There are some simple things you can do to try and stimulate your milk supply. If you’re able to do so, having skin to skin contact with your baby as soon as possible is a great way to bond with, feel close to your baby, and increase the amount of milk you make. It can also help to establish breastfeeding, support your baby’s heart rate and breathing, and can reduce the chances of you developing postnatal depression5.
You may find that a warm bath or gentle self-massage helps too.
If you’re using a breast pump to express, it’s worth experimenting with different pumps. Everybody’s different. And whilst a particular breast pump may work for one woman, it might not be the best one for you.
Hospitals often have them available for mums to borrow, or you may be able to hire different models from a local breastfeeding organisation. Your midwife or healthcare professional should be able to provide you with the information you need about your options1.