We make no bones about it: breastfeeding can be tough—from those first days after birth to the final weaning stages, whenever that may come. For the moms who choose to breastfeed in the short or long-term, there’s absolutely no shame in seeking out a professional lactation consultant or a support group for education and assistance in real time. For answers to some of the top common questions we were wondering ourselves, we turn to Shivani Patel, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist who helps women navigate breastfeeding in her practice at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
Below she sheds light on a few common breastfeeding questions, including how to naturally increase milk production and find a lactation consultant for help.
DFWChild: What is the most common question you hear from breastfeeding mothers, and what is your advice for those who struggle?
Shivani Patel, M.D.: “I am not making enough milk. What can I do to improve my supply?” First, I tell all moms that everyone is different, so do not compare yourself to others, but there are certainly things you can do to try to boost your breast milk supply. The first thing you need to do is ensure you are breastfeeding or pumping every three hours, even throughout the night. It’s a supply and demand system, so you must demand more to have an adequate supply.
Second, make sure you are eating enough and staying hydrated. Breastfeeding requires an additional 500 calories per day. My tip to stay hydrated is every time you sit down to breastfeed or pump, drink a 12-ounce glass of water during the session—with this method you will stay adequately hydrated.
Drink a 12-ounce glass of fenugreek tea every day. I suggest buying a large bag of fenugreek seeds (Amazon or specialty grocery stores carry them), adding a handful to a stock pot of water, and boil. Keep it in the fridge and this should last you for a few days.
DFWChild: What can a mother eat/drink/do to increase her milk supply? Does supply vary from first child, second child, etc.?
SH: Pure fenugreek tea made from fenugreek seeds is my number choice to increase breast milk supply. It works wonderfully and is not expensive when bought as a large bag. Other things that increase supply is oatmeal, barley, leafy greens, chicken, and tofu. And breast milk supply can definitely change from one child to the next. You may have to try different things each time.
RELATED: How to Increase Your Breastmilk Supply
DFWChild: How can mothers empower themselves to exercise their rights to breastfeed in public? And also feel more comfortable breastfeeding their baby when and where they need?
SH: Texas laws says, “A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be.” Women can empower themselves by knowing it’s their right and explaining that to anyone who says otherwise. If it makes you feel more comfortable and confident, you can ensure your privacy with coverups, blankets, or light layers of clothing.
Also, when someone is talking to you maintain eye contact with them, so they know it’s okay to look at you. This may alleviate their discomfort and in turn empower a woman to continue breastfeeding.
DFWChild: What can a mother do when baby bites while breastfeeding? Is this an indication that it’s time to stop breastfeeding?
SH: Babies may bite during breastfeeding if they are distracted, bored, teething, or want more milk. To stop a baby from biting, remove them from the breast, calmly say, “No biting Mommy,” and then place them back on the breast in a few minutes. Be consistent in this process.
Also, if you can figure out why they are doing it, then you can try to alleviate those factors. For example, if they are teething, then you give them a cold teething toy. Biting is not an indication to stop breastfeeding altogether.
RELATED: Sound Advice: How Long Should I Breastfeed My Child?
DFWChild: Do lactation consultants primarily help for women who have just given birth? When does a mother know that she may need more help from a lactation consultant later on?
SH: Lactation consultants are a wonderful resource before and after birth. They can help you understand the process of breastfeeding and tips and tricks prior to birth, and help you get the necessary resources to make it a successful journey. And of course, they can help once the baby is here with latching, positioning and supply concerns.
Signs you may need help include trouble getting your baby to latch, feeding sessions that are short and leave your baby unsatisfied, or low supply. Also, if you find yourself getting frustrated and sad with your breastfeeding journey, know that it is normal, but that is a sign to get some help from a lactation consultant.
Hands-On Help with a Lactation Consultant
If you need one-on-one assistance with breastfeeding from a pro, either before birth or during postpartum, Dr. Patel recommends that patients talk with their delivery hospital or their pediatrician for a referral to a lactation consultant, such as those at UT Southwestern’s Women’s Resource Center at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital in Dallas. To reach out, call 214/633-6640 or email womenscenter@mednet.swmed.edu.
La Leche League
For lactation consultants near you, Patel also recommends the nonprofit La Leche League of Texas. To find local leaders and support groups that offer in-person or virtual meetings, reach out to contacts in these North Texas cities or type in your zip code here.
DFWChild Directory
Search our online directory here for local lactation consultants certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
Texas WIC
No matter whether you’re enrolled in the program, the Texas WIC provides breastfeeding services to Texas mothers at no cost. You’ll find many resources online at breastmilkcounts.com and searching by zip code. For those in the Dallas area, call the Dallas Lactation Care Center at 214/670-7222, or call the Texas Lactation Support Hotline at 855/550-6667—open 24/7 to help see you through those middle-of-the-night feedings.
This article was originally published in August 2023.
Top image: iStock
