In this video, a mother uses breast compression during a feed to increase the flow of<unk>  (1 minute, 37 seconds) Using a breast pump can maintain and improve<unk><unk>  if the baby is unable to nurse effectively. Attempts to increase<unk><unk>  should begin promptly as the longer<unk><unk>  continues, the more difficult it is to reverse. The primary method for increasing<unk><unk>  is to increase the frequency and the thoroughness of<unk>  drainage from the breasts, and to increase breast stimulation. For mothers of healthy term infants who are able to nurse, very strong evidence supports improving breastfeeding practices as a primary treatment. Increasing skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, and allowing unrestricted breastfeeding, aid in stimulating the<unk>  ejection reflex and promote frequent feeds. If the baby's latch is not optimal, improving the latch will help the baby drink more<unk> . Making the mother comfortable, particularly by resolving nipple pain, is essential. Breast self-massage is recommended to stimulate the<unk>  ejection reflex and to physically promote the flow of<unk> . Some experts recommend using a breast pump after each breastfeeding session. If the baby cannot nurse effectively, frequent drainage of<unk>  from the breasts through hand expression and/or an electric double breast pump is recommended. The mother's use of medications and herbs should be evaluated, as some substance suppress lactation. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine protocol for<unk>  recommends that the mother be evaluated for medical causes of the problem, however health professionals and breastfeeding counsellors often do not do this. Medications and herbs After the above treatment methods have been attempted, many breastfeeding specialists and lactation consultants recommend medications or herbs that are believed to increase<unk><unk>  (galactagogues). In 2010, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that domperidone increased<unk>  production in mothers of preterm infants. Another very small study of domperidone found that some women respond to it and others do not. As the effects of domperidone stop when use of the drug is stopped, it is sometimes used for months. Domperidone is available by prescription in Canada, Australia, many parts of Europe, and other countries, but not in the United States. Several herbs, including fenugreek and<unk>  thistle are traditionally and widely used with the intention of promoting<unk><unk> . For these herbs, there are anecdotal reports of efficacy which may be due to placebo effect. Scientific evidence for the efficacy of herbal galactagogues is insufficient or nonexistent. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine protocol for<unk>  says that there is insufficient data to recommend specific medicinal or herbal galactagogues, but that some substances may be useful in some cases. A Cochrane review showed that, despite the relatively large number of randomised controlled trials investigating medical and natural galactogogues, it is uncertain whether galactogogues have any effect on breastfeeding rates.<unk> mentary feeding If the mother's<unk><unk>  is insufficient, formula or (preferably) donor<unk>  is necessary in order for the infant to obtain adequate nutrients.<unk> ments should be given immediately after a breastfeeding session, rather than in place of a breastfeeding session. The use of<unk> ments is gradually tapered off as the mother's own<unk><unk>  rebounds. In some cases, especially when<unk><unk>  is caused by medical conditions such as insufficient glandular tissue, long-term use of<unk> ments is necessary. For mothers who cannot breastfeed exclusively, breastfeeding as much as possible, with formula feeding as necessary, offers many benefits over formula alone.
Low milk supply
Delayed onset of lactation
Undernutrition in children
Postpartum infections
Breastfeeding difficulties
Maternal recognition of pregnancy
Other specified feeding or eating disorder
Water birth