What should mothers do to maintain milk supply if separated from their baby?

To maintain milk supply when separated from their baby, mothers are encouraged to express milk frequently. This regular stimulation of the breasts, through either manual expression or the use of a breast pump, signals the body to continue producing milk. The hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, increases with regular milk removal, helping to maintain both the quantity and quality of breast milk.

Frequent expression also helps prevent issues such as engorgement, which can occur when milk is not removed regularly. Maintaining a consistent routine of expressing milk can help ensure that the mother’s supply remains adequate for when she is reunited with her baby.

The other options do not support maintaining milk supply. Expressing milk infrequently would not provide sufficient stimulation to encourage continued production. Exclusively relying on formula would signal the body to decrease milk production since there would be no demand for breast milk. Finally, stopping breastfeeding completely would lead to a significant decline in milk supply due to the lack of demand. Therefore, frequent milk expression is crucial for maintaining an adequate supply during separations.