When baby’s fussy or wants to nurse just an hour after eating, it’s
natural to worry that you’re not producting enough milk. However, these
are normal behaviours and more often than not baby’s weight gain reassures
everyone that things are going well. However, for some mothers the results of
baby’s weight checks aren’t as encouraging and the amount of milk
they are producing isn’t always enough to meet baby’s needs. Diana
West, IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) and co-author
of Making More Milk says that changes in breastfeeding techniques or assistance
from a breastfeeding expert can help boost milk production significantly.
Here are some of the most common causes of low milk production and some strategies
that may help.
Some women’s breasts don’t develop normally (for various reasons)
and may not have enough “milk-making” ducts to meet their baby’s
needs. Ducts do grow during each pregnancy and breastfeeding stimulates the
growth of more ducts and tissue, so this may be less of a problem with a second
or third baby. There are certainly steps you can take to maximize your milk
production (these might include pumping and taking a prescription medication--talk
to your doctor and a breastfeeding expert) but you may also need to supplement
with formula. It’s worth the effort to continuing breastfeeding, though,
as even a small amount of your milk will help support your baby’s immune
system, brain development and nutritional needs.
Perhaps you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a low or high thyroid, diabetes,
hypertension (high blood pressure) or hormonal problems that made it difficult
for you to conceive. Any of these issues may also contribute to low milk production
because making milk relies on the hormonal signals being sent to the breasts.
What can you do? In some cases, treatment of your health problem will help you
to boost milk production, although supplementation may be needed. A visit to
a breastfeeding clinic or lactation consultant can help you find an approach
that will work with your specific condition.