Breast milk should be the only source of nourishment for a baby for the first six months. Thus, several lactating women may wonder how to increase milk supply safely. To ensure a good milk flow, mothers should start breastfeeding at the earliest and continue to do so more frequently. Good baby latching also ensures effective milk flow. Insufficient milk production is not a common concern since new mothers usually produce sufficient milk. However, if you have been facing issues with breastfeeding, this post will help you establish a normal milk supply (1).
How To Know If Your Milk Supply Is Low?
Here are some signs that alert the mother to a low milk supply (2):
If the baby is losing weight past the three day mark or not gaining an adequate amount of weight (per your pediatrician’s examination) If the baby is producing less than the expected number of wet and dirty diapers for their age (day or week after birth) If the baby is showing dehydration signs, such as dry mouth, dark urine, ‘brick dust’, jaundice or irritability If the baby is not feeding for long or less than eight times per day in the first month after birth If the mother is not eating enough food to sustain her supply If the mother is dehydrated
What Are The Causes Of Low Milk Supply?
Some possible causes that can lead to low milk supply in mothers (3):
Oral contraceptives containing estrogen may cause bodily imbalances resulting in low milk supply. Smoking and alcohol intake can also affect the amount of milk supply in a mother. Recent mastitis (infection of breast tissue) may cause a low milk supply. Breast surgery can impact the creation and supply of milk. Scheduled breastfeeding or timed feeds leading to a lack of breast stimulation Inability of the baby to consume breast milk effectively. Baby does not feed at frequent intervals (most babies feed at least eight to 12 times daily) Baby is unable to latch properly to the breast.
Existing health issues, such as anemia, thyroid disorders or retained placenta, can also be the reasons for low milk supply, but they are rare.
Way To Increase Breast Milk Supply
If the mother cannot create sufficient milk for the baby, she should be encouraged to follow basic measures such as good hydration and diet, gently massaging the breast before latching the baby, limiting caffeine consumption to 200mg per day, quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption. Here are some tips to help the mother increase milk supply (4):
