3 Signs of Low Milk Supply (and How to Fix It!)
When many women discuss their failed breastfeeding journeys, it’s quite common for them to blame low milk supply for their problems. Despite this, however, studies have shown that what these mothers perceive as low milk production, usually isn’t.
For example, instead of relying on MamaNatal maternity experts and supplements to help remedy their possible breastfeeding issues, they base their inability to properly nourish their little ones on false signs of insufficient milk supply, such as:
- Your baby wants to breastfeed frequently.
- Your breasts don’t “feel full.”
- You don’t experience a let-down sensation.
- Your breasts don’t leak.
- You can’t pump much milk.
While breastfeeding challenges like these can be concerning, they are actually a normal part of being a nursing mother.
Some women just don’t leak milk, for instance, and breast pumps can’t do as good of a job as your baby when it comes to emptying your breasts.
Rather than accepting these so-called indicators as evidence of low milk supply, it’s crucial to rely on facts and help from licensed lactation specialists. If you’re concerned about your milk production, consider these signs – and how to fix them!
If Your Milk Supply is Low, What’s the Cause?
Before diving into the signs of low milk production, it can be helpful to understand the low milk supply causes some women to deal with. After all, not producing enough breast milk isn’t usually a random event; there are often viable reasons this situation occurs.
Some of the most common reasons a woman might experience continual or sudden low milk supply include:
Trauma to Your Breast (Or Previous Breast Surgeries)
Sudden trauma to a woman’s breast or prior surgeries, such as breast reductions or breast augmentations, can negatively affect a woman’s ability to produce any, or enough, breast milk.
Decreased Blood Supply
As breast milk is made using nutrients collected from a woman’s blood supply, such as fats, sugars, and proteins, a sudden loss of blood can cause a drop in milk production.
Various Diseases and Conditions
Women with certain conditions might not realize that decreased breast milk supply is a possible symptom. Many individuals don’t know that PCOS and low milk supply can go hand-in-hand. Other diseases that can have an impact include Diabetes and thyroid conditions.
What are the 3 Main Signs of Low Milk Supply?
You might assume that a baby who seems insatiable at the breast is a victim of low milk production, but – surprisingly – this isn’t a sign.
If you’re suspicious or concerned that your milk supply is low, be on the lookout for these three primary indicators of a supply issue:
- Insufficient Weight Gain: While it’s not unusual, and is even expected, that a baby will lose around 5-7% of their birth weight within the first few days after birth, anything more than 10% can be troublesome. You should also consult your pediatrician if they don’t start gaining their weight back by days 5 or 6 postpartum.
- Dehydration: Have you started noticing your baby has sunken eyes, increased irritability, tearless crying, or dark urine? Any of these could indicate they’re dehydrated.
- Not Enough Dirty Diapers: After having your baby, your doctors and nurses will probably tell you how many wet and soiled diapers your little one should be having each day. If your child isn’t meeting those numbers, it’s something worth looking into.
How to Increase Milk Supply (4 Things You Need to Know!)
So, you’ve identified that there’s a possible problem with your milk supply – this doesn’t mean it’s time to throw in the towel on your breastfeeding journey! Before you decide to make the switch to formula, consider these simple ways of correcting low milk production.
- Talk to a Breastfeeding Consultant
If you’re struggling with how to increase your milk supply, one of the best decisions you could make for yourself is to schedule an appointment with a lactation specialist, like the ones at MamaNatal, or to take a lactation education course. Certified breastfeeding consultants can help educate you on various tips and tricks to increase your supply.
- Take Breastfeeding Vitamins
When it comes to supplementing breast milk, there are particular breastfeeding vitamins you can take that have been proven to help increase milk supply. These include:
- Fenugreek
- Blessed Thistle
- Alfalfa
- Goat’s Rue
Be sure to speak to your doctor or a certified lactation consultant, however, before starting a new dietary supplement routine.
- Evaluate Your Latch
A good latch is one of the most essential components in a breastfeeding experience. The way your baby is attached determines the amount of milk they can receive. If your little one isn’t latched correctly, however, your body might not be receiving the signals it needs to produce enough milk.
- Eat More “Breast Milk-Boosting” Foods
You can also increase your milk supply with foods that supplement breast milk. Some good options include:
- Oatmeal
- Barley
- Asparagus
- Fennel seeds
- Papaya
Low Milk Production Doesn’t Have to Be the Final Chapter in Your Nursing Journey
Insufficient milk supply can be a scary problem to overcome. Thankfully, there are ways to remedy the situation.
Before you give up and decide to stop nursing, take a moment to look for the signs that your baby isn’t receiving enough milk. From there, take the time to speak with an expert lactation specialist and find the simple ways you can combat low milk supply. If you want to breastfeed, you deserve every opportunity to make it happen!
