How to Increase Breast Milk Supply (2023)
Signs of Low Milk Supply
Feeding your newborn is a wonderful bonding experience, but it's natural to worry about whether your milk supply is meeting their needs. Let's shed some light on the signs of low milk supply so you can put your mind at ease. First off, keep an eye on your baby's weight gain; if they're not putting on enough weight, it might be a clue. Also, watch out for insufficient wet diapers and infrequent bowel movements. Your baby might also seem unsatisfied after feedings or be overly fussy at the breast. But don't fret just yet! Low milk supply can be temporary and often improved with proper support and nursing techniques. Remember to feed on demand, and seek advice from a lactation consultant if needed.
Low Milk Supply Causes
Milk Supply and Latch
Mastering the Art of Latching: A proper latch is essential for effective milk transfer and stimulating milk production. If your baby isn't latching correctly, it can lead to discomfort and a reduced milk supply. Signs of a poor latch include nipple pain during nursing, clicking noises, and frequent feedings without adequate weight gain. To ensure a good latch, encourage your baby to open their mouth wide and bring them to the breast, ensuring their lips are flanged outwards. Don't hesitate to seek guidance from a lactation consultant, as they can offer valuable tips and personalized support to improve your baby's latch technique.
Milk Supply and Oral Function
One of the downsides is that you may have a baby that hasn't built up the endurance to do longer feeds or maybe they and need to eat smaller more frequent meals for any number of reasons. The other major downside is that feeding less frequently than 8-12 times a day or skipping night feeds can diminish supply. This may not be an issue for you if you have been breastfeeding for a while and have a pretty established supply. However, if you are in the early days of breastfeeding it is so important to feed at least 8-12 times a over 24 hours to establish a good supply. And yes, sadly, this includes night feeds.
Other Causes of Low Milk Supply
You also may have any one of a variety of conditions that put you at risk for a low milk supply. I had one and didn't know it, so I would have benefited from more frequent feeding in the beginning to compensate. Here are some conditions that can cause lower supply:
diabetes
placental fragments
thyroid issues
PCOS
insufficient glandular tissue
previous breast surgeries
certain medications impact supply
A lactation consultant can help you determine if your situation warrants further testing.
Milk Supply and Scheduled Feeds
Many families try to adhere to a strict feeding schedule. There are many books out there that subscribe to keeping to a schedule/certain number of feeds to get more sleep or have more predictability in the day. That sounds wonderful, who doesn’t want a decent night of rest. I know I do! And let’s face it, parents need to sleep. There are some downsides to this approach though, and here they come.
Frequency of Feedings, Drainage, and Supply
The most common cause of low milk supply is insufficient frequency or drainage of milk. This is where our ice cube maker comes into play. You are probably wondering why there are ice-cubes in the breast in the video. I have to give credit to Dr. Barbara L Philip IBCLC, who came up with the comparison of milk production being like an ice cube maker. The biggest issue with adhering to a certain number of feeds or a schedule is FIL. FIL is a protein in milk called the feedback inhibitor of lactation. This protein acts kinda like an refrigerator ice cube lever. When a refrigerator ice maker lever is down, it knows the ice box is empty and that it’s time to make ice. When it fills up, the lever goes up and it stops making ice.
So, FIL is like the lever on a refrigerator ice cube maker that says "okay we are full of ice, so we don't need to make anymore!" FIL does the same with milk. When the breasts fill up completely, FIL tells your breasts that “We are good! We don't need to make any more milk.” So milk production slows down.
This is a good thing, because you want your body to regulate milk production. At the beginning of breastfeeding your body is making a ton of milk and you want it to down regulate to the right amount for your situation. You don’t want to be waking up in puddles of milk forever. You might also need that level of milk. You may have twins or triplets and need more milk to feed more than one baby. This process helps our body determine the right amount of milk to make to feed our babies. It also means that our supply can dip when we go too long without feeding the baby or pumping. This often happens during the holidays when life gets hectic and we might be hosting or away from our baby for longer periods of time holiday shopping or cooking.
This occasional reduction in milk supply can be recovered with more frequent feeds. However, if the breasts are not being drained regularly and sufficiently, eventually your breasts say "okay this is the supply I need to sustain my baby. This is what I'll make from here on out". This can ultimately land you in the dreaded … lowsupplyville. Not fun! Been there, done that, and got the t-shirt.
How to Produce More Breast Milk
If you suspect a low milk supply, there are effective strategies to increase it. Firstly, it’s important to feed or pump 8-10 times a day. The other important factor is to drain the breast. If you still feel full after feeding your baby, your baby may not be transferring effectively yet. You many need to pump to fully empty the breasts after a feed. This signals your body to produce more milk. Remember that breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand process; the more your baby nurses or you pump, the more milk your body will produce.
Seeking Support
As a new mom, you don't have to navigate the complexities of breastfeeding alone. Reach out for support from your partner, family, and friends. Additionally, consider joining local or online breastfeeding support groups, where you can connect with other moms who share similar experiences. Lactation consultants are also a valuable resource, offering personalized guidance and solutions tailored to your unique situation.
The journey of breastfeeding may have its share of challenges, but with patience, perseverance, and support, you can overcome low milk supply and latch issues. Remember, every mom's breastfeeding journey is different, so be kind to yourself and your baby. Trust your instincts and seek help whenever needed. Cherish the precious moments of bonding with your little one, and know that you are providing them with the best nourishment possible. Happy breastfeeding, and enjoy this beautiful chapter of motherhood!
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