What You Can Do About: Low Milk Supply
Low milk supply is often one of the biggest concerns that new mothers face. It can be difficult to understand how much your baby is drinking and if he or she is getting enough.
Rest assured that most moms make plenty of milk for their babies. If you are still worried, talk to your pediatrician to make sure your baby is gaining weight at a normal rate.
According to the Office of Women’s Health, when your baby is around 6 weeks to 2 months old, you may no longer be getting the sensation that your breasts are full. Don’t worry—this is normal! It means your body and your baby have synced up and are working in tandem to produce the right amount of milk for your baby’s needs. You are getting the hang of this breastfeeding thing!
Babies have regular growth spurts, which can spur them to want to nurse more often and for longer. These growth spurts generally happen when your baby is around two to three weeks, six weeks, and three months of age. At this time, you can be frustrated with the seemingly nonstop feeding and you may also worry that baby isn’t getting enough to eat. Your body is able to respond to the increased needs in most cases.
Follow your baby's lead. The continuous nursing will allow you to build up your milk supply to meet your baby’s needs. Once your supply increases, your routine will get back to normal.
What You Can Do for Success
- Find a comfortable position that allows your baby to latch on well.
- Let your baby decide when to end each feeding.
- During each feeding, offer both breasts. Start with one and allow the baby to stay there as long as he or she is actively sucking and swallowing. If he slows down, offer the second breast. Allow your baby to lead and breastfeed as often as necessary.
- While exclusively breastfeeding, avoid using baby formula or cereal, especially in the first six months. It is best for your baby to only have breast milk in the first six months. Using formula can contribute to a decreased supply of breast milk.
- Talk to your doctor or your lactation consultant about your health concerns and if you continue to worry that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat.