How Can You Tell If You Have Enough Milk?
When your newborn baby loses more than 7% of his or her weight in the first three days, it may indicate that your baby is not getting an adequate supply of milk from you. This is when you need to consider whether insufficient milk is the cause. When your baby is not getting enough nutrition, it is natural for their weight to not keep up with the expected gain. It is also important to note that delayed breast milk production can occur shortly after birth. One study reports that 44% of new mothers in the US experience this delayed breast milk production.
What Are the Causes of Insufficient Milk?
Feeling Anxious
Some mothers may experience elevated levels of certain hormones, such as cortisol, after pregnancy due to lack of sleep and difficulty in adapting to the baby's routine right away, which can affect breast milk production.
Eating or Drinking Too Little
Some mothers may try to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy figure by starting a weight loss program, which can result in consuming too few calories and not drinking enough water, leading to insufficient breast milk production. Replenishing a bottle of water after each breastfeeding session and eating smaller meals supplemented with more fruits can help ensure you get the necessary calories for milk production.
Sickness
Unusual tiredness or infections such as the flu can affect milk production. If you feel any discomfort, please consult your doctor or seek medical attention promptly.
Some Ways to Help Increase Milk Production:
Increase the Frequency of Breast Pumping
Ensure that the remaining milk is completely extracted after each feeding. You can increase the frequency of breast pumping to 12 times every 24 hours (approximately once every 2 hours) to signal your body that it needs to produce more milk. A strong demand can help ensure an adequate supply.
Eat Foods That Assist Milk Production
For example, oatmeal or hops beer, which contain yeast, may help increase milk supply.
Don’t Completely Give Up Formula Milk
Some mothers may not be able to provide enough breast milk due to conditions such as diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, or breast surgery. Using formula is a valid alternative to ensure your baby gets the nutrients they need. Breastfeeding isn't the only way for your baby to receive adequate nutrition.
References:
Shivani Patel, (May 16, 2022), 4 factors that can decrease breast milk supply – and how to replenish it
https://utswmed.org/medblog/decrease-breast-milk-supply/
Nationwidechildrens, (Febrarury 1, 2024) Low Milk Production
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/health-library/low-milk-production
Medela, Reasons for low milk supply
lllc.ca, Low Milk Production? How to know, and what to do about it
https://www.lllc.ca/low-milk-production
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.
