Some women often complain of having low breast milk, particularly during the early weeks of breastfeeding. Lactation is the natural process of producing milk in the mammary glands of female mammals, including humans. It is triggered by the release of hormones during pregnancy and childbirth. On the other hand, milk supply refers to the amount of milk a mother produces for her baby.
Breast milk is the perfect source of nutrition for newborns and infants. It contains all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals a baby needs for growth and development. Breast milk is also easily digestible and protects the baby from infections and diseases. Breastfeeding is beneficial to both the baby and the mother.
Breast milk helps babies develop their immune systems, reduces the risk of infections, and improves cognitive development. It also promotes healthy weight gain and reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life. For mothers, breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of postpartum depression, breast and ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It also promotes bonding between the mother and the baby.
Low milk supply is a common concern among breastfeeding mothers. It can be caused by various factors such as hormonal issues, ineffective milk transfer, inadequate breast stimulation and emptying, stress, and fatigue. Low milk supply can lead to poor weight gain and malnourishment in babies. However, it can be treated by identifying the underlying cause and taking appropriate measures such as frequent nursing, pumping, and lactation consultation.
Before diving into how to boost your milk supply, let’s understand how breastfeeding works.
How Does Breastfeeding Work?
Breastfeeding is a natural and complex process that involves the stimulation of hormones, milk production and transfer, and the milk ejection reflex.
When a baby latches onto the breast, the nerves in the nipple are stimulated, sending signals to the brain to release two hormones: prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin stimulates milk production in the mammary glands, while oxytocin triggers the milk ejection reflex.
The breast comprises several parts that play a role in milk production and transfer. The milk is produced in the alveoli, which are small sacs located at the end of the milk ducts. The milk is then transported through the ducts and stored in the milk sinuses, which are located behind the nipple. The nipple is surrounded by the areola, which contains sebaceous glands that secrete a natural lubricant to protect the nipple during breastfeeding.
The milk ejection reflex, also known as a letdown, is the process of releasing milk from the breast. It is triggered by the release of oxytocin, which causes the smooth muscles around the milk sinuses to contract and push the milk towards the nipple. The milk is then available for the baby to feed.
Baby’s Role
Your baby suckles and removes the milk from your breast. The more the baby takes, the more milk will be produced; hence, the milk amount depends on how often the baby feeds. Breastfeeding frequency and duration vary depending on the baby’s age and feeding needs. Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, while older babies may feed less frequently. A feeding session can last 10 to 40 minutes per breast, depending on the baby’s feeding habits and milk supply.
How to Know if Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
Most mums often ask how they can tell if their babies are getting full. Here are some signs to watch out for to know if your baby is getting enough milk.
- Breast changes: Your breasts may feel softer and less full after nursing. This can indicate that your baby is getting enough milk and effectively draining the breast.
- Diaper output: In the first few weeks of life, babies should have at least 6-8 wet diapers and 3-4 bowel movements per day. After the first month, babies may have fewer bowel movements but should still have regular wet diapers.
- Contentment after nursing: Your baby should appear content and satisfied after nursing. They may fall asleep or seem relaxed.
- Swallowing: You may be able to hear or see your baby swallowing while nursing. This indicates that they are actively nursing and getting milk.
- Weight gain: In the first few weeks of life, babies should gain around 4-7 ounces per week. After the first month, babies typically gain around 1-2 pounds per month. Regular weigh-ins with your healthcare provider can help monitor your baby’s weight gain and ensure that they are getting enough milk.
If your baby is not showing some of these signs, probably she’s not getting enough milk.
Causes of Low Milk Supply
- Infrequent feedings: Infrequent feedings can lead to a decrease in milk supply. It is important to feed the baby frequently, especially in the early weeks after birth.
- Inadequate breast stimulation and emptying: Frequent and effective milk removal from the breast is essential for maintaining milk supply. If the baby is not nursing frequently enough or not removing enough milk, it can decrease milk production.
- Hormonal issues: Hormonal imbalances can interfere with milk production. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders can affect hormone levels and reduce milk supply.
- Certain medications: Certain medications can reduce milk supply. Mothers should consult with their healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.
