Real Reasons for Low Milk Supply

Most breastfeeding families will have moments of thinking that they don’t have enough milk.

There are a few common reasons why you might think this vs actual low milk supply presentation.

1. Your baby is at the breast OFTEN. Newborn babies do breastfeed often and that is normal- 8-12 times per day/night normal. They can also go through peak times of very unsettled behaviour. Adjusting to life outside the womb will take time and the way a baby expresses this is by using his/her little voice. Being at the breast often stimulates and establishes good milk supply. It also helps a baby calm down when unsettled, even when they are not hungry.
2. Your breasts stop feeling “full” or never really felt “full”. Some woman’s breasts never get full or hard or after the first few weeks your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. This does not mean you have “run” out of milk.
3. Your baby does not feed for very long. It is hard to give a “rule” of time for each baby. After the first few weeks your baby does become “efficient “at feeding and empty your breasts in a shorter amount of time. They are able to stay awake longer after a feed rather than falling asleep straight away.

The best way to be confident that your baby is feeding efficiently is by their output- 6 plus wet nappies a day and at least 1 yellow poop per day.

They are settled between feeds and wake mostly for a feed, and appear happy, content and satiated in nature when feeding and after a feed.

They should also be gaining on average 150g per week for the first few months once back to birth weight at 2 weeks old.

True maternal reasons for low milk supply can be:

1. Hormonal or endocrine problems- any problem like PCOS or Thyroid issues or Diabetes.
2. IGT- insufficient glandular tissue (reduced breast glandular tissue).
3. Previous Breast Surgery (implants/reductions- where nerves/ milk ducts.
4. Retained Placenta Fragments (left over hormones can affect milk production and amount produced).
5. Excess blood loss after birth (PPH)- this can be primary (first 24hrs) or secondary (6-12 weeks postpartum). Can affect the pituitary gland and prolactin release essential for milk production.
6. Stress and Fatigue- Cortisol overload from chronic stress can inhibit prolactin release and oxytocin release (let down).

All these scenarios require a extra special pair of eyes to support, develop and plan to maintain milk production and supply that your baby requires to thrive. If any issues persist for more than a few days then please reach out for support 🙂