If you’re breastfeeding and concerned about whether you’re producing sufficient milk to nourish your newborn, you’re not alone. Many individuals experience anxiety about their breast milk supply due to its invisibility, unlike bottle feeding where intake is visibly measured.
Fortunately, the majority of breastfeeding parents naturally produce enough breast milk for their babies. True low supply is estimated to impact only 10% to 15% of breastfeeding parents (Lee S, Kelleher SL, “Biological underpinnings of breastfeeding challenges: The role of genetics, diet, and environment on lactation physiology”).
Occasionally, perceived low milk supply may stem from factors like colic or a growth spurt, causing parents to question the adequacy of their baby’s intake. However, in most cases of low supply, it is temporary, as there are steps that can be taken to boost milk production.
Signs your baby is getting enough milk
Regrettably, the duration of time spent at the breast isn’t a reliable gauge of your baby’s milk intake. While some babies can complete a full feeding in less than 20 minutes, others may require up to an hour to consume the same quantity of milk.
During feeding sessions, you should hear your baby swallow and observe a bit of milk in their mouth, particularly after they detach from the breast. They should exhibit signs of contentment, possibly falling asleep easily, and your breasts should feel less full than before the feeding commenced.
However, if concerns persist, here are some more precise methods to ensure your baby is receiving an adequate amount of milk.
Weight Gain
Newborns typically undergo a weight loss of up to 10% of their birth weight during the initial days after delivery. However, following this initial decline, they should start gaining weight steadily. Most infants gain around 0.7 to 1 ounce per day, and they typically regain their birth weight within 10 to 14 days.
To alleviate concerns about milk supply, consider conducting weighted feeds. This involves weighing your baby before and after breastfeeding to gauge the amount consumed. Daily weighing of your baby can also help ensure consistent weight gain. Furthermore, your baby’s pediatrician will monitor weight gain at each appointment and offer guidance if necessary.
Wet Diapers
Another indicator of adequate milk intake is the frequency of wet diapers. While the first couple of days might not yield many wet diapers, there should be a noticeable increase once your milk supply is established. By the sixth day, your baby should be producing at least six to eight wet diapers daily, if not more.
Monitoring the number of wet diapers your baby has throughout the day can help ease concerns about milk intake, and it’s advisable to consult your doctor if you suspect any issues.
Read Also: What you should know about Hindmilk Foremilk Imbalance
Reasons for Low Milk Supply
There are several factors that could contribute to your baby not receiving enough milk during feedings.
True Low Milk Supply:
While rare, a true low breast milk supply can occur due to various underlying issues. Factors such as exhaustion, extreme stress, previous breast surgeries, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), challenging birth experiences, certain medications, underdeveloped breasts, illness, breast cancer, or lactation failure may contribute to this condition.
Poor Latch:
A primary cause of low breast milk supply is often attributed to a poor latch. If your baby isn’t latching onto your breast correctly, they may struggle to extract milk efficiently, signaling your body to produce less milk. Proper latch evaluation by a nurse, doctor, lactation consultant, or breastfeeding support group can address this issue and improve breastfeeding comfort and efficiency.
Infrequent Feedings:
Inadequate breastfeeding frequency can also lead to a decrease in milk supply. Most newborns require feeding every 2 to 3 hours throughout the day and night to stimulate consistent milk production. Delayed or infrequent feedings, or substituting feedings with pacifiers, may result in diminished milk supply and inadequate feeding for your baby.
Short Feedings:
Aim for approximately 10 to 15 minutes of nursing on each breast during feeding sessions. If your baby nurses for less than 5 minutes, they may not fully empty your breasts, which can impact milk supply.
Growth Spurts:
During growth spurts, babies experience increased hunger and may appear to be constantly feeding. This surge in demand may initially make it seem like you have a low milk supply. However, consistent feeding in response to your baby’s hunger cues will signal your body to increase milk production, typically resulting in a boost in supply within a few days.
How to Produce More Breast Milk
To enhance your breast milk supply, prioritize frequent breastfeeding sessions, offering your breast to your baby every three hours and establishing a consistent routine. This frequent nursing schedule signals your body to increase milk production. Additionally, during breastfeeding, consider employing breast compressions by gently squeezing your breast between your thumb and fingers while your baby is suckling but not actively drinking.
Encourage complete drainage of one breast before switching sides during feeding sessions, and consider pumping after nursing to ensure thorough milk removal. By emptying your breasts of milk, you stimulate increased milk production for subsequent feedings.
Taking care of your own health is vital during breastfeeding. Maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and prioritize adequate rest. Some individuals also explore supplementary measures such as lactation cookies, herbal supplements, or medications to support milk production.
Conclusion
Addressing low milk supply while breastfeeding requires a multifaceted approach centered on frequent nursing, effective milk removal techniques, and self-care practices. By offering the breast to the baby every three hours, employing breast compressions, and ensuring complete breast drainage through pumping, mothers can stimulate increased milk production. It’s crucial to prioritize personal health by maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting sufficient rest.
In most instances, the supply of breast milk aligns with the demands of the baby’s feeding schedule, ensuring adequate nourishment for growth and development.
Should concerns arise regarding milk supply, seeking guidance from your baby’s pediatrician or a lactation consultant is advisable. Additionally, joining breastfeeding support groups can provide valuable assistance and reassurance.
It’s important to recognize that supplementing feedings with formula or donor milk is a perfectly acceptable option if low milk supply persists. Ultimately, the well-being of the baby is paramount, regardless of whether they are fed from a bottle or directly from the breast. What matters most is that the baby is nourished and thriving.
Additionally, exploring supplementary options like lactation cookies or herbal supplements may offer further support. With dedication and attention to both baby’s needs and maternal well-being, overcoming low milk supply challenges during breastfeeding is achievable.