Breastfeeding might seem simple, but many new moms soon realize it's not always easy, especially when they're worried about not having enough milk. It can be tough to figure out if your supply is really low or if everything's actually okay. And if it is low, what's causing it? From health issues like diabetes to the impact of daily habits, there are many reasons why milk supply decreases.
In this article, we'll help you spot the signs of low milk supply, dig into the reasons for low milk supply, share tips on how to boost it, and answer some of those burning questions that keep you up at night. Whether you're dealing with this issue now or just want to be prepared, we've got you covered with straightforward advice to support you and your baby in this important stage of life.
How Do You Know If Your Milk Supply Is Low?
Wondering if you’re producing enough milk for your baby is a common concern among breastfeeding moms. Here are some clear-cut signs that can help you figure out if your milk supply might be on the low side.
Baby Check: Weighing In and Counting Diapers
Pay attention to diaper changes and weight gain. A well-fed baby typically has around six wet diapers and three soiled ones daily after the first week. Slower weight gain or weight loss post-birth can also signal a low milk supply.
Reading the Signs: How Your Baby Feeds and Why It Matters
Breastfeeding too frequently or for extended periods without satisfying your baby might indicate inadequate milk production. Also, if your baby latches briefly or feeds continuously without contentment, your milk flow or supply may be insufficient.
What Your Baby’s Behavior is Telling You
A fussy baby during feedings could suggest that the milk isn’t flowing well. Delays in hitting growth milestones might also point towards inadequate nutrition from breast milk.
Listening to Your Body: Breast Fullness and Pumping Output
Your breasts feeling consistently soft or an unsuccessful pumping session could hint at low milk production, though keep in mind that pumping is not always as efficient as direct nursing.
If you're ticking off several of these boxes and worries are building up, it's a good idea to chat with a lactation consultant or your pediatrician. They can give you personalized advice and support you through this breastfeeding adventure.
12 Reasons For Milk Supply Decrease
Low milk supply can be confusing and worrying, but it often has identifiable causes. Here's a list of causes of reduced breast milk production:
1. Disrupted Breast Tissue
If breast tissue is damaged due to surgery, injury, or a condition you were born with, it can lead to insufficient glandular tissue necessary for producing milk. This could mean that the breasts don't respond fully to the baby's needs because the milk-making infrastructure isn't fully intact.
2. Pre-existing Diabetes
Diabetes can affect circulation and nerve function, which in turn might impact breast milk production and ejection. Blood sugar levels can also influence hormones responsible for lactation, potentially reducing milk supply if not managed well.
3. Hormonal or Endocrine Problems
Hormones need to be finely balanced for breast milk production. For instance, a low thyroid hormone level (hypothyroidism) can reduce your milk supply. Similarly, excessive stress can release cortisol, which may inhibit the milk-producing hormone prolactin.
4. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is associated with hormonal imbalances that can affect menstruation and ovulation. These imbalances can also impact breastfeeding by either delaying milk coming in or reducing the amount of breast milk production.
5. Maternal Obesity
Obesity can alter hormone levels and insulin resistance, which may complicate the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding. If you're carrying extra weight, and it's led to bigger breasts, it can be a bit more of a challenge to help your baby latch on properly. This means it might take a bit more patience and practice to get the milk flowing smoothly.
6. Breast Surgery
Surgeries such as reductions and augmentations can cut through milk ducts and nerves crucial for breastfeeding. When these are damaged, it might prevent milk from flowing properly or reduce the breast's response to your baby's feeding, leading to a lower supply.
7. Nipple Piercing
Piercings can cause scar tissue to form or lead to an infection, both of which can obstruct breast milk production. Even after removing piercings, the internal damage might remain, posing challenges for successful breastfeeding.
8. Chemical Impact from Medications
Medicines, especially those containing estrogen or certain herbs like peppermint and parsley, can decrease breast milk production. Always consult with your doctor about how medications may impact breastfeeding.
9. Sick Infant
A sick baby may not have the strength or desire to feed frequently, which is crucial for maintaining milk supply. In such cases, expressing milk to maintain supply and providing it with a cup or dropper may be necessary.
