Breastfeeding gives your baby the best possible start in life. This method of feeding provides your baby with all the fluids, calories and nutrients necessary for being healthy. However, breastfeeding is a major commitment for a mother. It is based on supply and demand. You have to breastfeed often for your breast to produce milk. Read on to find out how to maintain your milk supply.

Pump On A Regular Basis

Breast pumps are one of the ways mothers maintain their production of breast milk. Your milk supply can dry up if you are not constantly breastfeeding. This means pumping when you are away from your baby.

A mom with newborn has to pump at least eight to 10 times per day. It can be hard for a working mother to get this many pumping sessions in a 24-hour period. However, you must pump this often to establish your milk supply.

Breastfeed On Demand

Breastfeeding on demand increases your supply when using a pump. When you are with your baby, you should feed him or her from your breast. It is important to establish a routine. There should be a certain time of the day that you actually breastfeed. It can be in the mornings or evenings depending on your schedule. Staying with routine helps with stabilizing your milk supply.

Stay Hydrated

It helps to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Breastfeeding requires you to use up more fluids, which means you must take in more fluids. An average six-month-old drinks around one quart of milk a day. Around 90 percent of this milk is water. It would help to drink an extra four cups of water a day.

You also have to limit soda, coffee, alcoholic drinks and any other drinks with caffeine. If you drink too much caffeine, then it can cause your baby to have problems sleeping or lead to irritability.

Take Time To Relax

Stress can prevent your body from naturally releasing milk. It helps to go to a quiet room and relax. You can relax by listening to music or by looking at a picture of your baby. It also helps to use warm compresses or to massage your breasts.

As you can see, it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain your milk supply. Mothers who choose to breastfeed are very commendable. If you are having problems breastfeeding, then it is time to lactation consultant.