Increasing Milk Supply

I’m concerned that I’m not making enough milk. How can I know for sure? How can I increase milk production?

Milk supply is one of the most common concerns moms have while breastfeeding. Wanting to make sure your baby is getting enough just means you are a good mom! There are things you can do to increase milk supply, but let's do some investigating first.

Is there something to be concerned about?

The first step is determining whether there is a milk supply issue or evidence of sufficient milk production. Since you can't measure the exact amount of breast milk your baby receives while nursing, there are several signs you can look for to ensure your baby is getting enough.

Positive Signs Baby is Getting Enough to Eat:

• • Back to the 24-hour-weight by 2 weeks and gaining 4-7 ounces per week afterward
  • Having at least 4 poopy diapers a day (each at least the size of a quarter) by 4 days old
  • Breastfeeding 8-12 times in 24 hours and having clear hunger cues
  • Appearing relaxed and satisfied after a feeding

Things that DO NOT mean your supply is low:

• • Baby wants to eat all the time.
  • Cluster feeding (especially during growth spurts), when baby has several feedings spaced closely together. 
  • Baby drinks a bottle of formula (and sleeps) after breastfeeding:
    • Babies have an instinct to suck and will drink a bottle when offered, even if they aren’t hungry. Also, most bottle nipples (even those with a slow flow rate) drip in babies’ mouths without much effort.
  • Baby is fussy:
    • Babies cry for many reasons, not just hunger.
  • Baby wakes frequently: 
    • They may wake at night or just after finishing breastfeeding, and some assume that waking means baby is hungry. Sometimes they do need to be fed, but other times they have just finished their sleep cycle.

I don’t notice all of those signs that my baby is getting enough breast milk.

Great job keeping such a close eye on your baby. The next step is to determine the cause of low milk supply.

Causes/Solutions:

1. 1. Not feeding/pumping on demand, or waking a sleepy baby to feed:

• • • Aim for 8-12 feedings in 24 hours.
    • Avoid formula supplementation, or if recommended by your doctor, breastfeed first and follow with formula using the paced bottle-feeding method. 
    • Avoid pacifiers until breastfeeding is established, and don’t allow them to replace or delay feedings.

1. 2. Improper latch: A deep latch is necessary for adequate milk transfer. If baby isn’t removing milk effectively, milk supply will decrease. 

• • • Use proper positioning techniques.
    • Have baby checked for any lip or tongue ties that would interfere with latching. Trained lactation consultants and dentists are skilled at identifying them.
    • Explore solutions for flat or inverted nipples that make latching challenging for baby.

1. 3.  Certain types of birth control or other medications:

• • • Inform your doctor of your breastfeeding status before medications are prescribed. 
    • Check with your doctor or a pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medications. There are many options that are safe to use while breastfeeding that will not affect milk supply. 

1. 4. Excess stress 

• • • Practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing.
    • Hold your baby skin-to-skin.
    • Take a warm bath.
    • Get some fresh air. 
    • If stress becomes unmanageable, seek help. Click here for more information about postpartum depression and anxiety.

I think I know the cause, now what?

Along with the solutions to the particular cause of your low milk supply, there are more things you can do to boost breast milk production. Reaching out to your doctor for some guidance may be a good idea as well.

Increasing Milk Supply:

• • Practice skin-to-skin contact with your baby to stimulate milk-making hormones.
  • Make sure you are getting enough water and calories.
  • Add breastfeeding and/or pumping sessions.
    • Prioritize latching, as babies are usually the most effective at removing milk. 
  • Do breast compressions during the feeding.
  • Try hands-on pumping during pumping sessions.
  • Power pump.

Using a breast pump that has a strong motor and breast flanges that fit correctly directly impacts how much milk can be removed—which affects how much milk will be produced. Ask your peer counselor about the pumps WIC provides.

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You got this!

With determination and consistency, you can successfully increase milk production if needed. Set a breastfeeding goal that includes how long and how exclusively you want to breastfeed. Keep this goal in mind when challenges arise, and click here for some motivation regarding how valuable every drop of breast milk is to your baby!