How to understand that there is really little milk
There are only two reliable signs. The first is weight gain: after physiological loss in the first days, the child regains birth weight by 10–14 days and then steadily gains. The second is the wet diaper test: from the end of the first week, a healthy baby, receiving only breastfeeding, urinates at least 6 times a day with light urine. In the first weeks, bowel movements are usually several times a day. Everything else - soft breasts, no leakage, restlessness of the baby - are normal and they don’t talk about the amount of milk.
- Weight gain according to growth charts
- At least 6 urinations per day
- Light-colored urine without a strong odor
- Regular bowel movements in the first weeks
- The baby is active, pink, wakes up well during feedings
- Soft breasts and no hot flashes are the norm
Why there may be less milk
The main reason is insufficient breast stimulation: infrequent feedings on a schedule, long night breaks, use of pacifiers and supplementation, early introduction of formula. The second common reason is improper attachment, in which the baby sucks only the nipple, gets tired and has difficulty emptying the breast. True medical causes are less common: retained parts of the placenta, severe blood loss during childbirth, thyroid disease, some breast surgeries and certain medications.
- Rare feedings and long night breaks
- Incorrect chest grip
- Early introduction of the mixture and supplementation with water
- Early short frenulum of the tongue in a child
- Thyroid diseases, anemia, retained placenta
- Breast surgery, some medications
- Severe stress, pain, lack of sleep
What really increases your milk supply?
Only one thing works: emptying your breasts more often and more completely. Feed on demand, at least 8-12 times a day, always at night, when the production of lactation hormone is maximum. Check the attachment: the child should grasp the areola with a wide open mouth, lips turned out, swallowing can be heard. Offer both breasts, use breast compression while suckling, and supplement with expressed milk rather than formula if possible. Skin-to-skin contact and staying together help better than any tea.
- Feedings on demand, 8–12 times a day
- Mandatory night feedings
- Correct deep chest grip
- Pump after feedings if necessary
- Skin to skin contact
- Avoiding pacifiers and bottles during the transition period
What does not help and can harm
Special teas for lactation, condensed milk, large quantities of nuts, beer and drinking too much beyond thirst do not increase milk production. Fat content and the amount of milk do not depend on strict diets, and unreasonable dietary restrictions only exhaust the mother. It is dangerous and pointless to weigh a child before and after each feeding: the numbers fluctuate greatly and cause unnecessary anxiety. Supplementing with formula “just in case” reduces breast stimulation and starts a vicious circle. Any medications for lactation are prescribed only by a doctor.
- Lactogonic teas and dietary supplements have no proven benefits
- Drinking more than you are thirsty does not increase milk supply
- A nursing mother does not need strict diets
- Control weighings after each feeding are not indicative
- Supplemental feeding with formula without indications reduces lactation
- Drugs to stimulate lactation - strictly as prescribed by the doctor
When supplementary feeding is really needed
There are situations when supplementary feeding is prescribed for medical reasons: significant weight loss, dehydration, severe jaundice, prematurity, illness of the child or mother. This decision is made by the doctor and does not mean the end of breastfeeding. Supplementary feeding is given with expressed milk or formula, preferably from a cup, spoon or through a supplementary feeding system at the breast, so that the baby does not refuse to suck. At the same time, they continue to breastfeed and express in order to maintain and gradually increase lactation.
- Indications for supplementary feeding are determined by the doctor
- Supplementation with expressed milk is preferable
- Cup, spoon or supplementary feeding
- Continue breastfeeding and pumping
- Weight control and wet diapers over time
- Gradual reduction of supplementary feeding as lactation increases
