It’s natural to panic if you think baby’s not getting enough milk, and trust us, we know that panic doesn’t mix well with those wild postpartum hormones! But take a deep breath and relax, because although low milk supply may seem like a mystery, it’s one you can usually solve. Here are the most common causes of low milk supply:
• Not feeding enough. In the first few weeks following delivery, babies can be super sleepy and sometimes snooze right through feedings. If she’s packing on the pounds regardless, by all means, let a sleeping baby lie. But if not, wake your snoozer up to nurse. For the first few weeks, you should be breastfeeding eight to 12 times a day, which shakes out to about every two or three hours.
• Supplementing with formula. Generally speaking, your body is built to produce as much milk as baby needs—so when baby breastfeeds often, your body understands there’s a high demand for milk and ramps up production to meet it. But when baby’s getting bottles of formula instead of nursing at your breast or via breast pumps, your body is tricked into thinking baby needs less milk—and the supply shrinkage begins. Consider ditching the baby formula if you want to increase milk supply.
• An ineffective latch. Sometimes, the problem isn’t with how often baby is breastfeeding but how he’s feeding at the breast. A poor latch can be detrimental to the entire breastfeeding process. Baby removes less milk, so mom produces less milk. When a baby has a good latch, more milk comes out, and more milk is made. It is as simple as supply & demand.
• Using a pacifier. If baby is using a pacifier throughout the day, it can satisfy her need to nurse and she may not show hunger cues. If you’re planning on using a pacifier, wait until baby is 3 or 4 weeks old and your milk supply is well established before introducing it.
• Drinking alcohol or smoking. Both of these things can decrease milk supply. Smoking can also slow your let-down reflex, making it harder for baby to nurse. If you’re having issues with low milk supply, avoid these substances.
• Born prematurely. Preemie babies are sometimes too small and weak to breastfeed, so you may have to try pumping to increase milk supply. If baby was born prematurely—or was separated from you after birth—it’s important to begin pumping with the breast pump right away to establish a good milk supply. If you don’t, your milk production can take a big hit.
• Health issues or medications. It’s common for a mom’s breast milk supply to take a (temporary) dip if she’s sick with a cold or the flu. But other health conditions, like polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid issues, can have a more lasting impact on breast milk production, as can prior breast surgery. Certain medications can also muck up milk supply, like a combined contraceptive pill or a decongestant.
• Advanced maternal age. Women over the age of 35 who give birth for the first time are much more likely to need to find ways to increase milk supply, such as using breast pumps or taking lactation supplement, than their younger counterparts. Any mom that’s considered to be of advanced maternal age should get the best stimulation early on to have the best chance of breastfeeding. Do it from the start, and talk to a lactation consultant during pregnancy. It is important to maximize milk supply from the very beginning. Article Source: The Bump
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