As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), one of the most common things you’ll address with clients is increasing milk supply. While breastfeeding is a supply demand process and naturally requires ongoing awareness of demand, many clients need support in navigating supply.

While breastfeeding is physically possible in over 90% of mother baby dyads, modern life doesn’t always make breastfeeding easy. There is frequent separation in the early days for some birthing in the hospital. Some places, such as the US, offer short maternity leaves before supply is well established. And there are of course many myths and practices new parents are told to try which can be detrimental to milk supply.

There are many ways to increase milk supply. It’s also important to troubleshoot and ensure there aren’t underlying issues (poor latch, tongue tie, medical issue). However, as a CBC, if your client is not in need of another evaluation by an IBCLC or physician, you can help with typical supply concerns.

Increasing milk supply in typical feeding relationships can sometimes be easier than parents think. One easy step is babywearing.

How Does Babywearing Increase Milk Supply?

For both mother and child, closeness, especially skin-to-skin, increases the hormone oxytocin. The benefit of oxytocin can aid in breastfeeding. Closeness also tells your body your baby is near and may need to feed.

Being close to mom can also aid in triggering baby’s feeding instincts. When baby’s natural instincts are triggered, they may feed better.

With babywearing, many parents also find they can feed in the carrier. This may allow a busy parent to stop watching the clock and let baby feed on demand more. Skin-to-skin, closeness, and frequent feeds are all important for increasing milk supply.

Which Carriers Are Good For Increasing Milk Supply?

Any babywearing can help with oxytocin. The best carrier is one which both baby and parent feel comfortable with. However, in the early days, some parents may prefer shirt like carriers. These are snug and allow for extra skin-to-skin.

Many of the newborn carrier shirts are also designed to make it possible to breastfeed in them. The easy access can help with frequent feeds.

As babies grow, any carrier is helpful and any amount of closeness can aid in increasing oxytocin levels. Many parents find thicker wraps, soft structured carriers, and sturdy ring slings provide more support as baby grows. They still allow for closeness, and many can breastfeed while wearing.

Increasing Milk Supply For Older Babies

Many parents are surprised to find they can develop concerns about supply long after the newborn phase. As baby gets busier, parents are back to work, and solids are introduced, supply changes can occur.

The good news, as you know, milk is a supply demand process. Parents can create more opportunities for older infants to demand, and then supply will naturally increase.

Babywearing is a great way to help. It allows for more closeness to aid in oxytocin levels. Babywearing in the evenings if there’s been separation due to work and schedules can be great. Wearing while running errands, going for a walk, or even just around the home can provide more opportunities for closeness.

While baby is in the carrier, sometimes breastfeeding can occur simultaneously. This can create more opportunities to feed while a parent is multitasking. Babywearing is a simple way to incorporate more closeness and more opportunities to feed.

How Can A CBC Help With Babywearing And Increasing Milk Supply?

As a CBC, part of your role is educating parents. Helping parents understand the science and biology behind breastfeeding can help them make informed decisions. If they’re struggling with supply, telling them to spend more time skin-to-skin is helpful. However, adding information about babywearing provides a way to implement more time.

New parents are busy and often tired. Babywearing is a helpful tool for increasing milk supply as well as aiding in overall task management.