Are you struggling with milk supply? When my first son was around 8-9 months, I hit the pump slump. I worked two days a week. On those days, what I used to pump was decreased  by half the amount. I was already struggling with pumping enough breastmilk for my son to have when I worked. I was pumping on the days I was with him which is hard to manage if you are breastfeeding full time.

During this struggle, I found ways that helped maintain my milk supply at least on the days I was with my son. I have also ran into some more techniques for increasing milk supply my second time around breastfeeding my second son. Below is everything I have learned so far. 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you would like to know more please read full disclosure here.

Tips For Boosting and/or Maintaining Your Milk Supply

Breastfeeding as much as possible when home with your baby:

This is huge! I always offered my boobs every two hours to my son. Most of the time, he would nurse. This helped maintain my supply on the days I was with him. Your body is an amazing thing and regulates to what your baby uses. So in theory, you should have enough for those times you are with your baby. If you work full time and don’t pump enough, I know a lot of mamas who supplement formula through the week and then breastfeed on the weekends. It really doesn’t have to be one or the other.

Drink a ton of water and take your prenatals:

Nutrition is key when it comes to nursing. I notice all the days that I fail to drink a lot of water that my supply isn’t as full. I know this because if I pound water, both my boys would always poop that day! It sounds like the weirdest thing but my supply must be fuller on the days I am drinking more water. The prenatals are also key because you need extra nutrients since your body is exerting so much energy making food for your baby plus giving vitamins to your baby as well. I use Nature Made Prenatal Vitamins.

Pump, Pump, Pump:

I have a love/hate relationship with my pump. I prefer breastfeeding hands down. I give SO much credit to those moms who are full time pumpers. I just don’t enjoy it. But it has been a game changer for maintaining and even boosting my milk supply. So I do it. I pumped every night two hours after I put my son to bed (and do it for my second as well) and it has been a game changer for my supply. It’s only one extra nursing session a day so it’s easy to keep up with and it made all the difference. On the days I was home with my son, I would also try to squeeze an extra pump session in when possible. This is doable with just one baby. Now that I have two, I just stick with the extra pumping session at night to maintain my supply and build up my stash.

Nursing Tea:

If you are a tea lover then this is a really easy way to maintain and boost your supply. I use Teami Nursing tea and love it. It has a great taste and caffeine free. I love that you can reuse a tea bag 1-2 times. In order for it to effectively increase your milk supply, they recommend you drink the tea 2-3 times a day. I drank the tea consistently for a few days and really did notice a change in Levi’s (my second son) behavior. He seemed to be fuller and sleep better at night.

If you are interested in the nursing tea, I have a discount code for you. Just use APPLE20 for 20% off at checkout (it can be use on any purchases) on their website .

Pink Drink From Starbucks:

I was researching what are the best drinks to get from Starbucks for breastfeeding mamas. This was the drink that popped up. Every now and again, I like to treat myself. Or it will be a day where the boys and I NEED to get out of the house but I already had coffee. This drink is perfect because it is caffeine free and boosts your milk supply. It’s super hydrating and the coconut milk in it contains electrolytes. I definitely noticed a difference in my milk supply on the days I had this drink.

Related Posts:

What I Wished I Knew About Breastfeeding Before I Had Started,

Breastfeeding Essentials That Made Nursing Easier,

How To Know If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breastmilk

Nurse off both breasts:

Emptying both breasts is key to maintaining and boosting your milk supply. If your baby falls asleep after one breast then pump the other. Empty breasts = telling your body to make more milk.

Bonus Tip: If you give your baby a bottle, make sure you pump. Pump for every bottle your baby has so you can maintain your supply. If you skip a feed, then you are telling your body that your baby doesn’t need that feed when in actuality they do and in result your milk supply will decrease.

This is what I have learned in my breastfeeding journey with both my boys. I hope you can find these tips helpful and useful. I love to hear how it works for you. If you have anything to add, as always let me know in the comments. Good luck, mama!