Low Milk Supply
"Low milk supply" occurs when you produce less milk than baby needs. For direct nursing mamas, this may be suspected if baby is not gaining weight as well as expected. For exclusively pumping mamas, you may suspect low milk supply if you pump less than what baby consumes in a day. In either situation, or any flavor in between, there are several strategies to boost up your milk supply.
Why do you suspect low milk supply?
Is the baby's doctor concerned about weight gain?
Is baby making less wet and dirty diapers?
Do your breasts feel full after feeding/pumping?
Does your infant seem dissatisfied after feeding?
If you answered "no" to all of these, you likely don't have milk supply issues. If you answered "yes" you any of the questions, you still may not have true supply issues, but may benefit from early intervention to ensure comfortable and efficient milk removal for the duration of your breastfeeding goal.
Mimics of low milk supply
Cluster feeding is a natural infant behavior where the baby feeds frequently during similar times of day. To mama, this may feel like she's not providing enough milk, but power through! Not only is this normal, it signals to your brain to make more milk.
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Many new mommas suspect they have low milk supply because their breasts no longer feel full. Breasts may feel full or engorged for a few weeks after delivery, but as your body adjusts to its new job, the breasts soften and may not ebb and flow in fullness as they used to. This is normal! If you are concerned baby isn't getting enough, meet with a LC to do a weighted feed.
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Other mommas may suspect their milk "dried up" because the baby is fussy at the breast, only feeds for a short period of time, or shows hunger signs shortly after eating. This can also be normal, especially around 3-4 months. At this age, babies are curious about their surroundings and may be easily distractible, resulting in short nursing duration. This is normal. To get through this stage, nurse often if you are able. If you are pumping, consider scheduling in an extra pump during this time to keep milk supply up. This distractibility will pass, and baby will be back to nursing in no time.
How to increase milk supply?
If you are certain you're producing less milk than what baby needs, there are some basic recommendations to help increase milk supply. Please note, these are not intended to serve as personalized medical advice. You should coordinate with baby's primary care provider to ensure he/she is receiving adequate nutrition. If you need to supplement with donor breastmilk or formula while we work on increasing your milk supply, that's ok! A fed baby is a happy baby, and a happy baby likes to nurse.
Similarly, if you have a medical condition, you should consult your primary care physician or breastfeeding medicine specialist. Some nutritional supplements, as listed below, do interfere with some medical conditions and medications so you should consult with your primary care provider.
