What to Know
- Concerns about milk supply are normal
- Understanding your changing body and your growing baby
- When to contact a healthcare provider
Without an accurate way to measure the amount of milk in your breasts (they don’t come equipped with measuring cups!), you’ll have to rely on your instincts and your baby’s cues to ensure they are getting enough.
Certain signals can sometimes mean a drop in milk supply, but know that these are often false alarms:
Baby wants to feed more often, or is giving hunger cues shortly after feeding.
A hungry baby doesn’t necessarily mean you are low on milk, rather many babies “cluster feed” when they hit growth spurts (which, for their tiny bodies, is quite often). You can expect growth spurts at around two or three weeks old, again at six weeks and then at three months. Breastfeeding frequently when your baby signals for milk more, will help your supply catch up with your little one’s new and growing needs.
Baby seems fussy.
Many infants have a “witching hour” (which may be less or more than an hour!) where they are fussier than usual, but it’s not necessarily related to hunger. Depending on your babie’s personality, they many need to be soothed, they may need sleep or perhaps they're in need of stimulation – you’ll learn what works best for your little one. If your baby does settle down once you offer the breast, it’s ok to feed her, however, it isn’t a sign that your baby isn’t getting enough milk.
Baby starts nursing for shorter periods of time.
As babies get the hang of nursing, they become more efficient. What used to take them 10 to 20 minutes per breast, could take them closer to 5 minutes on each side. This change doesn’t mean you have less milk, rather, it means you baby’s eating skills are developing – a normal and positive sign!
Your breasts feel different.
As your baby gets older, you may find that your breasts become softer or leak less often (or not at all). This change is good news as it means your supply has adjusted to your baby’s needs.
You have an illness.
If you are sick or have a health complication, your milk supply may dip until you are back in good health. Many mothers are able to breastfeed straight through an illness to maintain their supply and be back on track when the dust settles. Contacting a lactation consultant to devise a nursing game plan while you are sick (especially if you are taking medications) is never a bad thing.
If you do in fact have a low milk supply, the remedy begins with finding the source of the problem (perhaps your baby needs more practice with a proper latch or you’re taking a medication that is impacting your supply). Contact us, we have lactation consultants who may be able to help improve your and your baby’s breastfeeding experience and ease any fears about milk supply issues.
What to Do
Relax
It’s certainly easier said than done, but try to take it easy. Breastfeeding works best when you’re relaxed because stress can inhibit your “let-down”, which is the reflex allowing milk to flow from breast to baby.
Do your best to nurse your baby in a place where you feel comfortable and try to just focus on your little one during feeds (instead of your to-do list or your smart phone, as tempting as they can be). If you need help clearing your mind, appeal to the senses – notice how your baby feels, smells, and looks – try singing (your baby will enjoy hearing your voice), or use visualization techniques to picture a place where you feel totally at ease.
Feed your baby frequently
Your body makes milk based on how much is removed from the breast. In other words, the more your baby nurses (or, the more you pump), the more milk you will produce. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues (like lip smacking, finger sucking, and rooting) and feed your baby as often as they need.
In the first few weeks after birth, your goal should be 8 to 12 nursing sessions in a 24-hour period. This number will gradually reduce, once your baby becomes more efficient and can drink more milk at each feeding.
If you have a sleepy baby, you may need to wake her to nurse. Other babies like to “cluster feed” and then sleep for longer periods of time, and that’s ok too.
Notice your baby’s weight changes
It is completely normal for newborns to lose weight in the first three to four days of life, but your baby should regain her birth weight in approximately 10 to 14 days. If your baby is not re-gaining weight or not producing several wet and dirty diapers each day, contact your healthcare provider.
Offer both breasts
Be sure to offer both breasts at each nursing session. This will help your baby get enough milk and ensure that both breasts are stimulated frequently to produce more milk. Remember, your body makes milk based on how much is removed from the breast.
Try breast compression
When nursing, try squeezing your breast firmly (but not to the point of pain) with your thumb on one side and fingers on the other to help increase milk flow.
Wait until your baby is not actively sucking, release her from your nipple, and rotate your fingers around your breast and squeeze again. Switch breasts and repeat twice on each breast.
Schedule a nursing vacation
Cuddle up in bed with your baby and do nothing but rest and nurse – and, of course, feed yourself as well. This will give your baby the opportunity to nurse as often as they would like and help you get some R&R – both of which aid in milk production.
This plan is easiest with your first child, but if arrangements can be made, it’s definitely worth a shot – even for a little while.
Eat well
On average, breastfeeding moms need an extra 450-500 calories each day. Choose nutrient-rich foods to help keep you feeling energized and healthy. Your best bets are vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and poultry.
You can add a little extra to each of your meals or enjoy a couple healthy snacks in your day – like hummus and vegetables, fruit and yogurt or our Happy Mama Breastfeeding Support Lactation Oat Bars.
Drink plenty of fluids
While drinking extra water won’t directly increase your milk supply, it’s important to consume enough fluids to prevent dehydration and keep your body in tip top milk-making shape.
Aim for a total of 13 to 16 cups of fluids per day. Keep a water bottle handy, but know that other liquids like milk, coffee, tea, and juice count toward your daily needs. However, try to stick with beverages that do not contain added sugars (like soda and sweetened teas) or alcohol.
Contact a healthcare professional
If you’re concerned about your milk supply, contact one of our lactation consultants, your healthcare provider or a certified lactation consultant for assistance. She can check your baby’s positioning and latch, and suggest ways to improve nursing sessions so you and your baby both get what you need.
Speak with a Happy Mama Milk Mentor
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About the Happy Mama Milk Mentors
We are a team of lactation specialists and nutritionists here to help you with expert advice for your infant feeding journey.
Sources
- WHO
http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/44117/1/9789241597494_eng.pdf?ua=1&ua=1 - AND
http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/pregnancy/breast-feeding/nursing-your-baby-does-what-you-eat-and-drink-matter - AAP
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full#content-block
