12 Signs Your Breast Milk Supply Is Decreasing – Here’s What to Do, Mom!

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your baby’s optimal growth and development. However, many breastfeeding mothers experience a common problem where their breast milk supply decreases. The signs of a reduced breast milk supply can be seen when your baby urinates or defecates less frequently, has changes in feeding patterns, your breasts feel softer, your baby’s weight gain is not ideal, your nipples are sore, your baby feels sleepy all the time, and you feel tired.

This condition can be concerning because your little one may not be getting enough nutrition. Recognizing the early signs of decreased breast milk supply is important so you can immediately find ways to address it.

Don’t worry too much, Mom. There are many natural and effective ways to increase your breast milk supply so you can make sure your baby gets the nutrients they need. Let’s discuss how to handle this issue so your breastfeeding journey can continue smoothly and optimally.

Signs of Reduced Breast Milk Supply

1. Baby’s Weight Does Not Increase Optimally: It’s important to monitor your baby’s weight gain regularly. If the baby’s weight does not increase according to the growth chart, this could indicate that your baby is not getting enough breast milk.
2. Baby Appears Fussy or Unsatisfied After Feeding: A baby who doesn’t get enough milk may continue crying or seem restless after breastfeeding.
3. Baby Is Sleepy and Hard to Wake: If your baby seems overly sleepy and difficult to wake, it might indicate low energy levels due to insufficient breast milk intake.
4. Fewer Wet Diapers: Babies usually wet around 6–8 diapers per day. If the number of wet diapers decreases, this can indicate that your baby is not getting enough breast milk.
5. Baby Rarely Urinates or Defecates: Newborns generally urinate at least 6–8 times a day and pass stool 3–4 times a day. A noticeable decrease in these frequencies could signal a low milk supply.
6. Changes in Feeding Pattern: If your baby seems fussy, unsatisfied, or feeds more often or for longer periods than usual, it might be a sign of reduced breast milk supply.
7. Breasts Feel Softer: The difference in breast fullness before and after feeding can indicate milk production. If your breasts remain soft, it could mean your milk supply is decreasing.
8. Increased Frequency of Nursing: Babies may want to feed more often because they don’t feel full after each session.
9. Little or No Milk During Pumping: If you pump and get very little or no milk, this can be a sign of a low breast milk supply.
10. Breasts Do Not Feel Full: If your breasts no longer feel full before feeding, it may indicate that your milk supply has decreased.
11. Sore or Cracked Nipples: Sore nipples can indicate improper latching or other breastfeeding issues that affect milk flow.
12. Mother Feels Tired and Lacks Energy: A low breast milk supply can also impact your energy levels. If you feel unusually tired or drained, it might be related to insufficient milk production.

Recognizing these signs is important to identify a drop in breast milk supply and take immediate steps to restore it.

By paying attention to these signs in both the baby and the mother, you can act early to improve your milk supply and support healthy breastfeeding.

Causes of Decreased Breast Milk Supply

Before learning how to increase your breast milk supply, it’s important to understand the factors that can cause it to drop. A decrease in breast milk supply can be triggered by several factors, including:

1. Mother’s Health Condition

Fatigue after childbirth can contribute to a drop in breast milk supply. To recover stamina, mothers should rest whenever possible, sleep when the baby sleeps, and share household and childcare responsibilities with their partner or family.

Other health issues such as infections, hypothyroidism, anemia, or other medical conditions can also affect milk production.

2. Stress

Physical, emotional, and mental stress can reduce breast milk supply. Maintaining emotional balance and avoiding stress are key to ensuring optimal milk production.

3. Poor Diet and Lifestyle

Inadequate nutrition or extreme weight loss can lower milk supply. Breastfeeding mothers should maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.

4. Certain Medications

Some medications, especially hormonal ones such as birth control pills, can interfere with milk production. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

5. Incorrect Breastfeeding Position

Improper latching or positioning can make it harder for milk to flow efficiently, which may eventually decrease your breast milk supply.

6. Low Feeding or Pumping Frequency

Breast milk supply will decrease if you rarely nurse or pump. Low frequency reduces the stimulation needed for consistent milk production.

7. Dehydration

Lack of hydration can also affect your breast milk supply. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day.

Understanding and addressing these factors can help mothers find natural and effective ways to boost breast milk supply, as discussed in the next section.

How to Naturally and Effectively Increase Breast Milk Supply

After understanding the causes of low breast milk supply, here are some natural and effective ways to increase it:

1. Eat Nutritious Foods

Make sure to consume nutrient-rich foods daily. Include fruits, beans, katuk leaves, and green vegetables as natural breast milk boosters.

2. Do a Lactation Massage Before Pumping

Massaging your breasts before breastfeeding or pumping helps stimulate milk flow. Using the Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Breast Pump allows mothers to do this easily and effectively. Lactation massage also promotes blood circulation, relaxation, and reduces breast discomfort.

3. Increase Pumping Frequency

The more you pump or nurse, the more prolactin your body produces to stimulate milk supply. Try feeding or pumping every 2–3 hours for about 10 minutes per breast. You can also try power pumping for 10–20 minutes, rest for 5–10 minutes, and repeat this cycle 2–3 times.

4. Maintain a Positive Mindset

Staying happy and positive helps boost oxytocin, a hormone vital for milk production. Physical affection from your partner or loved ones can increase oxytocin and reduce stress. Remember, every mother’s milk supply is unique—avoid comparing yourself to others.

5. Get Enough Rest

Make sure you get sufficient rest. Take naps when your baby sleeps and share responsibilities with your partner or family to reduce fatigue.

6. Manage Stress Well

Stress can interfere with your breast milk supply. Try relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga, or doing a favorite hobby.

7. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for producing breast milk. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support a healthy milk supply.

8. Avoid Certain Medications

Some medications, like hormonal birth control, can disrupt breast milk supply. Always check with your doctor before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

By following these steps, mothers can naturally and effectively boost breast milk supply, ensuring that their baby gets the nutrition they need for healthy growth.

Breastfeed Comfortably with Hegen’s Breast Pump Products

To ensure a smooth pumping and breastfeeding routine, mothers should maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated. Regular breastfeeding and pumping help keep your breast milk supply consistent and sufficient. The key is to manage stress and not obsess over milk quantity.

After understanding the causes of reduced milk supply and natural ways to increase it, it’s time to choose the best electric breast pump. Hegen offers a high-quality, advanced breast pump designed for safe, comfortable, and pain-free pumping. You can easily purchase it through the official Hegen website.

References

1. Causes of a Decreasing Breast Milk Supply - Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/things-decrease-breast-milk-supply-431815.
2. Low Milk Supply and How to Fix It - Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/common-causes-of-low-breast-milk-supply-431846.
3. Low Breast Milk Supply Causes and Fixes - Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/a-true-low-breast-milk-supply-431847.