Important Signs That Your Milk Supply Is Dropping

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As a new breastfeeding parent, one of your primary concerns is whether you have enough milk. If you don’t bottle-feed your baby, it can be challenging to know how much milk they’re getting. Even if things are going smoothly, you may wonder if your milk supply is meeting your baby’s needs.

At times, you might suspect that your milk supply is decreasing. If you’ve been having these concerns, read on to understand your milk supply better and learn how to increase it.

Signs of Decreasing Milk Supply

Dehydration is one sign of decreasing milk supply. If your baby hasn’t urinated in a few hours or has no tears when crying, they may be dehydrated. If you notice these signs, contact your doctor immediately.

Lack of weight gain can also indicate a decreasing milk supply. While a baby can lose some weight after birth, they should start gaining weight before they are two weeks old. If this isn’t the case, you might have a low milk supply and should contact your medical provider.

The number of wet diapers your child produces in their first few weeks indicates how much milk they’re getting. A baby should normally produce between six to eight wet diapers a day. Breastfed babies will poop more than formula-fed babies, and you should expect their poop to change colors over the weeks.

Signs That Don’t Indicate Milk Supply Issues

It’s important to avoid making assumptions about your milk supply. Some signs that don’t indicate milk supply issues include your baby waking up to nurse. It’s normal for babies to wake up during the night for breast milk as they have small stomachs that need regular filling.

If you aren’t pumping much milk, there might be a few reasons. The pump might need new parts, you might be stressed, or you might not be letting down enough milk due to the time of day. Even good pumps aren’t as effective as your baby suckling.

Causes of a Decrease in Milk Supply

When you notice a decrease in your milk supply, you might wonder what the issue is. Introducing solids to your baby can reduce their interest in breast milk, which may decrease your supply. However, most babies will continue breastfeeding for most of their first year.

Illnesses or medications can also cause a decrease in milk supply. When fighting an infection, your body might not produce milk normally. This is usually temporary, but it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Hormonal changes, such as starting your period again or becoming pregnant, can also decrease milk supply.

Returning to work can reduce the time you breastfeed your baby, which can be stressful and decrease your milk supply. Feeding issues, like improper latching, can also lead to a low milk supply.

Tips for Increasing Milk Supply

Breastfeeding more often can help increase your milk supply. When your baby suckles, your body produces more milk through the let-down reflex. Therefore, you should try to breastfeed at least eight to 12 times a day to establish and maintain milk production.

Pumping between feedings can also help increase your milk supply. Pump whenever your baby gets a bottle of formula or breast milk, when they miss a feeding, or when you have leftover milk after breastfeeding. Warming your breasts can make pumping easier and more comfortable.

The use of supplements or milk supply products like Milk Dust can also help increase your supply. These products contain blends of herbs and nutrients that support milk production. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet with lactation-friendly foods like nuts, fennel, brewer’s yeast, oats, fenugreek, and unripe papayas can be beneficial.

Staying hydrated and getting sufficient rest can also help your body produce the hormones needed to release and make milk. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby can stimulate hormone production. If these tips don’t work, consult a lactation consultant for personalized advice.

Breastfeeding from both sides can stimulate your breasts and increase milk production. Feed your baby from both breasts during each feeding, allowing them to feed from one breast until they stop or slow down before offering the second. Pumping milk simultaneously from both breasts can also help increase milk production.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby and Mother

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both toddlers and mothers. For babies, breast milk provides crucial antibodies that help fight bacteria and viruses, offering protection against infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia. It also provides essential nutrition, adapting to the baby’s needs over time.

Breastfeeding can enhance a baby’s intelligence, associated with eye contact and physical intimacy with the mother.
It promotes healthy weight gain and helps prevent obesity by regulating appetite and fat storage.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of diseases like diabetes, leukemia, and respiratory infections.

For mothers, breastfeeding lowers the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It can also aid in weight loss by burning calories during feeding. Additionally, breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size through the hormone oxytocin, which also promotes bonding with the baby.

If you notice a decrease in breast milk production, you don’t have to stop breastfeeding. Instead, confirm whether there is a decrease and use the ideas above to resolve any issues. Breastfeeding has many ups and downs, and it should not be challenging for you. Seek the help of a doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant when necessary.

If you haven’t yet, check out our courses for more guidance!