Low breast milk supply can be challenging, especially if you’re committed to breastfeeding. While many women worry about milk supply, only a small percentage actually experience true low milk production. Understanding the causes, potential solutions, and techniques to boost supply can help you work through this concern.

Causes of Low Breast Milk Supply

1. Hormonal or Endocrine Problems: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, diabetes, or even pregnancy complications can impact milk production.
2. Poor Latch or Infrequent Nursing: If the baby isn’t latching properly or nursing often enough, it can signal the body to produce less milk.
3. Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT): Some women may naturally have lower amounts of milk-producing glandular tissue, affecting milk supply.
4. Previous Breast Surgery: Surgeries like breast reductions or implants can sometimes damage the milk ducts or nerves involved in milk production.
5. Certain Medications: Some medications, such as certain hormonal birth control or decongestants, can reduce milk supply.
6. Stress and Fatigue: Being stressed or overly fatigued, which is common in the postpartum period, can impact hormone levels necessary for milk production.
7. Supplementing Formula: If babies are getting supplemental formula, they may nurse less frequently, which can lead to reduced milk production as breastfeeding works on a supply-and-demand basis.
8. Infant Health Issues: Conditions like jaundice or tongue-tie can make it difficult for the baby to nurse effectively, reducing stimulation and thus supply.

Signs of Low Breast Milk Supply

Signs like poor infant weight gain, reduced wet diapers, or fussiness after nursing could indicate low supply. However, fussiness can sometimes relate to gas or colic rather than hunger, and not all babies need the same amount of milk. Regular weight checks with your pediatrician can help monitor your baby’s intake accurately.

How to Deal with Low Milk Supply

1. Nurse Frequently: Try to nurse every two to three hours, even during the night. Frequent nursing increases demand, which signals your body to produce more milk.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Holding your baby skin-to-skin can stimulate breastfeeding hormones, encourage a good latch, and build milk supply.
3. Focus on Proper Latch: Ensuring a proper latch is crucial. A lactation consultant can help assess and improve latch issues, making nursing more efficient.
4. Use Both Breasts: Offering both breasts during feeding can help drain milk effectively and encourage the body to produce more milk. Let the baby nurse until the breast feels soft, then switch sides.
5. Pump Between Feedings: Pumping after feeding, especially with a hospital-grade or double-electric pump, can further stimulate milk production. Aim to pump for about 10-15 minutes after each nursing session.
6. Avoid Pacifiers and Bottles Early On: To avoid nipple confusion, try to delay the introduction of pacifiers or bottles in the first few weeks until breastfeeding is established.
7. See an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant to help you determine the cause of low milk supply and create a plan to increase the supply.

How to Increase Breast Milk Supply Naturally

1. Galactagogues (Milk-Boosting Foods):
   • Some foods and herbs are known for increasing your milk supply. A few that do have evidence are moringa, shatavari, goat’s rue.
2. Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is essential for milk production. Aim to drink water throughout the day, especially before and after breastfeeding.
3. Eat Enough Calories: Breastfeeding burns about 500 extra calories a day, so ensure you’re eating nutrient-rich foods to support both your body and milk production.
4. Rest as Much as Possible: Rest can be challenging for new moms, but even small breaks can help manage stress and allow milk-producing hormones to work optimally.
5. Power Pumping: This technique involves pumping in intervals to mimic cluster feeding, signaling the body to produce more milk. Typically, you pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, pump for another 10 minutes, rest for 10, and pump for a final 10.

When to Seek Help

If milk supply doesn’t seem to increase with these methods, consulting a lactation consultant (like us here at TLC!) will help identify specific issues affecting your supply.