Everything a Supportive Dad Needs to Know About Milk Production

5 lessons to share with your breastfeeding wife:

1. Feed your baby on demand

Your body makes milk based on how much is removed from the breast. In other words, the more your baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues (like lip smacking, finger sucking, and rooting) and feed your babe as often as he needs.

In the first few weeks after birth, your goal should be 8 to 12 nursing sessions in a 24-hour period. This number will gradually reduce, once your baby becomes more efficient and can drink more milk at each feeding.

If you have a sleepy baby, you may need to wake him to nurse. Other babies like to “cluster feed” and then sleep for longer periods of time, and that’s ok too.

2. Relax

It’s certainly easier said than done, but try to take it easy. Breastfeeding works best when you’re relaxed because stress can inhibit your “let-down”, or the reflex allowing milk to flow from breast to baby.

Do your best to nurse your baby in a place where you feel comfortable and try to just focus on your little one during feeds (instead of your to-do list or smart phone, as tempting as these can be). If you need help clearing your mind, appeal to the senses – notice how your baby feels, smells, and looks – try singing (your baby will enjoy hearing your voice), or use visualization techniques to picture a place where you feel totally at ease.

3. Eat well

On average, breastfeeding moms need an extra 450-500 calories each day. Choose nutrient-rich foods, to help keep you feeling energized and healthy. Your best bets are vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and poultry.

You can add a little extra to each of your meals or enjoy a couple healthy snacks in your day – like hummus and vegetables, or fruit and yogurt.

Read How much should I eat while breastfeeding for all the details.

4. Drink plenty of fluids

While drinking extra water won’t directly increase your milk supply, it’s important to consume enough fluids to prevent dehydration and keep your body in tip top milk-making shape.

Aim for a total of 13 to 16 (8 oz) cups of fluids per day. Keep a water bottle handy, but know that other liquids like milk, coffee, tea, and juice count toward your daily needs. However, try to stick with beverages that do not contain added sugars (like soda and sweetened teas) or alcohol.

And see Dos and Don’ts of caffeine in beverages and foods for more guidance.

5. Contact a lactation consultant

If you’re concerned about your milk supply, contact your healthcare provider. Also the Happy Experts (our team of lactation consultants, registered dietitian nutritionists and all moms) can help you check your baby’s latch, and suggest ways to improve nursing sessions so you and your baby both get what you need.