Is it really low milk supply…Or something else?

According to a study performed in 2019, 70.3% of breastfeeding families faced challenges during their journey, with most of these challenges reported within the first month postpartum (Gianni et al., 2019).  Amongst the small list of most often reported complications, “insufficient milk supply.”   Milk supply is one of the most frequently reported concerns amongst breastfeeding parents.  If you think you may be struggling with low milk supply, you are not alone. Understanding the causes and solutions can help alleviate concerns and support a successful breastfeeding journey.

Is it really low milk supply…Or something else?  

Oftentimes, what is perceived by the parent as low milk supply isn’t really low milk supply after all.  Some of the most common imposters of “low milk supply” reported by our breastfeeding medicine NP:

1. Overfeeding:  Especially common in dyads who are exclusively pumping/bottle feeding and have been supplementing from the start.  Infants may take more than normal amounts, making it physiologically impossible for the mom to keep up.  Calculating feeding amounts based on infant age and weight often aids in fixing the problem.

2. Poor transfer:  A mechanical issue where the infant is unable to effectively remove milk from breast, often presenting as poor infant growth and need for supplementation after feeds without incorporating a pumping routine.  Pumping after a feed shows reassuring output.

3. Unrealistic expectations:  Social media boasts a massive platform for parenting influencers to share “success stories,” which may actually be problems in disguise, creating expectations that are out of reach even for the healthiest individuals.  

Low milk supply, explained.  It’s all about the detective work!

If we’ve ruled out that we don’t have a hidden problem instead, it’s time to do some digging.  Low milk supply is really a symptom of an underlying condition, and sometimes it takes a looking glass to find the cause.  There are two common categories of underlying issues:

1.  Mechanical

   1. Inadequate/incomplete milk removal caused by infant oral restrictions and/or malfunctioning breast pump or ineffective pumping routine.

   2. Infrequent milk removal, or removal of milk less than 8-10x/day. 

2.  Maternal

   1. Hormonal/Metabolic imbalances, such as low prolactin, thyroid disease, insulin resistance, anemia, or nutritional imbalances.

   2. Anatomical variances where breast development may be inadequate or incomplete, resulting in poor mammary tissue.

Strategies to boost milk supply

If you’re experiencing low milk supply, here are some effective ways to increase it:

• Frequent milk removal: Aim to empty your breasts (with a functional baby or pump) at least 8-10 times per day.  This is the single most important factor in milk supply.

• Prioritize self-care: Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting adequate rest are incredibly important to optimize mental and physical health.

• Ditch the wearables: While wearable pumps are convenient, they are often culprits in low milk supply.  Use a traditional pump whenever possible.

• Avoid overstimulation: Mimics cluster feeding and can help increase supply over time. This can usually be done once a day

• Seek support: 

  • An experienced lactation consultant can help assess feeding challenges and provide tailored solutions to increase your supply.

  • Our breastfeeding medicine nurse practitioner can be an important partner in your efforts to increase milk supply.  She is able to dive deeper into your history to detect any risk , order necessary diagnostic tests, 

• Supplements and medications: Our Nurse Practitioner can prescribe medications or supplements based on your clinical history, exam, and lab work, targeted to treat the root cause of your low milk supply.

We highly recommend a prenatal visit to address any pre-existing factors that could impact your milk supply.

We specialize in low milk supply! Concerns about milk supply are common, but with the right support and strategies, most parents can successfully meet their breastfeeding goals. If you're struggling or have questions, our lactation consultants and nurse practitioner are here to help. Reach out today!

Need more help? Book a visit with Wisco Lactation! We offer home & office visits in Southern Wisconsin and NE Illinois. Including Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha and the surrounding areas. Virtual visits offered worldwide!

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