Low Milk Supply

Low Milk Supply

Many breastfeeding mothers worry about having enough milk for their baby. The good news is most mothers can make plenty of milk.

Low milk supply may happen:

  • If you limit your baby’s breastfeeding sessions
  • If you give your baby infant formula instead of breastfeeding
  • If you give your baby solid foods before they are 6 months old
  • If your baby is not feeding often enough
  • If your baby is not latching well
  • If you are stressed or not getting enough sleep

What you can do:

  • To increase milk supply, empty your breasts with each feeding
  • If your baby does not drain your breasts, pump after each feeding
  • The more often you empty your breasts, the more milk your breasts will make
  • Breastfeed often and let your baby decide when to end the feeding
  • Offer both breasts at each feeding
  • Have your baby stay at the first breast as long as they are still sucking and swallowing
  • Offer the second breast when your baby slows down or stops
  • Massage or compress your breasts while your baby is latched to help release more milk
  • Avoid giving formula or using pacifiers
  • If you need to feed your baby a bottle, offer your expressed milk

If the tips above don’t help, check with your healthcare provider to make sure there aren’t any medical issues that could be decreasing your milk supply.