Signs Your Breast Milk Supply Is Decreasing

One of the most common concerns new breastfeeding parents have is that they are not producing enough breast milk for their baby, or that their milk supply is decreasing rather than regulating. In fact, a study of Australian parents found that only 49% of parents were still breastfeeding exclusively nine weeks after birth due to perceived insufficient breast milk supply (PIMS). Meanwhile, an early study of U.S. parents found that 35% of breastfeeding parents ultimately weaned early because of PIMS.

“One of the biggest concerns in the nursing community [parents] Corrie Moran, RN, BSN, IBCLC, a certified lactation consultant at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, says: “There are many factors that affect breast milk supply from the beginning and throughout the breastfeeding journey. This is established from birth. An adequate supply of breast milk is very important.

If you’re concerned that your breast milk supply is depleting, here’s what you need to know about breast milk production, including signs that your breast milk supply is dwindling and what you can do to correct the situation so that you can continue breastfeeding without No problems will arise.

How breast milk is produced

After your baby is born, breast milk goes through many different transformations until it reaches a state of regulation or consistency. Initially, as soon as your baby is born, your body produces colostrum, or premilk. This liquid gold is packed with nutrients and antibodies to provide the foundation for your breastfeeding journey.

On the second to fourth day postpartum, your breasts will begin to produce large amounts of milk. During this time, they feel fuller—a process that people often describe as milk coming in. Typically around this time, many breastfeeding parents begin to worry that their milk supply is dwindling—even though this can happen at any time.

Signs Your Breast Milk Supply Is Decreasing

While many signs of milk regulation, such as tender breasts or shorter feedings, are often interpreted as signs of a reduced milk supply, they are actually just indicators that your body and baby are adjusting to breastfeeding.

“Also remember, it’s normal for babies to have a period of growth spurts and intensive feeding to increase milk supply,” says Jenelle Ferry, M.D., board-certified neonatologist and feeding, nutrition and infant specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group Development Director. “These brief [usually two day] Cluster feeding periods are usually not a sign of reduced or insufficient milk supply.

Your body also becomes more efficient at producing milk and doesn’t need to store as much milk between feedings, Dr. Ferry says. “[This] Usually means less engorgement because milk production coincides more closely with baby feeding times. [Your milk] Supply is usually balanced with baby demand.

That said, your breast milk supply may decrease, especially if you’re stressed or going through a difficult birth. Here are some potential signs that your breast milk supply is reduced.

Your baby stops gaining or losing weight

While it’s normal for breastfed babies to lose weight after birth, they should return to their birth weight in about 10 to 14 days, Moran said. They should continue to gain weight thereafter, she said.

“Weight gain naturally slows down around 4 to 6 months,” adds Dr. Ferry. “But babies should continue to grow along the curve on the growth chart—usually at least a pound per month. Not growing may mean they are not eating enough calories, or not getting enough milk.

Your baby has low or reduced energy

Dr. Ferry says a more subtle sign of a reduced milk supply may be a decrease in energy. “If your baby is very fussy, tires more easily, or has trouble staying awake to nurse, this could also be a sign that he’s not eating enough.”

Breast milk supply sometimes happens naturally as your baby’s needs decrease, she adds. “There are a variety of other reasons why your body may start to produce less milk, even though your baby still needs a lot of milk.”

There is a change in the number of dirty diapers your baby has

Not having enough wet, dirty diapers is usually a telltale sign that your baby isn’t getting enough breast milk, and may be a sign that your milk supply is dwindling, Moran says.

“Breastfed babies should have a wet diaper and a stool on their first day of life,” she says. “On day two they should have two wets and two stools. On day three, three wets and three stools; on day four, four wets and four stools; on day five, six to eight wets and three to four stools. However, these stools may gradually decrease as your baby gets older.

Your baby seems dehydrated

When babies don’t get enough breast milk, they may begin to become dehydrated. You’ll notice less urine in their diapers, no tears when they cry, and the fontanelle (or soft spot) on the top of their head may be sunken or flat.

“If your baby is wetting his diaper less often, crying without tears, or his urine is darker than before, this could be a sign of dehydration from not getting enough fluids,” says Dr. Ferry.

What causes milk supply to decrease?

Dr. Ferry says a decrease in your milk supply can occur at any time during breastfeeding, especially if you’re stressed or don’t nurse regularly. Lack of sleep, not pumping enough milk while away from your baby, dieting, hormonal changes, blocked ducts and health issues can also play a role.

“[Parents] People with low milk production may have postpartum hemorrhage, retained placental fragments, a history of polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid problems, diabetes and obesity,” says Moran.

People who have had breast surgery or have insufficient glandular tissue may also have a low milk supply, she says. Likewise, if your baby is approaching one year old or older, the supply may naturally decrease as the weaning process begins. Moran said other possible causes include:

• Improper latch leads to lack of breast stimulation
• Having feeding problems
• Missed pumping times or abnormal pumping while out
• Postpartum efforts to build supply
• Oversupply reduced to meet baby demand
• Experiencing changes such as illness or different lifestyle habits
• Return to work or stay away from your baby
• taking antihistamines, some decongestants, or birth control pills
• Pregnant while still breastfeeding
• Introducing solid foods or changing your baby’s breastfeeding pattern

Strategies and Techniques to Increase Milk Supply

According to Dr. Ferry, there are two keys to increasing your milk supply: making sure you’re getting the nutrients you need, and removing milk from your breasts regularly and efficiently. “The most important thing is to [the breastfeeding parent] to ensure [their] Your body is getting what it needs. Please remember that if [your] If the body is not adequately supported, it cannot provide more support to another little human. Here are some strategies experts recommend to help increase your milk supply:

• maintain healthy habits. Make sure you get enough sleep, check your diet, and drink plenty of water, she says. “If you are feeling stressed or anxious, reach out to a friend or family member to help care for your baby. Don’t hesitate to seek mental health therapy and medication as directed.
• Remove more breast milk. You should also increase the number of times you drain milk from your breasts and make sure the milk is drained efficiently. For example, you may need to express your milk with a breast pump or by hand after nursing to ensure your breasts are completely empty after each feeding.
• Nursing as much as possible. Additionally, consider breastfeeding on demand whenever possible, Moran says. “Have a ‘nanny’ for your baby. Do as much skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding as possible on the weekends.
• Try a power pump. You can also try a power pump, Moran says. You can pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, pump for another 10 minutes, rest for another 10 minutes, and pump for another 10 minutes. She recommends doing it once or twice a day for a few days.
• Consider foods that support lactation. “Some foods can act as galactagogues and help support lactation, including oats, brewer’s yeast, nuts, fennel and fenugreek,” says Dr. Ferry. Galactagogues are substances that increase milk supply. They are usually of plant origin but can also be synthetic and are used to treat low or reduced milk supply.

When to seek outside help

If your breast milk supply is insufficient for your baby to grow and thrive, you should seek immediate assistance from your baby’s pediatrician, lactation consultant, or feeding specialist. They can determine if your baby is showing signs of dehydration or if they are not producing enough wet or poopy diapers. They can also help ensure your baby latches on correctly and provide tips on how to increase your milk supply.

“If your baby isn’t growing and/or is showing signs of dehydration, it’s important to address milk supply issues early to get back on track,” says Dr. Ferry.