How Does One Increase Breast-milk Production?

Posted on Thu, 26 Oct 2017

Question: hello doctor, my little one is 2weeks old. I think my breastmilk is not getting enough to her as she feeds for 30 to 45mins but still cries after feeding. I tried pumping with hand and checked as I can pump only 20ml in 20mins. and am giving her formula milk of 30ml for every 4hrs in between am feeding my breastmilk. I wanted to breastfeed exclusively but she is crying with hunger. please suggest. also she born white but now she is turning black and lips are turning black too. is this normal? she will regain his color as my husband and myself are fair.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
More you will feed the more will be milk production

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for asking on this platform

I have gone through the query and do understand your concern. Its good to know that you want to breast feed the baby as breast feed is always better than formula feed.
I want to tell you that more frequently and more the time you will spend for feed, more will be the milk production.
Milk production is a reflex process based on stimulation and hormonal secretion.
Attach baby properly, just be relax and avoid all anxiety for better feeding. Take Plenty of fluids with enough calories.
You can consult your doctor to learn the proper attachment or for medicines for increased milk production(like lactare or metoclopramide).
Crying even after breast feed is an indication of inadequate milk production but you should look for other indicators also like frequency of urine(at least 6-8 times a day), weight gain etc.
Continue trying breast feed and even if you want to give formula feed always give it after breast feed.
Regarding color I want to say that during initial few days all babies look fairer as melanin production(responsible for color) starts after 7-10 days of life.If you are keeping baby in direct sun exposure that may be a reason of darkening of skin.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T