Inadequate milk supply for baby can be a frustration to lactating mothers who have less time on their hands.
Working moms already have a hard time being away from their new born, deficient nursing substance would be a total disaster.
While research has proven that temporary low milk amounts is quite normal for lactating mothers, a few factors could spiral it to significantly lower amounts.
We take a look at possible reasons for low milk supply:
Table of Contents
Hormonal variations
Fertility changes can lead to a down trend. This occurs particularly during ovulation periods and menstrual cycles.
The body requires time to adjust back to its usual state and with that a few changes in pump out put can be expected.
Birth control pills and contraceptives equally work the same.
According to breastfeeding experts, high estrogen levels slow down mother’s milk.
It is advisable to discontinue or consider alternative measures that are milk friendly.
If you are not on birth control medication, check for pregnancy.
The latter could equally result to low volumes.
Poor pump design and quality
The kind of pump you use has a significant effect on the pump outcome.
Old and frail pumps only result to poor supply, and vice- versa.
Motors that have depleted their life span are not effective.
Experts suggest a replacement usually after one year with an average of 15- 20 pumping sessions per week.
The design and fitting of your pump flange is equally critical.
An oversize or smaller version does not provide optimum pumps.
Sometimes there comes a difference in breast size during your nursing journey therefore find what works for you and do not shy away from resizing.
If you can have a custom made fit the better.
They are both comfortable and efficient.
Irregular nursing patterns
Inconsistency in your nursing habits can result in a drop, especially when you take very long breaks.
It slows down milk production rates.
Optimal milk supply works best with a regular regime and similar time schedules so strive to develop one and strictly follow.
Solid food stage
Mothers new to weaning tend to worry during such periods.
Usually solid foods come into play from the age of 6 months and onwards.
During this season milk supply naturally regulates due to baby’s less frequent nursing.
For babies with just the same amount of milk intake, you should still be able to get in a substantial measure regardless.
Post-partum
Reports show that post-partum can affect milk production either gradually or instantaneously.
At the early stages, nursing mothers produce more milk which tends to decrease progressively over weeks or months.
You should expect a downward trend anytime from 12 weeks for normal cases and in between 6-9 moths for mothers with an oversupply.
Strict diets
This is very common with mothers trying to get back into shape and lose pregnancy fat.
Diet meals may not agree with a steady milk supply.
According to experts who guide mothers on healthy dieting, doctors suggest at least a two month leniency before dieting.
Even then ensure a daily intake of about 1500-1800 calories as you gradually decrease.
Avoid drastic weight shedding and keep it at less than 1.5 pounds per week.
Lack of enough fluids in the body combined with stress or inadequate sleep will also have an effect.
Try as much to incorporate naps during work hours and take in a lot of fluids for hydration.
If you fall sick seek medical attention but refrain from any medication with extreme estrogen.
Here are in turn a few ways to boost your milk output:
Protein rich diets
Aside from generous calorie intake, protein rich foods coupled with oat meals help enhance production.
In the course of the day, slide in a few snacks just to maintain a balanced diet.
Take in a lot of fruits too.
Regular nursing and for longer periods
The trick is to induce milk removal as much as possible.
A decent pump ought to run for about 15 min or so; if you are restricted by time try get in another pumping session in the course of the day even if the results seem slow.
The often you condition your breasts to pumping the better the results overtime.
It is advisable to pump when baby is asleep or in between sessions.
Pumping during feeding time can slow down the milk flow.
Double pumping is more effective than single pumping.
It increases the circulation hence better milk release.
Additionally, cluster pumping is a good idea for frequent milk removal.
It involves both pumping and nursing at a regular interval of 30 minutes, for up to long hours.
This works well with mothers who prefer to keep a good milk reserve for future use.
Breast Massages
Women with an oversupply do not respond well even to the best of pumps.
A breast compression should get the job done.
Gently rub your breasts in circular motion before pumping to stimulate the output.
Make this a habit to achieve best results.
- Use of herbs
Galactagogues are a form of herbal medication used by lactating mothers to promote milk flow.
Some of the common ones include fenugreek, blessed thistle and alfalfa.
However, this should only be an option if other medical prescriptions or advice from your breast feed- counselor have failed.
In combination with frequent pumping for longer time spans, you should have improved pump out puts.
Auxiliary methods
Try adjusting your environs to a serene atmosphere.
Research has shown that low producing mothers who pump in presence of a soothing song or while glancing at their baby photos have noticed a change. It is also a good way to cope with stress.
Ultimately, direct breast feeding is the generic way to produce fuller amounts however, with the help of the above pointers you should be on your way to better days.
Remember, the standard mark usually falls between ½ to 2 ounces per session (which is quite achievable with most women) therefore patiently practice as you anticipate attaining a fuller bottle.