Low Milk Supply Many mum’s worry about their milk supply, especially in the early stages of breastfeeding.
In fact, women who have stopped breastfeeding will most commonly say it was because they ‘didn't have enough milk’. However, most mums DO produce enough milk for their babies.
Hot Tip - If your baby is gaining weight well on breastmilk alone, then you do not have a problem with milk supply.
Here are some ideas to help you work out if your supply really is low and some suggestions that will help you make more milk, if it is low!
There are some common reasons why women may think their milk supply is low. *My baby feeds too often.
*My breasts feel soft.
*My baby has suddenly started to feed more frequently.
*My baby only feeds for a short time.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough breastmilk?
● he/she wakes for feeds
● has at least 6 to 8 soaked nappies (4 to 5 heavy disposable nappies) in 24 hours
● pass a soft yellow stool (poo) at least once a day (this can decrease as baby gets older)
● Is settled between most feeds.
Your baby should be back to birth weight by 10 days and at the latest 14 days and gaining an average of at least a 150 grams or more per week for the first three months of life.
Ways to Increase your Milk Supply
● