MAGAZINE

Got stories to share? Become a contributor… click here

Tips for Low Milk Supply

*Do not take this information as a supplement to medical advice; always check with your provider and your baby’s provider before making choices in your baby’s medical care.


You just had your baby.  You read all the mommy blogs, took the breastfeeding courses, and felt confident that breastfeeding would be a breeze going in to have your baby.  Now, you’re home, you don’t sleep when the baby sleeps, your boobs hurt, you can’t get your baby to calm down, and you start noticing your little one’s skin tone turn the shade of a banana.  

Panic ensues! You head to the doctor, and the doctor tells you that your supply is low and that the baby is jaundiced.  And now, you have to bring your sweet baby to be readmitted to the hospital.

Now, before you go and beat yourself up, and give in to the pressure that society places on moms to solely breastfeed, take a deep breath and relax.  Yes! You know “breast is best” is practically plastered all over social media, crunchy mom blogs, and your hospital pamphlets.  But, sometimes, breastfeeding needs some training wheels.  You aren’t meant to go straight down BMX hills with your tatas.

Let’s chat about what’s going on, how to fix it, and where to get help for low supply and latch issues. 

Suppose you are low on breastmilk.  A number of things could be happening.  Maybe you had a traumatic or early delivery that delayed breastmilk production onset.  Its possible baby was delivered via c section, and perhaps skin to skin was delayed.  In very rare cases, moms will truly not have the ability to produce breastmilk.  Hypoplastic breasts or hormone imbalances can cause a low milk supply.  

But, chances are, if your production is low, it’s most likely due to less “demand” being placed on your production.

Breastmilk is produced through your body’s response to the need that the baby places on your body.  If you aren’t stimulating often, it will signal your body not to produce as much breastmilk that is needed to feed your baby.


How can you fix this?  See a few tips below:

1.  Meet with an IBCLC.  Contact your pediatrician or hospital and see what support they have for you.  You may be able to make an appointment with a local or even an online IBCLC (some insurance companies can cover these visits, so check with your doc).  Even if a consult is pricey, if it works out, it may save you hundreds of dollars spent on formula.  So keep that in mind when weighing the cost.

2. Wear that baby!  Keep baby close, a nurse on demand.  Skin to skin is beneficial for both you and your baby.  Don’t put the baby on a clock, but don’t let your newborn go longer than three hours between feeds during the day and no longer than four to five in the evening.  As production regulates, and the baby’s medical provider dictates, the baby will be able to go longer between feeds.

3. If you are pumping, try power pumping to bring in supply.  At the end of this article, you will find some amazing resources on power pumping.  But you pretty much will take a “pumping vacation” and pump on and off in one-hour intervals.   Livingwithlowmilksupply.com says to set aside one hour to pump.  Pump for 20 minutes (both sides at the same time), rest for 10, pump for 10, rest for 10, and pump for 10.  At least do one session a day, more to see a better increase.

4. Hand express milk between feeds.  This is a great way to get your breasts stimulated more often.

5. Try to pump on one side while nursing on the other.

6. If you are pumping, make sure your flanges are the right size.  This is very important as too big or too small can affect supply.

7. Have baby checked for a tongue tie, and if one is found, advocate you get it clipped.

8. If you have to supplement, a supplemental nursing system can provide great support for you and your baby. This allows the baby to receive formula while nursing, so you are not missing that extra stimulation.

9. Take a nursing vacation.  Ignore housework, have someone else bring you food, and just spend the day wearing and nursing the baby.

10. Lastly, do not beat yourself up over this.  There is a reason that lactation consultants cost a pretty penny, and their certification exam is quite difficult.  Breastfeeding can be challenging, and just know that loving on, talking to, and holding that baby is what truly gives baby those extra IQ points.


Hope these tips help! 

See below for some great resources if you have a low supply.

Power Pumping: https://livingwithlowmilksupply.com/power-pumping-to-increase-milk-supply

Lactation Education Resources:  https://www.lactationtraining.com/resources/educational-materials/handouts-parents

Causes of Low Milk Supply: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/low-milk-supply/faq-20058148

View more, it's free.

DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY!

Share this
story

  • images not found
  • images not found
  • images not found
Christina B

My name is Christina, I am a mom of four, anxiety warrior, makeup simplifier, and labor and delivery nurse. I have a passion for connecting moms online to create a more positive culture on social media. My mission is to end judgement and teach women that collaboration will always overcome competition. I use my platforms to educate and inspire in all things motherhood from pregnancy to beauty. So happy to be here and share some of my insight into the craziness and chaos that is motherhood.

www.tiktok.com/@tatatopics
  • images not found
  • images not found
Got stories to share?

Become a contributor… click here

Other mom stories you might like

Developing a Postpartum Care Plan

Congratulations on the arrival of your precious little one! As you embark on this beautiful journey of motherhood, it is crucial to prioritize your well-being during the postpartum period. Crafting...

read more

Double the Thrill: Enchanting Twin Names to Spark Joy

Bringing two bundles of joy into the world is an exciting and special experience for any new mom. As you prepare to embark on the incredible journey of raising twins,...

read more

The Beauty in Baby Girl Names

Choosing the perfect name for your baby girl is a significant decision that involves a blend of aesthetics, sentiment, and meaning. A name becomes an integral part of a person's...

read more