Which method is most effective for a mother to maintain her milk supply?

Frequent breastfeeding or pumping is the most effective method for a mother to maintain her milk supply because milk production is largely based on the principle of supply and demand. When a baby breastfeeds often or when the mother pumps regularly, it signals the body to produce more milk to meet the needs of the baby. The more often the breast is emptied, whether through breastfeeding or pumping, the more milk the body is prompted to create. This direct stimulation of the breast is crucial for establishing and maintaining an adequate milk supply during the initial months postpartum.

In contrast, while regular hydration and a well-balanced diet are important for overall health and can indirectly support milk production, they are not as directly influential on supply as the act of removing milk from the breast. Consuming a high-calorie diet may support energy levels and nutritional needs but does not directly correlate with milk synthesis. Limiting breastfeeding sessions would actually decrease milk production rather than maintain it, as fewer feedings lead to less stimulation and signaling for the body to produce milk. Thus, frequent breastfeeding or pumping stands out as the best method for sustaining a robust milk supply.