Struggling with low milk supply? Discover effective strategies to boost your milk production!

If you are experiencing low milk supply, you are not alone! Low milk supply is something I come across daily in practice and in most cases it can be managed successfully using practical strategies that are proven to increase milk production. This is your introduction to managing low milk supply to help you and your baby Thrive!

Understanding Low Milk Supply

Low milk supply can arise from many factors but to better make sense of these, we will for the purpose of this blog, group them into maternal, infant, milk removal and psychological/emotional factors.

Examples of Maternal Factors (not limited to):

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

2. Hypothyroidism

3. Diabetes

4. Insufficient glandular tissue (IGT) - breast hypoplasia

5. Postpartum haemorrhage - Sheehan’s syndrome (pituitary dysfunction)

6. Oestrogen- containing contraceptives can reduce milk production

7. Some decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), diuretics, or dopamine agonists suppress prolactin

8. Breast surgeries (e.g., augmentation, reduction, biopsies) can affect milk ducts or nerves

9. Nipple piercings or trauma

   
   

Examples of Infant Factors (not limited to):

1. Prematurity or low birth weight - may reduce suckling strength

2. Jaundice, infection, or congenital conditions (e.g., cleft palate) may interfere with feeding

3. Neurological or muscular disorders

4. Traumatic delivery- especially where the infants head/neck have been affected

   
   

Examples of Milk Transfer Factors (not limited to):

1. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding (especially >24 hours postpartum)

2. Infrequent nursing or pumping, especially in early days postpartum

3. Poor latch or suckling (due to anatomical issues like tongue-tie or poor positioning)

4. Supplementation with formula reduces demand for breast milk

5. Use of pacifiers or nipple shields (can reduce effective stimulation)

   
   

Examples of Psychological/Emotional factors (not limited to):

1. Stress, fatigue, and anxiety - can inhibit oxytocin (let-down reflex)

2. Lack of support, confidence or low mood (e.g., postpartum depression)

   
   

With so many potential factors it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the underlying cause of low milk supply. In practice however, I tend to find that there is more than 1 contributing factor. Nevertheless, the process of assessment is vital in determining cause(s) so that you are able to tailor the plan of care. There may be some factors that cannot be impacted and limit breastfeeding which are not covered in this blog. We will focus on the factors that we can impact, here are some suggestions to help improve milk supply.

Frequent Breastfeeding/Milk Removal

Breastfeeding/expressing frequently is one of the most effective ways to boost milk supply. The more often your baby nurses or you pump, the more milk your body produces. Breastfeeding at least 8-12 times a day, especially during the first few weeks after birth when your milk supply is still being established can help to increase production. It may feel exhausting when your body is recovering post partum, but this regular stimulation is key to increasing your supply. Switch feeding can also help to stimulate supply but this must be done with the guidance of a lactation consultant to ensure this is what you and your baby need.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin contact offers significant benefits for both you and your baby. When you hold your baby close, your body releases hormones that promote milk production. Aim for at least one hour of skin-to-skin contact each day, especially in the first few weeks postpartum. This simple practice can greatly enhance your breastfeeding relationship.

Proper Latch and Positioning

A proper latch is vital for effective breastfeeding. If your baby is not latching correctly, they may struggle to transfer enough milk, which can decrease your supply. Consulting a lactation consultant can help ensure your baby latches well and that you are using the most effective positioning techniques. Proper latching can make a significant difference in achieving breastfeeding success as can treating any underlying causes of poor latch such as tongue tie.

Expressing/Pumping

Expressing can be a helpful tool if you’re facing low milk supply. Consider pumping for 10-15 minutes after each breastfeeding session. This can help to stimulate your breasts to produce more milk and many women report it is an effective way to increase milk supply quickly. Power pumping is another technique that can stimulate milk production but this must only be done under the care of a lactation consultant to avoid over stimulation/supply. It is vital to ensure you are using the correct flange size when expressing and if you are actively trying to stimulate milk supply, a double, electric, medical grade pump may be a better option.

Hydration and Nutrition

Staying hydrated is vital for breastfeeding mothers. Aim to drink at least 8-10 cups of water daily. Your diet should include a variety of nutrient-rich foods that support milk production. Foods like oats, almonds, and leafy greens are known to be beneficial. For instance, incorporating two servings of leafy greens daily can provide essential nutrients that may help boost your supply.

Herbal Supplements

Certain herbal supplements, known as galactagogues, can help increase milk supply. Fenugreek, blessed thistle, and milk thistle are popular choices. However, always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplements to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.

Avoiding/Managing Stress

Stress can significantly impact your milk supply, so managing it is crucial. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even short walks outdoors to help alleviate stress. Joining a local breastfeeding support group can also provide emotional support and shared experiences that help you feel less isolated. If you are struggling with low mood/anxiety then speak to your GP, Health Visitor or Midwife for assessment/onward referral.

Monitoring Baby’s Weight

Keep an eye on your baby’s weight as it offers valuable insight into their feeding habits. If you notice your baby is not gaining weight adequately or seems unusually fussy, reassess your breastfeeding practices. Seeking guidance from a lactation consultant can help identify any issues and assist you in adjusting your approach.

Seeking Professional Help

If low milk supply persists despite trying different strategies, it is essential to seek professional help. Lactation consultants offer personalised support to address your specific situation. Increasing your milk supply when there is no need to do this can cause more harm than good and so it is important that you speak to a professional to ascertain whether you have a perceived low milk supply or actual. A feeding specialist will be able to i

dentify underlying issues and provide tailored advice to improve your breastfeeding experience. So get in touch!

Your Journey to Successful Breastfeeding/Expressing

Experiencing low milk supply can be upsetting and challenging but with the right support, you will be able to make changes, choices and decisions that work for you and your baby. Good Luck!

Shami (IBCLC)