Is it really low milk supply?
So often I am contacted by a mother with concerns about her milk supply.
One of the most common reasons a mother stops breastfeeding is because they ‘didn’t have enough milk’ however this is untrue the majority of the time with mothers producing exactly enough for their infants.
Milk supply is considered low when there is not enough breast milk being made to meet the growth needs of the infant.
If supply is genuinely low it is usually only temporary and can be improved with the right support and guidance.
Common reasons mothers believe they have a low milk supply ~
My infant feeds so much
Normal newborns will feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. It is normal for infants to want to feed very regularly. Frequent feeding is actually what we want as this is what is needed to establish a good milk supply.
My breasts feel soft and squishy
After your milk supply adjusts to the needs of your infant your breasts may not feel as full as they were in the beginning. This can occur anywhere around 3 to 12 weeks after birth. As long as you are feeding your infant frequently your breasts will continue to make the amount of milk that your infant needs.
I can’t express much or any milk
If you can’t express much or any milk at all that’s ok, the amount you can express isn’t the same as the amount that your breasts make. Your infant is way more efficient at removing milk than any breast pump is.
Out of nowhere my infant feeding more frequently
Throughout your infant's breastfeeding journey they will have periods where they are growing, frequent feeding over a couple of days will help with increasing your supply as needed for your infant.
But my infant only feeds for a short time
As your infant gets older they become more efficient at milk removal, which means less time at the breast. As long as your infant is growing no concern is needed.
I don’t leak any milk or feel my letdown
Some mothers just don’t leak as much as others. Over time your breasts may also leak less due to those tiny sphincter muscles tightening.
It is very normal to not feel a letdown at all, all mothers experience this differently. Look for your infant's sucking patterns. A suck-swallow pattern with regular swallowing shows your letdown is working.
But how will I know if my infant is getting enough of my milk?
Your infant wakes for their feeds.
Your infant is settled in between their feeds
Your infant has 6 to 8 decently wet nappies in 24 hours
Your infant has at least one soft yellow poo once a day
Weight gain is typically expected to return to birth weight by 2 weeks with an average gain of 150 grams or more per week in the first 3 months.
(More importantly, is that your infant is following their own growth curve and otherwise happy and healthy)
Actual reasons that you MAY have a low milk supply
Poor attachment at the breast
Your infant not feeding enough
Your infant not feeding well at the breast
Introduction of artificial formula
Previous breast surgery
A recent infection such as mastitis
Introduction of oral contraception
Nicotine
Some medications which can include over-the-counter and herbal-type medicines
A medical condition - (This is seen in less than five per cent of mothers)
What can I do to help increase my milk supply?
Put your baby to your breast as much as you can, frequent milk removal is the BEST way to increase and maintain your milk supply
Skin to skin, just a nappy with your infant bare skin to your bare skin
Have a lactation consultant check your attachment and that your infant is sucking and swallowing
Offer the same breast twice, if your infant is becoming tired or swallowing has dropped off then you can switch to the other side and repeat on both breasts
Use breast compressions while you are breastfeeding by gently massaging your breast to assist with your flow
Get the support and guidance you need by having a breastfeeding consultation with a Lactation Consultant