Breastfeeding is a precious moment after giving birth that every mother looks forward to. When it comes to breastfeeding, many new moms often worry, “Is my breast milk enough?”. If the breast milk supply is safe and sufficient, then the breastfeeding moment will go smoothly. On the other hand, if the supply for the little one is low, you need to understand the causes and how to make breast milk come out faster.
Causes of Low or Blocked Breast Milk Supply
You may think you are the only one experiencing low or blocked breast milk after giving birth. Push away that thought, because it is not a mistake and many other mothers also experience it. No need to worry, as there is a possibility the breast milk supply will begin to flow smoothly one or two weeks after delivery.
In this condition, it is important to find out and recognize the causes of low or blocked breast milk. Summarized from Medela, some new moms experience low milk production due to certain medical reasons, including:
- Premature birth and being separated from the baby for a while.
- The mother is experiencing obesity.
- Undergoing a cesarean section.
- Excessive blood loss (more than 500 ml) during childbirth, or retained placenta that can delay the onset of breast milk (usually occurs about three days postpartum).
- A history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, thyroid issues, or other hormonal disorders. Mothers with such conditions may experience a low or even blocked milk supply.
- A rare medical condition such as mammary hypoplasia, in which there is not enough milk-producing glandular tissue in the breasts.
- A history of breast surgery or breast trauma, though many mothers can still breastfeed even after surgery.
Ways to Make Breast Milk Come Out Faster After Giving Birth
Having low or blocked milk supply should not cause you excessive stress, as stress can make it worse. Keep the mindset and confidence that there are still ways to make breast milk come out faster.
Don’t worry, there are many methods to help breast milk come out faster and secure more supply. You can try these tips whether you are still in the hospital or already at home.
1. Massage the Breast Area with Your Hands
Stimulating the breasts with massage can help form important milk receptor sites and increase milk production. So, take time to massage your breasts regularly by hand.
2. Drink Plenty of Water, Eat Nutritious Food, and Get Enough Rest
Breastfeeding mothers also need to drink enough water to meet the body’s fluid needs. You should drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily. To support breastfeeding and milk production, you should also eat more foods that stimulate milk supply, especially fruits and vegetables.
In addition, many mothers have proven that breast milk comes out faster after they get enough rest. This is because the body becomes more relaxed and produces more milk-making hormones in the breasts.

3. Listen to Calming Music
This method can also help breast milk come out faster. You can listen to soothing music to relax your body and stimulate the milk-making hormones. Play your favorite songs while pumping breast milk to make it a more enjoyable experience.
4. Pump Breast Milk as Often as Possible
One way to make breast milk come out faster is by expressing milk as often as possible to signal your body to produce more. After giving birth, it is recommended to pump breast milk with a manual or electric pump, and be sure to choose a quality breast pump to stimulate and release more milk from the breasts.
So when is the best time to pump? You can pump one breast while feeding your baby on the other side. You can also pump after finishing breastfeeding, as the breasts may still feel full.
For more effective results, you can squeeze both breasts at the same time using a double pump to be more efficient.
You don’t need to struggle in choosing the best breast pump products to help breast milk come out faster. We recommend Hegen Diaphragm And Stem (For Manual Breast) and Hegen ECap & EDiaphragm (For Electric Breast Pump). These come with SoftSqround™ flanges made from soft silicone for the best fit and gentle contact on your nipple and skin.
Hegen bottles are not only for storing expressed breast milk but can also be used directly as baby feeding bottles.
Made from safe PSSU material that is BPA-free, and equipped with PCTO™ technology that prevents breast milk from spilling while protecting every drop of nutrients from oxidation and harmful germs.
Find all breast pumps, feeding bottles, and other baby essentials only on the official Hegen Indonesia website. Click now and shop online easily from home!
References:
- Pang WW, Hartmann PE. Initiation of human lactation: secretory differentiation and secretory activation. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2007;12(4):211-221.
- Vanky E et al. Breastfeeding in polycystic ovary syndrome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2008;87(5):531-535.
- Neifert MR et al. Lactation failure due to insufficient glandular development of the breast. Pediatrics. 1985;76(5):823-828.
- Neifert M et al. The influence of breast surgery, breast appearance, and pregnancy-induced breast changes on lactation sufficiency as measured by infant weight gain. Birth. 1990;17(1):31-38.