difference even if you don't.
So mommies everywhere, breastfeeding is the way to go ;-)

My breastfeeding experience

If you're a new mum-to-be, let me tell you, you CAN provide milk to your baby, nature design the breast to be that way. Don't ever doubt your ability. Whoever says that you don't have enough milk supply doesn't know what they're talking about. There are some minority of women who aren't able to breastfeed because of physical problem, but majority of women are able to breastfeed regardless the size of your breast.
The first time I breastfeed my baby, I have no idea that its that hard to breastfeed. During the first few days, I wasn't able to breastfeed my baby at all. Mothers around me ask me to breastfeed my baby, but I just don't know how to. There's no milk for the first few days, my breast doesn't feel full until about the 5th or 6th day. I was frustrated but keeping letting my baby to latch on my breast to trigger the milk duct. But I tried so many times, he just won't latch properly, causing soreness and pain to my breast. Even to the point that I was bleeding. But I never give up, believing that I can and will breastfeed my baby regardless of what other people will say. My milk did come eventually, I was delighted.
But it seems like my milk is not enough for my baby, he sucks for 30 - 40min at a time, and then after 1 hour, still want to drinks. I didn't know then that this is totally normal for infant, because his body is growing. Breast milk is very dilute and get digested very fast, its not strange that your baby keep wanting to drink every hour. Although, it is tiring, but it is not an indication that you don't have enough milk, but simply your milk takes time to be full. Each individual is different, just because other mothers able to supply ample amount of milk in a short time, doesn't means every one can. The same goes to every baby, the amount of milk they need varies according to their weight. The bigger your bigger the more milk they need to feel full.
During my early breastfeeding period, I get frustrated when people says that I don't have enough milk. Its the same with people saying to you 'You're not smart enough', it hurts. This unhelpful remarks will eventually lead to stress, and stress will lead to low milk supply.
Sometime when I breastfeed, my baby will get cranky, this will also give a false indication that your milk supply is low. There are various reason why baby is cranky, it could be that he is gassy and want to burp, or it could be that he is sleepy or wet.
As time goes by, I become more expert in understanding my baby cues and breastfeeding becomes an ease.

Breastpump: To buy or not to buy?

Like every new mom, I wish to give the best to my little one. That's including giving him the best nutrient for his/her growing body. There's a lot of thing I wish I knew before hand about breastfeeding. Firstly, I should have listen to my instinct to buy a breastpump (electric the best) before the little one arrive. Instead, I chose to listen to other people saying that 'No need to buy first larr, skali no milk, rugi only', at that time I thought they're probably right, some people I know also have problem breastfeeding. Also, some says, the breast pump is so painful to use, I think that depends on what type of pump you bought. So far, I've use manual and electric pump and I didn't find any problem or painful experience.
I would suggest any mother to be to buy in advance a breastpump, because by the time your little one arrive, you won't have any time to go shopping and buy one. You also need to survey the types of pump available in the shop. I made the mistake of waiting after delivery to buy one, but end up only buying it after I return to work. And the first day at work I end up having an engorge breast, its a painful experience, feels like someone punch my breast.
My first pump is Avent Isis Breast Pump, its a single manual pump. It has a good suction, and is not painful at all. It works in pumping the milk out. It usually takes me 10-15minutes to pump at least 2oz of milk. I spend 5-7 minutes on each breast. Now this is the problem when pumping at work. It's not practical to pump every 2 hours, and even if we can, we can't spend more than 10minutes doing it. I usually pump during lunch time and before going home. The longer you spend in pumping, the more milk you can get. Also, you need to continue pumping for another 2-5minutes after the last drop of milk. I don't have problem using this pump, but I do find it time consuming and tiring. It serves me well for the 2 months, then I decided to ditch it and buy a dual electric pump instead.

My second pump is Ameda Lactaline Dual Pump. Let me tell you how much I love this pump. It saves time and not tiring at all. Not only that, it increases the amount of milk I pump out, which is great. The first time I use it, I was able to pump out double amount of the milk I previously got when I use the manual pump. I use the same amount of time to pump out double the amount of milk. It is easy to assemble and easy to wash, probably only takes 3 minutes of your time. I definitely will recommend this pump to anyone who wanted to buy a dual electric pump. I find the price is reasonable, it is cheaper than other brand of breastpump which offer the same function but with a much higher price. I never regret buying this pump. My baby now is coming to 8 months old, and I still able to breastfeed. I hope I will be able to continue breastfeeding until at least 1 year.

Make the right choice in choosing the best pump if you decided to continue breastfeeding for longer term. The only regret I have is not buying it earlier.