hi my baby is 5 months old.because of my health issue (kidney stone surgery)brest milk is stop.how can I increase my milk supply?

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Accepted Answer

Increasing breast milk supply after a period of reduced production can be challenging but is possible with consistent effort. Here are several strategies to help increase your milk supply:

### 1. Frequent Nursing and Pumping
- **Nurse on Demand**: Offer the breast frequently, aiming for at least 8-12 times in 24 hours.
- **Pump After Nursing**: Use a breast pump after each feeding to stimulate additional milk production.
- **Power Pumping**: Mimic cluster feeding by pumping for 10 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and repeating for an hour.

### 2. Ensure Proper Latch
- **Check Latch**: Ensure your baby is latching well to effectively remove milk. Consult a lactation consultant if needed.

### 3. Hydration and Nutrition
- **Stay Hydrated**: Drink plenty of fluids, aiming for at least 8 glasses of water a day.
- **Balanced Diet**: Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein.

### 4. Galactagogues
- **Foods and Herbs**: Certain foods and herbs are believed to boost milk supply, such as oatmeal, fenugreek, fennel, and blessed thistle. Consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.
  
### 5. Rest and Stress Management
- **Adequate Rest**: Try to get as much rest as possible. Fatigue can negatively impact milk production.
- **Manage Stress**: Practice stress-reducing activities such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.

### 6. Skin-to-Skin Contact
- **Bonding Time**: Spend time skin-to-skin with your baby to stimulate milk production hormones.

### 7. Avoid Supplementation
- **Limit Formula**: If possible, limit the use of formula supplements. If supplementation is necessary, try using a supplemental nursing system (SNS) to encourage breastfeeding.

### 8. Consult a Lactation Consultant
- **Professional Help**: A lactation consultant can provide personalized advice and techniques to help increase your milk supply.

### 9. Medications
- **Medical Support**: In some cases, medications like domperidone may be prescribed to help increase milk supply. This should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

### Sources and Further Reading
- La Leche League International: [Increasing Your Milk Supply](https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/increasing-supply/)
- KellyMom: [Increasing Low Milk Supply](https://kellymom.com/hot-topics/low-supply/)
- American Pregnancy Association: [Tips for Increasing Breast Milk Supply](https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/increasing-breast-milk-supply/)

Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new regimen, especially if you have underlying health issues or are recovering from surgery. They can provide tailored advice and ensure that any new interventions are safe for both you and your baby.