Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience that is natural and loving. Mothers feel an immediate bond with their babies once they are born. However, for some women, breastfeeding their newborn can be an uphill journey.
One of the concerns mothers who breastfeed their children have is that their milk production will not be enough for their babies. You don’t have to worry, though, as there are several ways you can boost your milk production for your baby.
On the other hand, you must first determine whether your milk production has indeed dropped before seeking the best remedies. As with all aspects of motherhood, every breastfeeding journey for a new mom is unique.
Some mothers are quick, and some are slower. If you are having difficulties, follow the remedies discussed here. If you find that the remedies are not working, seek professional help.
15 Signs Your Milk Supply Is Low
If you notice these signs, your baby might not be getting enough milk. Here is a list of 15 signs that your milk supply might be low:
1. Your Baby Seems Always Hungry
This is the most prominent sign that your milk production is low. You may find that your baby nurses constantly. While it’s normal for babies to want to be close to you, it could be a sign of low milk supply if your little one is always hungry and continues to fuss even after breastfeeding.
What to do: Ensure you offer both breasts during each feeding. Check if your baby is latching on properly too. If this doesn’t help, consider seeing a lactation consultant to assess your breastfeeding technique.
Related: 9 Benefits of Continuing Breastfeeding for an Extended Period
2. Baby Isn’t Gaining Weight
Weight gain is the clearest indicator that your baby is not getting enough milk. If your baby is not gaining weight as expected, this is a primary signal that your milk supply is low.
What to do: Once you’ve determined that your milk production is low, call your pediatrician to discuss the best way to proceed. In most cases, the doctor may recommend supplementing with formula while you work on increasing your milk supply.
3. Decreased Wet Diapers
If your baby isn’t producing enough milk, they may not have the required number of wet diapers. After the first few days, your baby should have at least six wet diapers per day. A decrease in this number could indicate a lack of sufficient milk.
What to do: Keep track of your baby’s diaper output. If they’re having fewer than six wet diapers a day, it may suggest a milk supply issue. You might need to increase the frequency of feedings. If you’re still breastfeeding and the diapers remain dry, consider consulting a lactation consultant.
Related: How to Treat Yeast Diaper Rash
4. Baby Is Not Satisfied After Feedings
If your baby finishes breastfeeding and is still looking for more or crying, this might be a sign that they are not getting enough milk. A healthy baby who has had enough milk will typically be content for a few hours after feeding.
What to do: Ensure your baby is latched properly and offer both breasts at each feeding. You can also try massaging your breasts before a feeding to help the milk flow more easily. If needed, you can express milk or supplement your child’s feedings to increase your supply.
5. You’re Not Feeling a Letdown Reflex
The letdown reflex occurs when your baby starts sucking and you feel a tingling sensation as milk begins to flow. If you’re not experiencing this reflex, it could be a sign that your milk supply is low.
What to do: Stay relaxed during breastfeeding, as anxiety can interfere with the letdown reflex. You can also gently massage your breasts before breastfeeding to encourage milk flow.
Related: How to Survive Breastfeeding at Night
6. You’re Pumping Less Milk Than Before
If you’ve been using a breast pump and are now producing less milk than before, it may indicate a drop in milk supply. Pumping is one way to gauge how much milk you’re producing.
What to do: Pump more frequently to help stimulate milk production. Consider pumping after breastfeeding to increase your supply.
7. Your Breasts Feel Soft or Empty Between Feedings
It’s normal for your breasts to feel a little softer after nursing, but if they feel empty between feedings, it could signal that your milk supply is low. You should generally feel a sense of fullness before your next feeding.
What to do: Feed your baby more often and make sure they are emptying your breasts at each feeding. You can also pump or express milk after feedings to encourage milk production.
Related: 5 Ways to Heal Sore Nipples from Breastfeeding
8. Your Baby Is Sleeping Through Feedings
While it’s normal for babies to sleep through the night as they grow older, a newborn sleeping through feedings can be a sign that they are not getting enough milk. Babies typically need to nurse every few hours to get adequate nutrition.
What to do: Wake your baby to ensure they are feeding regularly, especially if they are sleeping for long periods. Frequent night feedings are essential for maintaining your milk supply.
9. You’re Feeling Exhausted or Stressed
Stress and exhaustion can negatively affect your milk supply. When you’re stressed or overly tired, your body may produce less milk. Fatigue and anxiety can make it harder for your milk to flow properly.
What to do: Prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating healthily, and reducing stress. Consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help lower stress levels.
10. Your Baby Is Nursing for Longer Periods but Still Doesn’t Seem Full
If your baby is nursing for longer periods but still seems unsatisfied, it may indicate that they’re not getting enough milk. They could be nursing longer in an attempt to increase milk flow, but if your supply is low, they won’t be able to get enough.
What to do: Offer both breasts during each feeding and try pumping or expressing after breastfeeding to help stimulate milk production.
Related: How To Increase Breast Milk Supply
11. You’re Experiencing Engorgement Less Frequently
Engorgement, which causes your breasts to feel swollen and hard, is common during the early days of breastfeeding. However, if you’re experiencing less engorgement, it could mean that your milk supply is decreasing.
What to do: You can pump or hand express to relieve engorgement and stimulate milk production. Make sure you’re feeding your baby frequently to help keep your supply up.
12. Your Baby Is Losing Interest in Nursing
If your baby is losing interest in breastfeeding, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough milk. Babies who are not satisfied with the milk flow may become less interested in nursing.
What to do: Try offering the breast more frequently, ensuring a proper latch. Skin-to-skin contact can also help encourage your baby to nurse more effectively.
13. Your Baby’s Stools Are Different
Changes in your baby’s stool color or consistency can be an indication that they are not getting enough milk. Healthy stools should be yellow or mustard-colored. If the stools become pale or green, it may indicate low milk intake.
What to do: Monitor your baby’s stool and consult your pediatrician if you notice changes in color or texture. This could help determine whether your baby is getting enough milk.
14. You’re Feeling Pain While Breastfeeding
While some discomfort can be normal at the beginning of breastfeeding, persistent pain during nursing can signal issues with your milk supply or latch.
What to do: Ensure that your baby is latched properly. If pain persists, consult a lactation consultant to check for latch issues or other concerns that could be affecting your milk supply.
15. You’ve Been Using a Pacifier or Bottle Frequently
Frequent use of bottles and pacifiers, especially during the early stages, can interfere with breastfeeding. Babies need to nurse frequently to maintain a healthy milk supply, and bottle feeding or pacifiers may decrease their desire to breastfeed.
What to do: Limit the use of bottles and pacifiers to encourage more frequent breastfeeding. This will help boost your milk supply and ensure your baby is getting enough milk.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding your baby is a natural and rewarding experience, but low milk supply can present challenges. If you notice any of these signs, there are steps you can take to increase your milk supply. However, if these remedies don’t help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider for additional support.
Remember, it’s important to be patient with yourself during this journey. Every mother’s experience is unique, and sometimes getting the help and guidance you need can make all the difference in your breastfeeding success.
Save the pin for later