10. Insufficient Infant Suckling
Breastfeeding works on supply and demand. If a baby doesn’t suck effectively due to latching issues or infrequent feeding, it can signal a decrease in breast milk production.
11. Skipping Nighttime Feedings
Milk production hormones peak at night, so skipping nighttime feedings can result in a decrease in overall supply. Keeping up with these feeds is important for maintaining milk levels.
12. Introducing Competing Nutrition Sources
When babies start consuming formula or solid foods, they may take less breast milk. This reduced demand can naturally lead to a decreased supply if these supplements replace breastfeeding sessions rather than complement them.
How to Increase Breast Milk Supply
It's always important to start by talking with your doctor, especially if there might be health-related reasons for low milk supply. If you're worried about your milk supply, here’s what you can try to help increase breast milk supply:
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Nurse More Often: Try to breastfeed about every 2 to 3 hours. Don't forget to feed your baby during the night too. Your body makes more milk when it knows your baby needs it.
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Use a Breast Pump: If breastfeeding is tough because of latching issues, or you just want to make sure your breasts are emptied fully, using a good breast pump can do the trick. Check out the Momcozy Mobile Flow™ Hands-Free Breast Pump, with settings that you can easily adjust right from your phone with just a tap. It comes with suction strength up to -300 mmHg, yet it's discreet enough to fit into your daily routine effortlessly.
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Massage Your Breasts: Before and during feeding, gently massage your breasts. This can help increase breast milk supply each time, which in turn tells your body to make more.
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Eat Well and Consider Supplements: Eating foods to increase breast milk like oats can help some moms make more milk. There are also herbs like fenugreek that some people use. Always ask your doctor before trying supplements to be safe.
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Drink Plenty of Fluids and Eat Healthy: Just like a car needs gas, your body needs food and water to make milk. Make sure you're drinking lots of fluids and eating a balanced breastfeeding diet.
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Rest and Keep Stress Low: Being tired or stressed can affect how much milk you make. Try to rest when you can and do things that help you relax.
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Be Mindful About Feeding Choices: If you give your baby formula or other foods too soon, they might not want as much breast milk. This can lead to less milk supply. Try to stick with breastfeeding if you can.
Boosting milk supply doesn't happen overnight. It takes a little time and patience. Keep working at it, and don't hesitate to reach out for support from family, friends, or professionals like lactation consultants.
FAQs About Reasons For Low Milk Supply
Q1: Do Soft Breasts Mean Low Milk Supply?
Not necessarily. If your breasts feel soft, it might just mean they're doing a great job adjusting to your baby's needs. Early on, your breasts may feel fuller as they get used to making milk. Over time, they'll settle into a pattern and may feel softer even though you're making plenty of milk. As long as your baby seems full and happy, and is gaining weight normally, soft breasts aren't usually a concern.
Q2: What Foods Cause Low Milk Supply?
There's no definitive list of foods that decrease breast milk production for everyone. However, some moms find that certain herbs like peppermint, parsley, and sage might have an effect if consumed in large amounts because they are known to decrease milk supply in some women. Caffeine and alcohol could also potentially impact milk production if taken in high quantities. The key is moderation. It's also important to eat a well-balanced diet, as being undernourished can affect your milk.
Q3: When Is It Too Late to Increase Milk Supply?
It's never really "too late," but the earlier you start trying to increase your supply, the better. Most moms find it easier to build up their milk in the first few weeks after birth when their body is still figuring out how much milk to make. But even later on, with the right approach, you can often increase your milk supply. Breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand process, so more frequent feeding or pumping can help stimulate more milk production at any stage. If you're concerned about your milk supply, don't hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant for personalized advice.
Boosting Your Breast Milk: Try These Tricks
If you're worried about not making enough milk, take a breath—most of the reasons for less breast milk have straightforward fixes. Remember to nurse often, give pumping a go if you need to, gently massage those breasts, eat foods that might help boost your supply, drink plenty of water, get some rest, and try to relax. If things still aren't clicking, there's a whole team of folks—from doctors to lactation experts—who are ready to dive in and help you out. Just keep at it, stay positive, and don't be shy about reaching out for advice and support. You've got this!
