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