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Holding an important role for the growth and development of the little one in their early life, breast milk must be provided in sufficient quantities. However, it is not uncommon for some mothers to experience conditions where their breast milk supply is low. Understanding the causes of low and obstructed breast milk supply can be the key to restoring normal production and meeting the little one's needs.

The condition of low and obstructed breast milk production will indeed bring its own concerns for mothers, especially those who have a baby for the first time. But keep in mind that this is a fairly common condition, so mothers do not need to panic in dealing with it.

In breast milk, there are all the good benefits needed by the little one to grow and develop. Therefore, it is important for mothers to provide breast milk according to their needs, so that the little one's growth can run optimally.

This article aims to explain the causes of low and obstructed breast milk, complete with tips and tricks to increase breast milk production again. For more details, see the explanation below.

Breast Milk Production in General

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Breast milk production will practically increase naturally when mothers finish giving birth. The ideal human body produces full breast milk about 48 to 96 hours after giving birth. The decrease in progesterone and estrogen hormone levels after the placenta leaves the body will stimulate an increase in prolactin hormone levels.

These hormones become hormones that stimulate the mother's body to produce breast milk. Later, the prolactin hormone will encourage the alveoli as a place to produce breast milk to take the contents in the mother's blood, such as protein, sugar, and fat.

These ingredients are used by the body to make breast milk. The tissue surrounding the alveoli then compresses the glands and pushes the breast milk out of the mother's breasts. At the same time, the mother's brain response will also support breast milk production.

The stimulus that appears when the little one nurses will be a signal for the body to release more prolactin and oxytocin hormones, making it a continuous process that affects one another.

5 Factors Affecting Breast Milk Production

At least there are five factors that affect the production of breast milk by the mother's body. These include the following:

• Frequency and duration of breastfeeding
• Effective baby suckling
• Mother's fluid and nutritional intake
• Mother's health condition, both physical and mental
• Use of certain medications that can affect hormonal balance and the body's metabolism in producing breast milk

Mapping the Causes of Low and Obstructed Breast Milk

So what are the likely causes of low and obstructed breast milk? This problem itself can be triggered by several causes, both in general, or more specific and rare causes. To find out what the causes of low and obstructed breast milk might be, mothers can examine the explanation in the following section.

5 Common Causes of Low or Obstructed Breast Milk

There are several common things that trigger a decrease in breast milk production or make breast milk obstructed. These conditions are often underestimated, but have a real impact on the volume of breast milk that mothers produce, so it is not uncommon for the little one to lack breast milk intake.

• Lack of breastfeeding frequency or lack of pumping. As explained in the first section earlier, breast milk production is part of a continuous cycle. When mothers rarely breastfeed or do pumping, the body does not receive enough signals to pump related hormones, so it thinks that breast milk is no longer needed
• Ineffective baby suckling. Still related to the first point earlier, ineffective baby suckling will also be a less than optimal stimulus for the mother's body. This can be triggered by the occurrence of tongue-tie, or perhaps a condition of imperfect latching
• Dehydration or lack of nutrition in the mother. Basically, breast milk has a high water content. So without adequate fluid intake in the mother's body, breast milk production can be hindered. Low breast milk is usually caused by a lack of body fluids and nutrition that mothers consume every day
• Stress and fatigue conditions. Do not underestimate stress conditions and being too tired in carrying out all of the mother's activities. These two things can be the culprit of low and obstructed breast milk, because they directly affect the mother's body metabolism
• The existence of certain medical conditions that need special attention, such as PCOS, or hypothyroidism, which should clearly be consulted immediately with the mother's trusted doctor

Other Causes That Can Also Be the Root of Low Breast Milk Problems

Besides the causes explained above, there are also several other causes that could be the root of the low breast milk problem that mothers are experiencing.

For example, the use of hormonal contraceptives that can disrupt hormonal balance, then side effects of medications that mothers consume, a history of surgery on the breast area, to smoking and alcohol consumption habits that are still being done.

These things can be a trigger for the condition of obstructed breast milk, and can disrupt the breast milk intake needed by the little one.

Tips and Tricks to Increase Breast Milk Production and Flow

After knowing what the likely causes of low and obstructed breast milk are, then next, mothers need to know what tips and tricks can be applied to overcome this. At least there are seven points of tips and tricks that mothers can read in this section, and hopefully they can be useful for overcoming this condition.

• First, frequently breastfeed or do pumping so the body can get a signal that breast milk production is needed. At least do it between 8 to 12 times a day
• Second, ensure the baby's suckling is effective by correcting the breastfeeding position and latching while breastfeeding
• Third, consume nutritious food and ensure mothers get enough fluids every day. Look for food that can support the production of quality breast milk and ensure enough water so the body can produce breast milk well
• Fourth, manage stress levels. Take time for relaxation so the body and mind remain in a calm state so that metabolism runs perfectly
• Fifth, get enough rest time every day. Even though there is a lot to do, ensure quality rest time is obtained every day so the body remains healthy for producing breast milk
• Sixth, use the right relaxation techniques. Perform breast massage and warm compresses on the breasts to facilitate breast milk flow
• Seventh, try considering galactogogue. Mothers can consult with their trusted doctor for the use of supplements or breast milk flowing drugs if necessary

Consultation and Medical Assistance

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If this condition starts to feel bothersome, do not hesitate to seek help from experts. You can consult with a lactation counselor, join a breastfeeding support group, or even ask for support from family or your partner. Support from those closest to you will have a tremendous psychological impact, helping you recover quickly.

However, if the condition of low milk supply persists and starts to become worrying, you can also see a doctor immediately to get medical help. Signs that you need medical help include:

• Breast milk production does not improve after trying various methods
• The baby does not show signs of sufficient weight gain
• You experience symptoms of a breast infection

 

The condition of having low and sluggish milk supply is actually quite common and can be triggered by some of the things mentioned above. Self-care can be done as an initial step, but if it persists, it is a good idea to have yourself checked by your trusted doctor so that the problem can be addressed immediately.

Doing everything possible to provide high-quality breast milk for your little one is your natural instinct. So, after knowing what causes low and sluggish breast milk, you need to start preparing the right steps to overcome it. One of the many steps you can take is to use a quality and comfortable breast pump, such as those offered by Hegen. This product is quality-tested and is offered in electric as well as manual models, so it can be adjusted to your needs. Visit the product page via the related link immediately, and make your best effort so that your little one's growth and development are optimal at every stage!

 

References:

• Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health. Tips for Stimulating Milk Let-down After Childbirth. https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/1140/tips-rangsang-asi-keluar-setelah-melahirkan.
• Prenagen. How to Increase Breast Milk for Smooth Breastfeeding. https://www.prenagen.com/id/cara-memperbanyak-asi.
• Ibu & Balita. 7 Ways to Have Abundant Breast Milk, Breastfeeding Mothers Must Know!. https://www.ibudanbalita.com/artikel/tips-memperbanyak-asi.
• KlikDokter. Tips to Increase Breast Milk Production You Can Try. https://www.klikdokter.com/ibu-anak/ibu-menyusui/tips-meningkatkan-produksi-asi-yang-bisa-anda-coba?srsltid=AfmBOooiyZdv9g9ZkAFhDEYQiuuzdENb1BB1xn-jSPz6mNtcXwjJZGHC.
• Krakatau Medika Hospital. Problems in Breastfeeding a Baby. https://www.krakataumedika.com/info-media/artikel/masalah-masalah-dalam-menyusui-bayi.
• Alodokter. This is the Process of Breast Milk Formation and How to Support Its Production. https://www.alodokter.com/inilah-proses-terbentuknya-asi-dan-cara-menunjang-produksi-asi.
• Hello Sehat. How Breast Milk is Made, Here is the Process Until the Baby Receives It. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/menyusui/cara-asi-dibuat/.
• Siloam Hospitals. 9 Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding That Mothers Must Know. https://www.siloamhospitals.com/en/informasi-siloam/artikel/manfaat-asi-eksklusif.
• Halodoc. Want to Know the Specialness of Breast Milk? Here are Its Benefits for Babies and Mothers. https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/mau-tahu-istimewanya-asi-ini-manfaatnya-bagi-bayi-dan-ibu?srsltid=AfmBOorHBWgPRMkyT3ZuGceXOGsneiDFnJTCXggcEyUcoC34nxzEV36w.