Breastfeeding:Low Milk Supply

Although some women may experience insufficiencies when it comes to milk production, medical professionals believe it is fairly uncommon. Low milk supply can occur if the baby is not nursing often enough, is not sucking properly, is not emptying the breasts during feedings or if the mother is sick, stressed or not eating properly. At some point or another, most breastfeeding mothers will genuinely wonder if their baby is getting enough milk during feedings. When once full breasts become lighter or milk stops leaking from the breasts between feedings, try not to assume the worst. More than likely, this is your body’s way of adjusting to the demands of your baby and only producing what is necessary.

How do you know if you are producing enough milk to meet the demands of your baby? Newborn babies should nurse every 2 to 3 hours, with approximately 10 feedings each day. Monitoring your baby’s weight gain is a good way to tell if breast milk is sufficient. Approximately two weeks after delivery, your baby should weigh what they did at birth and they should gain an ounce a day for the first 3 months of life. From 3 to 6 months, an average baby is expected to gain half an ounce each day. If your baby is not growing at the expected rate, you should consult your child’s pediatrician for a weight check and consultation. Ensure that your baby has a proper latch on the breast and listen for swallowing. Your baby should be wetting 6 diapers each day and should be soiling at least three diapers each day during the first month. Your baby will likely begin to have fewer bowel movements after the first month and some babies go several days between bowel movements.

If your baby is not getting enough milk or you do not feel that you are producing the required amount, there are some techniques that you can try to increase milk production. First and foremost, nurse frequently. Because milk production relies heavily on a supply and demand system, the more demand that your body has to produce milk, the more it will produce. Alternate between breasts during feedings and continue switching breasts until your baby stops nursing. You may also want to try breast compression when you notice that your baby’s suckling is slowing. To do this, start at the top of your breast and gently push downwards, encouraging milk to flow and drain the breast completely. Some women have better luck massaging their breasts for a short time before nursing to encourage let-down. When your baby is not nursing, use a breast pump to collect milk. If possible, use a hospital grade breast pump for best results. Not only will this stimulate the breasts to produce more milk, you can use the collected milk after nursing to better monitor how much milk your baby is taking in. It is critical that nursing mothers take care of themselves so that they can take care of their baby. Eating a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals, including a daily prenatal vitamin, is important for milk production. Water intake is critical for milk production as well. Staying hydrated will help keep milk production strong.

Don’t wait until your milk has dried up to seek help. The longer that your milk supply has been low, the longer and harder it will be for your body to begin producing milk again. See the help of a lactation consultant or pediatrician if you feel that you need more assistance breastfeeding, obtaining the proper latch or producing more milk. Because your baby can sense when you are stressed, try not to become discouraged or frustrated. More than likely, there are a few changes that can be made to ensure breastfeeding continues.

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