Hi all,
Fluid intake ain't the way to increase supply. All that does is make her pee
more. Fluid intoxication is not funny.  However, this advice is all over the
place in old literature, and hard to correct. Adequate fluid intake is
important for general body health, just like a good diet, flossing your
teeth, and wearing a seat belt. All have about the same impact on milk volume
and milk composition. The breast is a gland, and its secretions are NOT
substantially affected by dietary practices. This is not new, and is
well-documented.

Frequent and thorough emptying with an effective baby or pump or expression
is the primary way to increase supply. Chemical/medical stimulants are a
minor factor that cannot make up for the remove-the-milk part.  "Stimulation"
is less important than REMOVAL OF MILK (yes, I'm shouting cause it needs to
be said again and again). If you remove milk, you are also stimulating the
cells. But stimulation without removal is pointless because it does not
remove the suppressing substances that build up and slow down production.

Linda Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC - tired of this old saw that is still found in
lots of books. Dayton, OH private practice  [log in to unmask]