- Breast surgery or trauma: Breast surgery, such as reduction or augmentation, can damage the milk ducts and affect the milk supply. Trauma to the breast, such as a breast abscess, can also interfere with milk production.
- Stress and fatigue: Stress and fatigue can interfere with releasing hormones necessary for milk production. Mothers should try to get adequate rest and seek support from family and friends.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, can affect milk production. Mothers with pre-existing medical conditions should consult with their healthcare provider.
Tips to Boost Your Milk Supply
- Nurse frequently and on demand: The more often the baby breastfeeds, the more milk the breasts produce. Nursing on demand, or whenever the baby shows signs of hunger, can help increase milk supply.
- Ensure proper latch: A proper latch is essential for effective milk transfer and milk production. If the baby is not latching properly, seek support from a lactation professional.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can help increase your milk supply. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein can help support milk production.
- Try breast compression: Breast compression can help increase milk flow and encourage the baby to feed longer. To do breast compression, use your hand to compress the breast gently while the baby is nursing.
- Get plenty of rest: Fatigue and stress can interfere with milk production. Getting plenty of rest and reducing stress can help boost milk supply.
- Use a breast pump: A breast pump can help stimulate milk production and increase milk supply. Consider using a breast pump between feedings or after the baby’s feeding to help stimulate milk production.
- Consider galactagogues: Galactagogues are substances that can help increase milk production. Examples include fenugreek, blessed thistle, and oatmeal.
- Seek support: Breastfeeding can be challenging, and having support from family, friends, and lactation professionals can help increase confidence and success in breastfeeding.
How to Increase Breast Milk if Exclusively Pumping
Here are some tips to help you increase breast milk if you are exclusively pumping.
- Pump frequently: Aim to pump every 2-3 hours during the day and at least once at night. This helps mimic a baby’s feeding schedule and ensures that the breasts are emptied regularly.
- Use a double electric breast pump: Double pumping can help stimulate milk production and increase milk output.
- Pump for a full 15-20 minutes: It’s important to pump for a full 15-20 minutes per session to empty the breasts and encourage milk production fully.
- Consider power pumping: Power pumping involves pumping for shorter periods of time (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for an hour to help stimulate milk production.
- Stay hydrated and well-nourished: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat a well-balanced diet to support milk production.
- Consider using galactagogues: Some herbs, foods, and medications can help increase milk production. Talk to a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant before using any galactagogues.
Low milk supply can be stressful especially to moms who wants to exclusively breast feed. Seeking advice from a lactation consult will help you know the underlying cause of low milk supply and work on it from there. Don’t worry! You aren’t alone!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for milk to come in after giving birth?
After giving birth, a woman’s body produces colostrum, a thick and yellowish liquid that is high in nutrients and antibodies for the baby. It is normal for colostrum to be produced in small amounts for the first few days after birth.
Typically, it takes around 2-5 days for mature milk to come in after giving birth. However, this can vary for each woman and depend on various factors, such as whether it is the first baby or subsequent births, the baby’s feeding patterns, and the mother’s medical conditions.
During this time, it is important for mothers to continue to breastfeed or pump frequently, as this helps to stimulate milk production and ensure that the baby is getting enough milk. If there are concerns about low milk supply, talking to a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant can provide guidance and support.
Can I increase my milk supply if I exclusively pump?
Yes, it is possible to increase milk supply if you exclusively pump. The process of milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis, so the more milk that is removed from the breasts, the more milk the body will produce.
Can I breastfeed if I have a cold or flu?
It is safe to continue breastfeeding if you have a cold or flu. Breast milk provides important antibodies that can help protect your baby from getting sick.
However, it is important to take precautions to avoid spreading the illness to your baby. This can include washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask while nursing, and avoiding coughing or sneezing directly on your baby.
If you are taking any medication for your illness, it is essential to check with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe to continue breastfeeding. In some cases, certain medications may not be recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
If you are too ill to breastfeed, pumping and storing breast milk can allow someone else to feed your baby while you recover.
Other References
Kent JC. How breastfeeding works. J Midwifery Women’s Health. 2007 Nov-Dec;52(6):564-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jmwh.2007.04.007. PMID: 17983993.