7 min. read time We all know how important breast milk is for our babies, especially in the first 6 months,1 but what if you’re not producing enough or your supply changes? Knowing the signs your milk supply is decreasing, as well as the causes, can help you to take steps to improve your milk supply. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know if you think your milk supply dropped Read on to explore our guide to milk supply, so you can have a worry-free breastfeeding journey.
To be able to understand the causes, and how to address low milk supply, it’s first important to spot the 3 signs your milk supply has dropped:
The number of wet and soiled diapers your baby produces is a key indicator that they are ingesting the right amount of milk at each feed. On average, a baby should need their diaper changed 6-8 times per day.2
Another simple way to spot if your baby is not getting enough milk is a lack of weight gain, or in some cases, weight loss. It is not unusual for a baby to lose weight right after birth3; however, they should steadily gain around two pounds per month up to 3 months of age.4, 5
Some tell-tale signs that your baby is dehydrated include a thready pulse, excessive drowsiness, not producing urine, or no tears when crying.6 If your baby shows signs of being dehydrated, it is important to seek medical advice straight away.
If you’re asking, “Why is my milk dropping?” we’re here to help. Here are five key causes of low breast milk supply:
To indicate to your body that it needs to produce more milk, your breasts should be fully drained at each feed. If your baby is struggling to latch or feed correctly and isn’t fully draining each breast, this will lead to your milk supply decreasing. Did you know…? If milk stays in your breasts too long, this can lead to infections such as mastitis,7 which in turn can result in low milk supply. If you are concerned about your breasts, please seek medical advice from a professional.
New parents have a lot of changes happen upon the arrival of their little bundle of joy, and as you navigate this journey, you can feel increased levels of stress. This stress can lead to your milk supply decreasing.8
The date you return to work can feel like it comes around much too fast. Once you have started working again, you may find you have increased stress levels, in addition to having less time to breastfeed or express milk. This combination can result in a low milk supply.
Did you know…? Thanks to The Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law,9 most workplaces are required to provide a reasonable break time and place to express breast milk for your baby for at least their first year.10 Before you return to work, ensure you ask them about this provision.
Prolactin, oxytocin, and estrogen are all involved in the production of breast milk. If your body goes through changes to your hormonal levels, this in turn affects milk production. Some things that may affect your hormones include birth control, your periods returning, and getting pregnant again.11
This should be a temporary cause of low to no breast milk, so it’s important to keep breastfeeding and expressing. While your body fights illnesses such as infections, its capacity to produce a normal milk supply will be diminished. When the infection subsides, the capacity to produce milk should return to normal levels. If not, or for any concerns, be sure to speak to your doctor.
Why is my milk supply low? You may experience low breast milk supply for several reasons, including latching issues and illness. If you are worried about your milk supply, it is best to speak with a health professional such as your family doctor or a lactation expert who can offer specific advice for you and your baby. How can I increase my low milk supply? Here are four key ways to increase your low milk supply: If you think you’ve got no breast milk, we’re here to help. We’ve created a guide to increasing your milk supply for more information. With 3 signs milk supply is decreasing, 5 common low milk supply causes, and some easy tips and tricks to increase your supply, this article is your go-to solution to help you on your breastfeeding journey.
Top tip: To help you empty your breasts in between feeds with your baby, we recommend using a breast pump like the Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump which is designed to mimic your baby’s unique suck and massage motion.
Sources
1 Breastfeeding Overview, AAP
2 Art of prevention: The importance of proper diapering practices, NCBI
3 Clinical Decision Support for Newborn Weight Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial, AAP
4 Weight-for-age, WHO
5 Incremental Growth Charts for Newborns and Infants, AAP
6 Pediatric Dehydration, NCBI
7 Mastitis, American Cancer Society
8 Maternal psychological distress and lactation and breastfeeding outcomes: A narrative review, NCBI
9 Section 7(r) of the Fair Labor Standards Act – Break Time for Nursing Mothers Provision, US Department of Labor
10 Breastfeeding Laws and Workplace Support, AAP
11 The physiological basis of breastfeeding, NCBI
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