Experiencing low milk supply can give you intense feelings of worry and doubt as you try to provide the best for your baby. As a mother, you face this worry silently because you are unsure if your experience is normal or if something needs to change. When your baby doesn’t seem satisfied, you end up asking yourself, “Why is my milk supply low?”
First of all, it is normal to encounter fluctuations in milk supply. Your low supply may result from physical, emotional, or medical factors. The good news is that many of these can be identified and addressed with the right support. In this guide, you will learn the common reasons behind your low supply, the signs your baby may not be getting enough, and how to boost your milk supply.
Common Reasons Your Milk Supply Might Be Low
It’s frustrating when you keep thinking, “Why is my milk supply low?” because your supply doesn’t meet your baby’s needs. Identifying the possible reasons early can help you take the right action. Here are some common reasons why your milk supply might be low:
- Infrequent Breastfeeding or Pumping: The less often you breastfeed your baby or pump your breasts, the less milk your body produces. Short feeding sessions may not empty the breast fully, but they signal your body to reduce milk output.
- Poor Latch or Positioning: Latching is how your baby attaches their mouth to your breast. If the latch of your baby is shallow, you may feel pinching or sharp pain. If you observe this in your baby, this could be the possible reason you’re wondering, “Why is my milk supply low?”
- Supplementing with Formula Too Early: When you feed formula instead of breastfeeding or pumping, you decrease the milk removal that drives production. Less time at the breast means less stimulation and lower supply.
- Stress and Fatigue: Stress, poor sleep, and fatigue can affect hormones for milk production. The hormone for milk production is naturally higher at night if milk is removed. If you skipped nursing or pumping at night due to hormonal issues, it could be the reason why you keep asking yourself, “Why is my milk supply low at night?”
- Certain Medications: Some over-the-counter and prescription medications can interfere with milk production. Decongestants and hormonal birth control are common examples that may lower prolactin levels.
- Health Conditions: Thyroid issues, anemia, diabetes, or retained placenta fragments can all affect how your body produces milk. If you’ve been doing everything right and still worry, “Why is my breast milk supply low?” it may be time to check your overall health.
- Insufficient Glandular Tissue or Breast Surgery: Some women naturally have less milk-producing tissue, or may have had surgeries that disrupted milk ducts. This can limit how much milk the breasts can make and store.
- Inadequate Hydration or Nutrition:Milk production requires energy and hydration. Not drinking enough water or skipping meals can cause your supply to slow. You could be one of the mothers who notice this pattern and begin to ask, “Why my milk supply is low?” even though you’re nursing regularly.
- Smoking or Excessive Caffeine: Smoking has been linked to reduced milk volume and early weaning. High doses of caffeine may also affect your baby’s sleep, thus indirectly affecting your milk production.
Signs Your Baby May Not Be Getting Enough Milk
Because newborns can’t tell you what they need, you tend to rely on your baby’s physical hints and behavior to understand what’s happening. The signs below may help you find answers.
- Your baby has fewer than six wet diapers and three bowel movements per day after the first week.
- Weight gain is slow, stagnant, or your baby hasn’t regained their birth weight by two weeks.
- Your baby seems fussy or still hungry shortly after most feedings.
- Nursing sessions regularly last over 45 minutes without your baby seeming satisfied.
- Your baby falls asleep quickly at the breast without active sucking or swallowing.
- Your breasts still feel firm or full even after feeding.
- You rarely hear swallowing sounds during nursing sessions.
- You notice your milk supply feels lower during nighttime feedings.
How to Boost Your Milk Supply
Increasing milk supply may require simple lifestyle changes and feeding strategies to achieve results. To finally answer your question, “Why is my milk supply low?” consider implementing the following methods to boost your milk supply.
- Nurse and Pump Frequently
The more often you remove milk from your breasts through nursing, the more your body will respond by making milk. Aim to feed at least 8 times a day, especially in the early weeks. If your baby sleeps for long periods or doesn’t nurse well, try pumping to help you with milk removal when you’re away or unable to breastfeed directly.
- Choose the Right Pumping Method
When direct breastfeeding isn’t possible for you, you can use breast pumps to help you keep your milk supply active. You can choose from manual, electric, and wireless pumps. Remember that manual pumps require manual effort, which can be tiring, while electric pumps are bulky and noisy to operate.
For flexibility, especially if you’re a busy or working mother managing multiple tasks at home, you can opt for wireless and hands-free wearable pumps. A great example is the eufy Breast Pump E20. It features hospital-grade suction that can give 30% more milk output. It’s compact and operates quietly inside your bra.
- Check and Improve Your Baby’s Latch
Look for signs of a good latch. A good latch means your baby is positioned correctly on the breast, not just sucking on the nipple but taking a deep mouthful of the areola or the darker area around the nipple. If nursing feels uncomfortable or your baby seems frustrated at the breast, consider professional support from a lactation consultant.
- Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact
Hold your baby against your bare chest to help increase oxytocin levels, which boost milk flow. This is helpful if your baby is sleepy or not latching well. Even short periods of skin-to-skin contact before a feeding can calm your baby and help your body respond more easily. The emotional and physical closeness supports both your milk supply and your baby's comfort.
- Power Pump to Mimic Cluster Feeding
Power pumping involves mimicking your baby’s natural feeding behavior to boost your milk supply. It’s usually done in frequent and short sessions, such as a cycle of 20 minutes pumping, 10 minutes rest, repeated for an hour. Since this routine can be tiring and hard to track, a wireless and wearable pump can help you make the process easier.
