by Catherine Ho, Volunteer Counsellor
This was the catchy topic that caught the eye of many-a-mum whose burning question is: “How can I make more milk?”
According to BMSG statistics, the number one reason moms call the counselling helpline is to find out how to increase milk supply. With that in mind, the BMSG invited Ms West – in between her flight home from KL to the USA - for a one-morning only lunch session on 8th October, 2010.
As early as 9am, participants started streaming in to collect their free copy of the “The Breastfeeding Mother’s Guide to Making More Milk” and having it autographed by Ms West herself. By 10am, 70 participants packed the café and restaurant at Rochester Park to hear Ms Diana West, an IBCLC, and author of several breastfeeding books including The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 8th Edition, speak on the hot topic, “Making More Milk”. Most of them were mums, some were medical staff members, and one was even a new dad, sent by the wife who was unable to attend!
This was not a workshop that dealt with the basics of breastfeeding but focused specifically on how to increase milk supply, especially during the early weeks of lactation. Her power point presentation was clear. Some of the research-based facts were explained in a hilarious way. Many of them were enlightened by some of the ideas presented. Some, according to Diana, were ‘wacky’ ones but were tried and tested; like expressing colostrum before baby is born. Some other suggestions included expressing milk 6 times a day in the first 3 days postpartum, which should increase the milk production by 45%; and also practical steps like delaying bathing after birth for both mum and baby. The preferred method of expression in the early days (before the milk comes in) is by hand.
Mum could also explore options like acupuncture or massaging the acupressure points to increase milk supply and proceeded to demonstrate on a mom, much to the mom’s delight at the free massage! Diana was also aware of the stress and fatigue mums faced with endless cycles of pumping. Her remedy: Take a rest as and when necessary and when all else seems to fails, REST! The basic premise is simple, that panic and stress do little to help with milk production and fighting the issue only leads to further panic and stress. Therefore, rest.
Diana also touched on some possible reasons behind insufficient milk – such as hormonal issues like thyroid problems, PCOS, etc. Seeking medical advice and taking medication in these situations would be helpful.
Towards the end of the talk, Diana fielded questions from the audience. Her sensitive replies put many mums at ease. A buffet lunch was served and each participant also received a goodie bag, kindly sponsored by Philips Avent. The 2-hour session was indeed a fruitful session for all of us.
