What are the signs of low milk in breastfeeding moms, and how to increase it?
Breastfeeding is the primary concern for a new mother. Whether the parent is bottle-feeding or not, after some time, it becomes hard to find whether the breast milk is enough for the baby. Questions like whether the baby is getting enough nutrients to thrive and grow and whether the breast milk is enough to keep up with the growing baby’s demands appear frequently in a parent’s mind. If you suspect that your breast milk is low or decreasing, this article is perfect for you. Here are some signs related to a baby that indicate low milk in breastfeeding.
No feeding at night
Some mothers do not feed their babies at night due to tiredness all day. But our body produces more prolactin, the lactation hormone, at night. Thus, if you skip feeding the baby at night, the overall prolactin levels will drop, leading to a low milk supply during the day.
Lack of appropriate weight gain
A newborn baby loses up to 5% to 7% of the birth weight after birth. A healthy baby with adequate breastfeeding procures back to its birth weight within two weeks. The baby should gain weight steadily. Consult a pediatrician to ensure proper weight gain. If the weight gain is improper, then there is low breast milk.
Poop
A newborn poops at least 3 to 4 times everyday, especially in the first week of life. The consistency and color of a newborn’s poop indicate if the milk is enough for the baby or not. The poop should be wet-looking and mustard-colored. As the baby grows, they will poop less frequently, but the signs will remain the same.
Dehydration
If your baby shows signs of dehydration, then there is a lack of milk. The symptoms of dehydration are less and dark urine for several hours, no tears while crying, irritability, dry mouth, a sunken soft spot on the head, and excessive sleepiness with low energy levels. If you find any of these symptoms, call a pediatrician immediately.
The behavior of the baby while breastfeeding.
The baby’s behavior while breastfeeding is the best indicator of milk supply. If the milk is enough for the baby, it will make gulping noises and release the breast on its own. They will be calm after feeding and probably fall asleep. If the baby always remains irritated and fussy after feeding, maybe there is a low milk supply.
These are just signs, but you should consult a doctor before reaching any conclusion and start working on it. Breastfeeding includes numerous advantages for the infant and mother. Most women can increase their milk supply through some measures and tips to increase their milk supply.
- Breastfeed your baby frequently or if you are pumping, pump more often. Frequently taking milk out of the body leads to hormonal signals in the mother’s body that will stimulate more milk production. Try to feed the baby 8 to 12 times a day. A newborn needs that much milk during the growing phase. Try pumping and storing the milk later in use in case the baby does not drink it at that time.
- Take herbs that have a galactogenic effect, stimulating the production and flow of milk in the mother’s body. Herbs such as Fenugreek, Fennel, Garlic, Ginger, Blessed Thistle, and Goat’s Rue are proven to increase milk production. Consume it as per the doctor’s consultation. You can try lactation cookies as well.
- Always avoid giving formula milk during the first six months of the baby’s life. Research shows that the mother’s milk supply decreases when a baby is bottle-fed. If there is a need for bottle-feeding formula milk to the baby, still try to breastfeed or pump it out at least 8 to 10 times per day.
- Always switch breasts at the start of the session. It will ensure that each breast is emptied and stimulated alternatively during each feeding. In case the second breast is left by the baby, try to pump the milk out of the other breast. It will ensure the correct amount of milk distribution in both breasts and thus stimulate more milk production after emptying.
- Always feed the baby full when they are hungry. It will ensure that the milk of both breasts is consumed by the baby, resulting in the stimulation of more milk in the mother’s body.
- Never sleep in the wrong posture during breastfeeding. Like, sleeping on your stomach will put extra pressure on your breasts, resulting in lower milk production. Sideways sleep will result in more breastfeeding from one breast, leading to an uneven milk supply.
Key Takeaway
Whenever there is a low milk supply, try these tips but ensure to consult a doctor before adding anything to your diet. Never change anything without your pediatrician’s advice, as your health is directly related to your baby’s health and well-being.