To build a big milk supply, make sure you:
- Breastfeed or hand express your colostrum in the first hour, if possible.
- Nurse your baby whenever he is hungry, even if he has eaten very recently.
- Recognize early hunger signs or cues such as bringing his hands to his mouth, making tongue or mouth movements, or searching for your breast. Breastfeed as soon as you see these.
- Encourage your baby to fully empty each breast at each feeding by allowing him to end every feeding by coming off the breast on his own.
- Do not give bottles or pacifiers. If baby is sucking on a pacifier, you’ll miss his early hunger signs and then you’re missing the chance to feed him and build your milk supply.
- If you have to use formula, make sure you are removing your milk with hand expression or pumping each time to keep up your milk supply.
Following these guidelines will help your body make enough milk for your baby. The key is to nurse EVERY TIME he is hungry.