Low Breast Milk Supply

Most mothers think that the quantity of milk received by their babies during breastfeeding is not sufficient. It happens very rarely that a mother is not able to produce enough milk. As the myth says, every mother can breastfeed successfully. So in majority of the cases, low milk supply is experienced (or perceived?) when the mother does not know how to breastfeed. It is true that some simple measures can help prevent low milk supply, although the problem may not be 'low breast milk supply' but 'wrong breastfeeding methods'.

Causes of Insufficient Breast Milk

• Cigarette smoking is responsible for low prolactin levels which can result in low production of breast milk.
• If water is fed with the help of bottles, it reduces hunger pangs and this in turn affects baby's desire to nurse. This affects breast milk supply adversely.
• Premature babies need assistance to learn how to suck. They may need extra time to suck milk. The mother may consult a lactation professional.
• At the time of growth spurts in babies, they may want to eat nonstop. Growth spurts can be noticed in between the first and third week, sixth and eighth week and so on.
• If the mother is not around, the babies are fed with the pumped milk. Mothers should therefore learn how to pump breast milk a few days before resuming work.
• If the mother is very stressed, if she does not get enough rest or sleep, if she does not follow a nutritious diet, then the milk supply can be lower than expected.
• Cracked nipples, development of thrush, plugged ducts, and mastitis (inflammation of the breast) are some of the problems for which the mother should see her doctor immediately. These disorders need prompt medication.
• A clogged milk duct may lead to breast pain but the mother should feed the baby more frequently so that the duct gets emptied soon. Gentle massage to the breasts helps prevent clogging. Massage also plays an important role in increasing breast milk supply.
• Low production of breast milk during period can be attributed to low blood calcium levels during period. Some women may not notice any difference in milk supply at all. Those who notice may take calcium and magnesium (2:1 ratio) supplements after consultation with the doctor. This can help boost the breast milk supply.
• Mothers with anemia, thyroid problems, insulin dependent diabetes, breast surgery, pituitary problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity problems or any other serious illnesses may notice low production of breast milk. Use of certain medications may sometimes lower the milk supply.
• When the baby nurses frequently, the mother starts thinking that the baby is not getting enough milk. But this can be a wrong interpretation. Breast milk is easy to digest (usually digested in 1.5-2 hours) and therefore babies need frequent breastfeeding. Mothers should check whether babies are gaining weight properly.
• Milk supply depends on the amount taken from the breast. It's a demand-supply process. When the breast is emptied effectively by the babies, the cells start making more milk. If the baby is not sucking milk properly, check whether he is latched deeply enough on the breast. Similarly, if the baby is not long enough at the breast or if you don't feed the baby frequently, the milk supply will be naturally reduced.

Some foods or herbs can be consumed for increasing low milk supply. For example, fenugreek, blessed thistle or nettle. Sometimes medications are prescribed to increase the supply of breast milk. Taking into consideration the advantages of breastfeeding, every mother should consult her doctor immediately if she thinks that low breast milk supply is affecting her baby's health. You must have noticed that most of the above conditions are easy to overcome with proper guidance from a doctor. Take the necessary steps to keep your baby satiated.