So, what is low milk production?

Mothers generally produce sufficient milk for their newborns however the concern and distress of their milk supply is a shared emotion among many; particularly within the first few weeks of their breastfeeding journey. Mothers reporting breastfeeding cessation as they ‘did not have enough milk’ is often all too familiar.

 

So, what is low milk production?

Generally, mothers produce the required milk volumes their babies need. Low milk supply is when your body is not able to produce the volume of milk your baby requires to sustain their growth. Milk production is heavily reliant on the structure of ‘demand/supply’. The practice of your baby ‘demanding’ a breastfeed and emptying the breast sufficiently, and frequently is directly associated with your supply. If you miss a breastfeed or are unable to empty your breast efficiently a substance known as the Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) kicks in. FIL is responsible for controlling milk production; it is like the gate keeper of cells that secrete milk. When it is removed during a breastfeed milk production is then able to recommence. To simplify, FIL tells the body when your breasts are full to reduce milk production until the milk is removed and then sends messages for the body to recommence production when your breasts are empty.

To reiterate, adequate milk production is reliant on the removal of breastmilk hence regularly feeding/expressing supports adequate milk production.

Typically, where a mother’s breast milk production is low, it is temporary, and with the right support from a lactation consultant can increase swiftly.

 

Reasons why I believe my milk production is low.

There are many reasons you may think your milk supply is low, most commonly perceived reasons include:

• It feels like my baby feeds constantly . . . Frequent breastfeeds are essential in forming adequate milk supply. Remember FIL? (8-12 breastfeeds within a 24-hour period is normal).
• My breastfeeding sessions seem short . . . Efficient breastfeeding babies transfer the required milk faster as they grow. Shorter feeds are no reason for worry providing your baby is growing and gaining adequate weight.
• My baby has abruptly increased their feeding frequency . . . Growth spurts occur around the 10 day, 3 and 6 week/month periods however they can occur at any time. Associated with frequent feeding periods that may last several days, your baby is demanding these feeds to increase your milk production to support their caloric intact necessary for growth (how clever are our little ones!).
• Soft breast you say? . . Remember those growth spurts and milk production adjustments, well soft breasts are associated with this as the initial fullness reduces as your breast settle into their new production volume. Providing your baby maintains adequate feeding sessions, your breasts will continue to adequate milk production.

 

How do I know if I have low milk production?

It can be tricky navigating the true signs and symptoms of low milk supply, especially when you may have feelings of being overwhelmed or unsure. Seeking support is extremely important if you notice:

• Your baby is producing less than 6-8 wet nappies within a 24-hour period.
• Unsettled or fussing at the breast and unsettled between most feeds.
• Your baby is sleepy and having to be woken for regular feeds.
• Your baby is not sufficiently gaining weight (refer to World Health Organisation growth standards)

 

Potential causes of low milk production.

Typically, where a mother’s breast milk production is low, it is temporary, occurring generally from birth circumstances including premature birth, caesarean section, medications, postpartum haemorrhage, and retained products of conception. Other conditions/circumstances associated with low milk production include:

• Incorrect latch – breastfeeding should not be painful – seek immediate support if you are experiencing nipple pain/damage from breastfeeding.
• Irregular, brief, disrupted breastfeeds. Most babies require 8-12 breastfeeds within a 24 hr period.
• Poor milk transfer generally from ineffective sucking.
• Introduction of breastmilk substitutes such as formula or early introduction of solid foods.
• Breast surgeries such as reduction or augmentation (not all women who have had such surgery will experience low milk supply).
• Smoking
• Incorrect application/use of Nipple shields.
• History of breast infections such as Mastitis.
• Hormonal level fluctuations (commonly associated with the introduction of birth control containing oestrogen, the return of menses, ovulation, and pregnancy).
• Medical conditions (Thyroid or pituitary conditions, diabetes, PCOS, High Blood pressure, Anaemia, or obesity).
• Various medications – be mindful of cold and flu or herbal supplements and teas.

 

Is my baby getting enough milk?

A common fear as a new parent with this question I am positive has crossed all our minds at one point or another. Comments from family or friends can also impede our breastfeeding journey evoking this familiar question.

Things to expect after the 1st week include:

• Waking for feeds – this means you are not waking your baby; they are waking themselves and demanding a feed.
• Relaxed and satisfied – your baby should be settled between majority of feeds.
• Output: 6-8 heavily wet nappies in 24 hours with a soft yellow poo daily as a minimum.
• As your baby loses up to 10% of their birth weight within the first week of life, by 2 weeks of age they should regain that weight; continuing to gain around 150 grams each week during their first 3 months of life. Weight is generally doubled by 4 months and tripled by 13-15 months.

 

Are there ways to increase my milk production?

Remember the demand/supply process we discussed earlier? Well, that is the key to increasing the hormones related to breastfeeding. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for promoting milk production whilst Oxytocin promotes the ‘let-down’/flow of your milk. And let’s not forget about FIL now either.

When your baby breastfeeds, sensory impulses are activated between the nipple and brain which stimulate the secretion of both prolactin and oxytocin (side note – prolactin is higher in production at night, therefore night feeds are important in maintaining your production).

 

Some simple ways to increase your milk production include:

• Kangaroo Care – also known as skin to skin (baby in a nappy only, placed directly on your bare chest) keeps your baby alert and stimulates both prolactin and oxytocin.
• Regular breastfeeds – minimum of 8 feeds in a 24-hour period. If your baby demands more, fantastic – go for it.
• Adequate latch (ensure its not painful or noisy, seeking a lactation consultants help if unsure) to ensure adequate milk transfer to help regulate production.
• Implement switch feeding (offering each of your breasts twice during one feed) or using a pump to express after each breastfeeding session.
• Gentle breast compression during breastfeeding or expressing aids in milk flow and drainage. Remember the volume produced post breastfeeding is not an indicator of your milk production.
• Some prescription medications are available to support milk production via script from your lactation consultant or general practitioner.

 

Remember to maintain your positivity as Low milk production can often be reversed. Any volume of milk you produce is invaluable for nourishing your baby. I am here every step of the way to support and tailor feeding and expressing strategies to increase your milk production. Reach out via our contact us page.