As a new mom, you want to give your baby everything they need, so noticing a low milk supply can feel overwhelming and frustrating. First things first—take a deep breath! You’re not alone, and there are plenty of ways to address low milk supply while keeping your baby happy and healthy. Let’s talk about why this happens, what you can do, and how to navigate this part of your breastfeeding journey with confidence.
How Do You Know If Your Supply is Low?
It’s easy to second-guess yourself, but low milk supply isn’t as common as many moms fear. Before assuming your supply is low, look for these signs:
- Fewer wet diapers: Babies should have at least 6-8 wet diapers daily after the first few days.
- Slow weight gain: Your baby’s pediatrician can help monitor their growth and let you know if it’s a concern.
- Fussiness after feeds: While some fussiness is normal, persistent hunger cues might indicate a supply issue.
If your baby is meeting their weight and diaper milestones, chances are your supply is fine. But if you’re concerned, here’s how to take action.
Ways to Boost Your Milk Supply
Nurse Frequently
The golden rule of breastfeeding is supply and demand. The more often your baby nurses, the more signals your body gets to produce milk. Aim to nurse every 2-3 hours, including at night, when milk-making hormones are at their highest.
Offer Both Breasts
Switching sides during each feeding ensures both breasts are being emptied, which helps stimulate production. You can also try offering each breast twice per feed to encourage more milk flow.
Pump After Nursing
Pumping for 10-15 minutes after nursing tells your body to produce more milk. Even if little or no milk comes out at first, the stimulation itself helps increase supply over time.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Spending time cuddling skin-to-skin with your baby can help release oxytocin, the hormone that triggers milk production. It’s also a wonderful way to bond with your little one!
Eat and Drink Well
Your body needs fuel to make milk. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet with plenty of calories and nutrient-rich foods. Some moms swear by oatmeal, nuts, or lactation cookies to give their supply a boost.
Consider Herbal Supplements
Certain herbs like fenugreek, blessed thistle, and milk thistle are thought to support milk production. Always check with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant before starting any supplement.
Stay Relaxed
Stress can interfere with milk let-down, so finding ways to relax is important. Deep breathing, soft music, or even watching your favorite show while nursing can help.
When Supplementing Might Be Necessary
If your baby isn’t getting enough milk despite your best efforts, supplementing with formula or expressed breast milk can help ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need. Combo feeding (a mix of breastfeeding and formula) is a great option for many moms and doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
- Start Slow: Offer small amounts of formula after nursing to avoid replacing breast milk entirely.
- Use Paced Bottle-Feeding: This method mimics breastfeeding and helps prevent overfeeding.
- Keep Nursing: Continue breastfeeding to maintain your bond and encourage your milk supply.
When to Seek Help
If you’re struggling with low milk supply, a lactation consultant can be your best ally. They can help identify the root cause—whether it’s a latch issue, hormonal imbalance, or something else—and provide personalized guidance.
Remember, You’re Doing Amazing
Low milk supply can feel discouraging, but it’s just one part of your journey as a mom. What matters most is that your baby is loved, cared for, and fed—whether that’s with breast milk, formula, or a combination of both.
You’re doing an incredible job, and every drop of breast milk you provide is a gift to your baby. Be kind to yourself, lean on your support system, and remember that this is just a season—it doesn’t define you as a mom.