Help for mom’s low milk supply
Q: I’m concerned that I’m not producing enough milk for my baby. Is there anything I can do about this? A: Navigating concerns for low breast milk supply can be very stressful for some families. This may be even more so during the baby formula shortage if you need to supplement with formula. Here are five steps that can help if you’re looking to boost your milk supply, whether you are exclusively nursing your infant or supplementing with formula or solid foods.
1. Visit your child’s health care provider:
All mothers share the concern about their milk being enough for their baby. If you are worried about breast milk supply, visit your child’s pediatrician — we are happy to help! Your pediatrician will start by looking at how your infant is growing. A baby who is tracking along their growth curve as they should is very reassuring.
Sometimes babies are fussy due to colic or other factors, which may not be related to the volume or amount of feeding. Pediatricians can also work with you to identify factors that can help increase your breast milk supply or resolve breastfeeding difficulties, including latching issues and breastfeeding positions. An evaluation by a board-certified lactation consultant can also help you discover any other possible causes.
2. Tech check your breast pump:
Effective milk extraction is the best way to help keep up your milk supply. If you are pumping and notice that there is a decrease in the volume you are able to produce, check your pump equipment. Ensuring a proper flange fit can optimize pumping. It is also a good idea to inspect the pump valves. Over time, they can become worn and reduce the effectiveness of your pump. For information about pump settings, you can look to your pump’s manufacturer. However, it is best to seek the help of a lactation consultant to determine which pump settings work best for you.
Also, consider if the type of pump you’re using is best for your specific needs. A double electric pump is best when needing to express breast milk. Manual or hand pumps can work for short-term use, but are not ideal when you are planning to return to work outside the home or pump longer term.
3. Offer breast milk first:
If you are supplementing your breast-fed baby’s diet with formula, start feedings with available breast milk first. Then if needed, give baby formula to meet your infant’s growing nutritional demands. Be sure to follow food safety guidelines for breast milk and baby formula. If either are left out too long, especially once a bottle has been used, they can be contaminated with oral bacteria and make your infant sick. Never water down formula to make it last longer.
4. Take time to care for you:
Staying hydrated and getting good nutrition are very important to breast milk production. You need to take care and nourish yourself so you can provide nutrition to your baby. There are no special tricks or products needed; specific foods or supplements you may see marketed to promote breast milk production are not necessary. Instead, focus on eating healthful foods and drinking plenty of water, the same things all of us should be doing every day.
5. Consider other health factors:
If you’ve noticed a lower-than-usual milk supply, consider other health factors. For example, the return of your cycle or thyroid issues can affect breast milk supply. Infections can also affect your ability to make breast milk. Some other factors that could increase the risk of low milk: your baby was born pre-term; you had a cesarean delivery or a difficult delivery; you delivered multiples, or you had a previous breast biopsy or surgery. Consider seeing your primary care provider or OB/GYN for further evaluation if you have concerns.