The problem on every mom’s mind right now is formula shortages. Whether you exclusively formula feed or use it to supplement, finding solutions to feed your baby can be tough. Here are a few tips to boost your milk supply for breastfeeding mamas!

1. Parallel Pumping

Parallel pumping is when you nurse on one breast while pumping on the other. You could do this for every session or a few times a day.

By parallel pumping, you are telling your body to produce more milk. It may take a bit to see results, but it is totally possible to build up your milk supply this way.  Plus, it is a little easier on a breastfeeding mom because it doesn’t take too much extra time from your day to pump while you are nursing. 

If you don’t want to use an electric pump, another great option is using a silicone or regular hand pump on the other breast. This could be a good idea if you primarily nurse but still want to build up your milk supply.

2. Add An Extra Session

If you are worried about formula shortages, adding an extra pumping session can help you increase your milk supply. Be My Breast Friend shared that frequently pumping stimulates a prolactin response, which can increase your supply. While the volume of your milk may stay (roughly) the same, the extra pumping session can allow you to slowly start a breast milk stash.

Bonus tip: try adding your extra pumping session in at night! This is because your milk supply is naturally higher at night, making it an ideal time to add in a session. 

3. Power Pumping

For exclusively-pumping moms, “power pumping” is basically the same thing as when a baby cluster feeds. This follows the same idea as adding in an extra pumping session! The major difference between the two is that an extra session would be a full (or close to full) normal session, while power pumping is a lot of mini-sessions. 

If you’ve been looking for a way to combat formula shortages and wondered, “how can I increase my milk supply naturally?” This is a great way to do it! 

Healthline shares all the details on power pumping, including some sample schedules to try. But really, it’s about finding which option works best for you!

4. Cluster Feeding

If you don’t pump or want to increase your supply by nursing at the breast, there is a way to do that too! You can increase milk supply quickly (or over the course of a few days) by allowing your baby to cluster feed. Keep your baby at the breast as much as possible, practice skin to skin, and allow your baby to nurse whenever they want to.

With all of this extra pumping you’re doing to combat formula shortages, the last thing you need to be doing is holding your breast pump to your chest. I highly recommend investing in an amazing hands-free pumping bra! That’s where we can help, with the Amelia pumping cami. It’s comfortable enough to wear all day, works with a variety of flange styles, pumps, and milk catchers, and did I mention it’s super stylish, too? It even doubles as a comfy maternity bra so you can wear it during pre and postpartum. Davin & Adley has lots of bra options for your breastfeeding journey. 

Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more breastfeeding content!