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Experts agree that the best way to stimulate milk flow is to put baby to breast. Still, many nursing mothers worry about producing enough milk. Check with a health professional to be sure your baby is gaining enough weight for his or her age. If you're still worried, try the following:

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Nurse frequently
Newborns may need to nurse every one-and-a-half to three hours. That can add up to as many as 12 times a day.
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Nurse frequently
Position your baby properly
Avoid using bottles
Consider herbs
 
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Position your baby properly
Turn your baby so that her face and whole body are facing your chest. Nestle her head in your elbow. Support the breast she'll be feeding from with the fingers of your free hand, and tickle her lower lip with your nipple. When she opens her mouth, pull the baby in close, and make sure her whole mouth completely covers the dark area of your nipple (the areola), which should be deep in her throat. Let her suck as long as she needs to, but when she seems to stop paying attention, stop her, burp her, and position her on the other breast.

Some newborns won't take both breasts at one feeding—you may need to wake your baby up after an hour and offer her the other breast.

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Avoid using bottles and pacifiers, and extra fluids, such as water and formula
Pacifiers and formulas may confuse your baby, making it difficult for her to know what to expect from, or do with, a nipple.
 
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Consider herbs
For centuries, women have relied on herbs to increase milk production. In particular, consider:
Nettles. Long used by nursing mothers, nettle roots may have an effect on hormones, enhancing milk production. Research
Fenugreek. The seeds of this plant have been used since biblical times to stimulate milk flow. They contain phytoestrogens—chemicals that behave similarly to the hormone estrogen. In particular, diosgenin increased milk flow in a preliminary test (Duke, 1998). The seeds are quite bitter; nursing moms may find that capsules are preferable to teas or tinctures.
Blessed Thistle. This herb is helpful with menstrual complaints, symptoms associated with PMS, and difficult menstruation through support of hormone regulation. Blessed Thistle also helps to increase a nursing mother's milk supply. Research
Fennel. Fennel seeds also have estrogen-like effects, as well as a long history of use to promote milk flow.

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Lastly, remember to take good care of yourself while you're nursing. Get plenty of rest, and drink lots of water.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This web site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

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