More than 4 ounces... So I know it's real....

While breastfeeding my two oldest children, I had an abundant supply of milk. I could pump up to 24 ounces in 30 minutes. Needless to say if I'd ever decided to stop nursing my children they'd do well with the milk stored.

When I had my youngest child, I could not pump more than 2 ounces on one side during a 30 minute pump session. I may have been lucky to pump 4 ounces and that was only if I missed a feeding due to my baby sleeping longer than usual. That's a huge maybe. Pumping could not even empty me properly and I went through many painful bouts of clogged ducts and unbearable engorgement. Maintaining my supply while away from my baby was excruciating.

I was discouraged and felt that she was not getting enough milk. Never mind that she was gaining just fine. I couldn't see the milk that I was producing and it made me feel defeated as a mother. I was determined to continue breastfeeding, though. And I continued until she was a month or two into her third year.

I probably would have stopped earlier if it weren't for the words of advice that I received along the way. And I'm here to share them with you!

1.) How much you're able to pump is NOT a measure of your supply. It may just be that your baby is better at emptying your breast than a pump is despite it's grade.

2.) Breastfed babies get's hungry more often than bottle-fed babies. You may think that your baby is not getting enough because he constantly wants to nurse. The difference between formula and breast milk is that breast milk is digested a lot quicker and easier than formula. This fact is usually the culprit of frequent feedings.

3.) Your baby may be experiencing a growth spurt. This may result in a baby that's more fussy than usual. Keep in mind that breastfeeding is a supply and demand kind of deal. Allow for extra or longer feedings and rest assured that he's getting all of what he needs.

4.) Beware of overfeeding. Babies will willingly take a bottle of formula or expressed milk even if he is full.

5.) Babies love to suckle. Imagine my surprise when I realized that the extended time spent on my breast wasn't baby nursing at all. Rather she just found comfort in sucking as she would a pacifier.

Now you may be convinced that baby is getting enough milk during his nursing sessions, but you're not pumping enough for, say, daycare. Here are a few tips that may help.

1.) Pump regularly. Sometimes we like to pump only when we're engorged. Or maybe you will only pump during or after nursing you baby. Unfortunately it may not be enough to support your need to produce extra milk for baby while you two are apart. Set aside a schedule to pump and then stick to it! Ideally pumping 10-15 minutes every 2-4 hours will yield results within a week or two. Be consistent and patient. You'll soon be making enough!

2.) There are natural herbal supplements that aid in the production of milk. The two most popular are fenugreek and mother's milk tea. Fenugreek comes in a pill form and can be made as a tea. Mother's milk is another tea proven useful in milk production.

3.) Are you hydrated? You will need to drink about 8 glasses of water daily. It is recommended to keep water near you while breastfeeding or pumping. Speaking from experience, I would get extremely thirsty while during a nursing session. Dehydration drastically affects milk supply.

4.) Don't skimp on the calories. I'm quite sure people are asking, "How are you able to bounce back so quickly?" Well it's because breastfeeding burns up to approximately 500 calories a day. This is great but you have to remember to eat. Burning that many calories means that you'll have to eat more than usual. Not eating enough will affect your energy level and ability to produce milk.

Remember to stay persistent. You have the ability to give your baby the best and he deserves just that.

"The History of My Chocolate Milk"

I want to direct you all to a documentary in the making titled "The History of My Chocolate Milk". In this documentary the history of the low rates of breastfeeding among mothers of color, the social stigma of breastfeeding, and the necessity of breastfeeding.

I have no doubt that this film will be good, informative, and empowering.

For more information please visit "The History of My Chocolate Milk" facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateMilkFilm