5 Causes of Low Milk Supply & How to Fix It

Breastfeeding is a rewarding and natural way to ensure your child gets the nutrients they need to grow up big and strong. However, anything that’s worth it has the potential to lead you down a more difficult route. It’s routine for Moms to have challenges while on the nursing or pumping journey. 

The most common reason Moms don’t reach the recommended six months of breastfeeding is due to the thought they don’t have enough milk. Moms tend to get anxious since they can’t visually see how much milk their little one is getting and how much milk is being produced — unless they pump. 

Understanding why Mom isn’t making her desired amount of breast milk is the first step to creating a well-balanced meal plan for the little one. 

Dehydration

Breast milk is about 80% water. If Mom doesn’t drink enough water, no milk can be made; you can’t create something from nothing! Staying hydrated is a basic trait to staying healthy, drink up Moms! It’s suggested that breastfeeding Moms drink about 128oz or 16 cups of water per day. This can come from food or beverages. 

Tip: Drink a cup of water after each feed! 

Stress

Being a parent is stressful, we know. Unfortunately, rising levels of cortisol throughout your body has been shown to deplete breast milk supply. Manage stress by taking just 20 minutes per day to yourself. Read a few pages of a book, take a bubble bath, or go for a walk. Take your mind away from reality for a bit to come back with your mind clear and your breasts full! 

Drinking and Smoking 

It’s best to stay away from drugs and alcohol while breastfeeding. The substances can enter your breast milk and eventually your little one’s system. If you choose to drink while on your nursing journey, it’s suggested to have a drink only once in a while. Mom should establish a feeding routine, the little one is at least three months old and feed four hours after consumption.

Even though it’s not recommended, Moms are able to smoke while on their nursing journey. Studies have shown Moms who smoke ten cigarettes per day decreases milk production and alters milk composition. They also are more likely to think their milk supply is inadequate, ultimately leading to lower motivations to breastfeed. If you decide to continue to smoke while on your journey, don’t smoke near your little one and change clothes before a feed, therefore, secondhand smoke won’t cause harm.

Hormonal Birth Control

Using birth control while nursing is safe, but depending on which type you use, it may curb your milk supply. Hormonal birth control options that contain estrogen have been shown to dry Mom’s milk supply and decrease the duration of the journey. Oral birth control methods that contain progestin-only are encouraged for nursing Moms since they don’t interfere with the breast milk supply. 

New parents should wait at least six weeks to resume sexual activity to let Mom heal correctly. Birth control barrier methods, such as condoms are suggested since they don’t introduce any type of hormone to the body. 

Long-term Use of Nipple Shields

As your little one feeds more on pacifiers, the breast will get less action, ultimately decreasing milk supply. If the little one isn’t on the breast regularly, milk-making hormones prolactin and oxytocin aren’t being made. 

How to Fix It

Lactation-boosting galactagogues.

Galactagogues are substances that promote or maintain milk production. Good news: Lacsnac’s are full of them! Our Lactation Overnight Oats, Brownies, Cookies and Coffee include ingredients that are known to be the most effective milk-makers. Lacsnac galactagogues consist of flax seeds, brewer’s yeast, oats, fenugreek and blessed thistle. 

With support and the right information, the breastfeeding journey is achievable for most Moms. The experience can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

Get your nursing journey on the right, milky path by trying out the tastiest premium LACtation SNACks designed to enhance your nursing journey.

Keep sharing the #LactationLove with us and get advice Mom-to-Mom in our VIP Facebook Community.

LactationLove,

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