Worrying about a dwindling milk supply is something that all nursing mothers experience. When our babies can’t articulate what they want—and their fussiness won’t go away after ticking off the standard annoyance checklist—it’s natural to wonder if they’re just hungry. How do you know if you are producing enough milk? And can you increase milk production quickly? To understand that we need to take a closer look at the causes and solutions for reduced milk supply.
How do I know if my milk supply is low?
Babies have had enough typical set of hunger cues which vary in severity as hunger persists. The first signs of hunger are less obvious, such as licking or smacking the lips and opening and closing the mouth. Active signs of hunger include: rooting around or positioning to nurse, sucking their hands, and fussing or huffing. It is only when the last stages of starvation appear that we see the most obvious signs such as crying and moving their head to the other side. It is important to learn these signs and nurse as needed to encourage breast milk production. If your baby continues to show these signs of hunger after nursing, you may be experiencing a drop in your breast milk supply.
If your baby isn’t gaining weight or is gaining weight more slowly than his pediatrician predicts, it’s a good sign that you’re not producing enough milk. Pumping is a great way to determine your production because you can physically see how much milk you are producing and track those amounts over time. Keeping track of wet diapers is helpful, as the amount of wet diapers is another indicator of your milk supply. Well-fed babies should have six or more wet diapers in 24 hours by the time they are one week old.
Why is my milk supply low?
There are many causes of low milk supply ranging anywhere from medications, diet, lifestyle choices.
Stress is the number one killer of your milk supply. When you feel stressed, your body releases cortisol and other hormones that can drastically reduce milk production. Taking mood supplements like our nursing-friendly ones Postpartum mood support with ashwagandha can help reduce feelings of stress and boost your mood and energy levels.
Not drinking enough water is another major cause of low milk supply. You need fluids to produce breast milk – breastfeeding mothers should drink about 16 cups (128 oz) of water each day. Drinking a large glass of water every time you sit down to nurse is a great way to get the fluids you need.
Supplementing with formula instead of breastfeeding will decrease your milk supply. You need to empty your breasts to trigger your body to produce and release more milk. The less you let your baby feed from your breast, the less milk you will produce.
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and even wearing tight clothing or bras can hinder your ability to produce milk. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications are known to negatively affect milk supply as well. Be sure to tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding before starting any new medications.
How to increase your milk supply fast
Breast milk production depends on supply and demand – the more often you nurse or empty your breasts (demand) the more breast milk you will produce (supply). How to increase your milk supply:
- Powerful Pumping: Intended to recreate the feel of it cluster feeding with your breastfeeding. While there is no set schedule for the power draw, a sample schedule might look something like this. 20 minutes of pumping, followed by a 10 minute break, 10 minutes of pumping, then a 10 minute break and finally 10 minutes of pumping done 2 or 3 times during the day.
- Skin-to-skin: Holding your baby close to your bare skin stimulates oxytocin and releases prolactin, two hormones necessary for milk production.
- Get your vitamins: Take supplements that contain herbals lactagogues it’s a great way to quickly increase your milk supply. Us Total Lactation Support The capsules contain milk thistle, fennel, fenugreek and alfalfa to increase milk supply and promote milk flow.
- Nurse on demand: Allowing and encouraging your baby to breastfeed often or whenever he shows interest will help increase your milk supply.
- Pump after nursing: Adding a pumping session after nursing will tell your body that baby needs more milk than is provided in one feeding, thus increasing your milk supply.
- Switch positions: Turn on breastfeeding also holds positions to encourage your breasts to empty completely, when they are empty it signals that you need to produce more milk.
- Breast massage: Massaging your breasts while feeding, pumping or between sessions can benefit milk production. This not only encourages milk flow, but also helps reduce risk mastitis and blocked ducts.
The best way to maintain your milk supply
If you are wondering how to maintain your milk supply, breastfeeding your baby continuously is the best way. Fill with galactagogues (milk producers) herbs. and teas, reducing your stress levels and eating a balanced diet of high-calorie foods are all helpful in maintaining your breast milk supply over time. Some foods believed to support milk production is:
- Yams, beets and carrots
- Leafy vegetables
- Fennel and fennel seed
- Beer yeast
- nuts
- Sesame
- Cereals
- Lentils and chickpeas
- Green papaya
Noticing a drop in milk supply isn’t always a cause for concern. As your baby grows and you start introducing solid foods, your body will naturally adapt to your baby’s needs. It’s important to note that overproducing milk can be just as frustrating as worrying that you’re not producing enough. To learn more we suggest you read:
