"  So now I always make sure they understand that the way to increase 
their milk is to increase the stimulation to the breasts, and to also make 
sure that they remain well hydrated.  I usually recommend that they keep 
some bottled water with them and make sure they are getting to drink 
something
every time the baby is nursing or mom is pumping.   (it also makes sense
that when moms return to work, not only do they have an increase in their 
stress level, but it may also not be as easy to drink fluids as when they 
were home.)"

I sometimes suggest an electrolyte drink for moms that find it difficult 
to drink a lot at work. I also advised them to pack high-protein foods and 
snack often throughout the day. There is NO magic bullet to maintaining a 
good supply when returning to work. It all works together; adequate, 
consistent stimulation, fueling the body and exclusively breastfeeding 
when at home. 

I once had a woman call in to say that her MD put her on Reglan; she has 
never had a good milk supply with any of her three children. She said that 
it didn't seem to be working. When I questioned her about her diet she 
said that she never drank very much. She would open a can of Coke in the 
morning, sip on it all day and end up dumping the rest out before bed! I 
was shocked that she was able to function at all!! Of course, I tactfully 
told her that her lack of fluid intake was very unhealthy and she would 
never have a good supply, no matter how many drugs she took. 

Ellen Penchuk, IBCLC, RLC

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