Mothers often believe that they're not producing enough milk. This can happen, but it doesn't have to. Of course, there may be a temporary shortage, which is quite normal, and it doesn't mean that the baby "isn't getting enough". Below you will find some information about how you can boost lactation.
Many new mothers worry about whether they are making enough milk for their baby. A suspected lack of milk is often no cause for concern, however; in most cases milk production adapts to the baby’s needs. Nevertheless, there are situations in which there actually isn’t enough milk coming through, or you get the sense that your baby isn’t full.
We explain how to recognise when there is a genuine lack of milk, what might be causing this and what practical steps you can take to encourage milk production.
Causes behind a lack of milk
A genuine failure to produce enough milk is rare. Very often, the problem can be traced back to the mechanics of breastfeeding rather than to any physical cause. The good news is that there are solutions to this – it’s just a question of finding the approach that works for you. Some of the most common issues are as follows:
- The baby is put on the breast too infrequently or for too short a time
- The baby is positioned incorrectly on the breast or has problems suckling
- The mother is suffering from stress or sleep deprivation, or is not getting enough rest
- Hormonal imbalances or certain pre-existing conditions
- Birth complications, such as a difficult labour or caesarean section
How do you know whether your baby is getting enough milk?
Many signs that parents find concerning are actually completely normal: frequent feeding, restless behaviour or cluster feeding do not automatically mean a lack of milk. There are simple clues to help you determine whether or not your baby is getting enough milk:
They steadily gain weight (guideline: around 150 to 200 grams per week in the first few months of life).
They regularly have wet nappies (at least five to six per day).
Stools are soft and yellowish.
Tips on encouraging milk production
- Frequent and correct feeding: Breastfeed your baby as often as possible – at least eight to twelve times in 24 hours. The more often the baby feeds, the more milk is produced. Make sure your baby is latched correctly.
- Rest and relaxation: Try to avoid stress and build breaks into your day. Physical and mental stress can inhibit milk production. Ask your partner or family for support with day-to-day tasks.
- Nutrition and fluids: Make sure you eat a balanced, nutritious diet and drink plenty of water. Special nursing teas may be helpful and are said to stimulate milk production, but they are not essential.
- Vary breastfeeding positions: Different positions can help to ensure your breasts are fully emptied, encouraging milk production.
- Skin-to-skin contact and cuddles: Lots of skin contact and cuddles with your baby promote the release of oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “cuddle hormone”, and support milk production.
- Support from professionals: Don’t be afraid to seek advice from a breastfeeding consultant or midwife. Professional support can remove uncertainty and allow for personalised recommendations.
Most of the time, suspected problems with milk supply can be remedied with small adjustments and lots of patience. Trust your instincts and seek support as soon as possible if you are unsure about anything. And remember that your body will normally be perfectly attuned to your baby’s needs.
