What Causes Low Breastmilk Supply?

Many mothers wonder, “Is my breastmilk too low?” or “Why is my milk low?” It’s important to remember that low breastmilk supply can be caused by a variety of factors. If you’re asking, “Is it normal to have low breastmilk supply?”, rest assured that many women experience temporary drops in supply, but understanding the common causes can help you address the issue.

Here are some key factors that can lead to low milk supply and ways to improve it:

1. Waiting Too Long to Breastfeed

One of the leading causes of low milk supply is delaying breastfeeding after birth. The sooner you start breastfeeding, the better your chances of establishing a healthy milk supply. If milk isn’t coming in quickly, try to keep your baby latched on as much as possible, especially when they’re hungry. Avoid supplementing with formula or using a pacifier in the early stages, as

this can interfere with your body’s natural supply and demand mechanism.

2. Breastfeeding Less

Breastmilk production works on a supply and demand system. The more you breastfeed or pump, the more milk your body will produce. The key is to keep your breasts as empty as possible, which signals your body to make more milk. If you’re concerned about low milk supply, breastfeeding on demand or pumping regularly can help maintain a strong milk supply. Regular and effective milk removal is crucial to prevent supply issues.

3. Ineffective Breastfeeding

An ineffective latch is a common cause of low milk supply. A poor latch can make breastfeeding painful and prevent your baby from effectively removing milk from the breast. This can reduce milk production. A deep latch is essential for proper milk removal and can help increase milk production. If you’re experiencing discomfort during breastfeeding, this could indicate a latch problem. Additionally, issues like tongue ties or lip ties may make it harder for your baby to latch correctly, which can contribute to low supply.

4. Stress and Psychological Factors

Breastfeeding can sometimes be a source of stress, especially if you’re concerned about having low breastmilk supply. Stress and anxiety can interfere with milk production, as they can impact the release of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. It’s important to try to stay relaxed, and consider seeking support from a lactation consultant or joining a breastfeeding support group to help reduce stress and build confidence in your ability to breastfeed.

5. Medications and Health Conditions

Certain medications and health conditions can affect milk supply. Some medications, such as those for hormonal imbalances, birth control, or decongestants, can reduce milk production. If you’re concerned that a medication might be affecting your supply, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss alternatives that are breastfeeding friendly.

6. Supplementing with Formula

If you’re using formula as a supplement, it can lead to a reduced milk supply. When babies are given formula, they may nurse less frequently or for shorter durations, which can signal your body to produce less milk. While formula feeding is sometimes necessary, it’s best to try to breastfeed exclusively for the first few months, as this helps to establish and maintain a robust milk supply.

Key Takeaways:

If you’re asking, “Why is my milk low?” or “Is it normal to have low breastmilk supply?”, remember that many factors can contribute to a temporary drop in milk supply, and most can be corrected with the right support and adjustments. The most important thing is to ensure that milk removal is frequent and effective, and that any latch issues or external factors like medications are addressed.

If you’re concerned about low milk supply, consulting a lactation consultant can help you find personalized strategies to boost your production which may include trying Lactation cookies and ensure your baby is getting the nutrition they need.