A wearable pump, such as the eufy Breast Pump S1 Pro + Milk Container, lets you control your pumping sessions through its dedicated app. It’s the only wearable breast pump with heating during pumping. It also came with a built-in milk container, so you can move anywhere without always watching the pumping progress.
- Breast Massage While Pumping or Nursing
Gently massage your breasts during feeds or while pumping to help you with milk flow and ensure better emptying. This stimulation encourages more complete drainage of the milk ducts, which tells your body to continue producing. It can also help loosen blocked ducts and improve milk release.
- Switch Sides During Each Feeding
Switch breasts during a feeding to encourage your baby to stay actively sucking and helps stimulate both sides of your breasts to produce more milk. Once your baby slows down or stops swallowing on one breast, offer the other side and repeat the switch if needed.
If you are pumping instead of nursing, wearable eufy Breast Pumps already offers two wearable pumps for simultaneous pumping to express or remove milk from both breasts. In this case, you can save time in pumping for milk supply while multitasking or working anywhere.
- Avoid Unnecessary Formula Supplementation
If you give your baby a formula without pumping, your breasts may not get enough stimulation to maintain your milk supply. Every time your baby skips a feed, your body makes less milk. If supplementation is needed for medical reasons, be sure to express milk during that time to protect your supply. Think of it as keeping the signal active for your milk supply.
- Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
Your body needs enough calories and fluids to make milk. Focus on balanced meals and drink water regularly throughout the day. You don’t need to overeat, but skipping meals or becoming dehydrated can affect your supply. Breastfeeding burns energy, so take care of your own nutrition too.
- Consider Galactagogues with Caution
Some herbal supplements and foods, known as galactagogues, are believed to increase milk supply. This includes fenugreek, oats, or blessed thistle. While some mothers find them helpful, the effects vary, and some supplements may cause side effects. Always speak to your doctor or lactation consultant before starting any herbal remedy. Not everything natural is safe or effective for everyone.
- Reduce Stress and Rest When Possible
Stress doesn’t stop your milk production, but it can affect letdown or the release of milk during feeding or pumping. Try to rest when you can and create a peaceful environment. Even small moments of calm can help your body release milk more easily. Remember, your emotional well-being is part of your breastfeeding health too.
- Get Professional Support
A certified lactation consultant can assess the root causes of your low supply and provide you with feeding techniques. They can evaluate the pumping equipment, latch, and any challenges you face with timing or positioning. Personalized guidance can resolve issues efficiently. Their timely support builds confidence and enhances outcomes.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many milk supply issues can be addressed at home, there are times when professional support is necessary. If you still ask, “Why is my milk supply low?” despite trying techniques at home, consider consulting a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. Here are conditions where expert intervention makes sense:
- Your Baby Isn’t Gaining Weight
If weight gain is poor even after trying different strategies, speak with your pediatrician. Your baby may need extra feeding support or evaluation for feeding problems.
- You Experience Persistent Pain While Nursing
Ongoing nipple pain, cracking, or sharp sensations could indicate latch issues, thrush, or tongue-tie. A lactation consultant can assess and correct these problems.
- Your Supply Doesn’t Improve with Home Remedies
If your supply remains low despite nursing more often, pumping, and lifestyle changes, a lactation expert can help identify underlying issues. They may suggest further medical evaluations.
- You Have a Medical Condition Affecting Milk Supply
Conditions like PCOS, anemia, or thyroid problems can interfere with lactation. A doctor can help manage these health issues while supporting your breastfeeding goals.
- You’re Feeling Overwhelmed or Anxious
Mental health is closely linked to lactation. If you’re feeling anxious, exhausted, or defeated, it’s okay to ask for help. Lactation consultants, postpartum counselors, and peer support groups can offer guidance and comfort.
Conclusion
Worrying about your milk supply is something many new mothers face, and it doesn’t reflect your ability or dedication. If you’re quietly troubled and end up asking, “Why is my milk supply low?” know that understanding the causes and signs of low supply is the first step to improving it. With small but consistent changes, you can boost your milk supply. Every mother’s situation is unique, and with the right support, you can make guided decisions that are best for you and your baby.
FAQs
What causes low production of breast milk?
Low breast milk production can result from a combination of factors such as infrequent feeding, poor latch, use of formula, or certain medications. Health conditions like thyroid disorders, anemia, and retained placenta can also interfere with milk supply. Stress, lack of sleep, and dehydration may further impact hormone levels involved in milk production.
How do you fix a low breast milk supply?
Breastfeed or pump frequently, making sure your baby latches well and empties both breasts during each session. Use skin-to-skin contact, switch sides during feeds, and try power pumping to mimic cluster feeding. Support your body by eating well, staying hydrated, reducing stress, and avoiding formula unless medically necessary.
Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?
Not always. Soft breasts do not automatically mean you have a low supply. As your body adjusts to breastfeeding, your breasts may feel softer even when they are producing enough milk. The best indicators of sufficient supply are your baby’s weight gain, diaper output, and feeding behavior.
How to tell if breast milk is drying up?
Signs that your milk supply may be decreasing include fewer wet or soiled diapers, your baby not gaining enough weight, shorter or weaker nursing sessions, and reduced breast fullness. You may also notice a slower let-down reflex or less milk when pumping. If these signs persist, it’s best to speak with a lactation specialist for a thorough evaluation.
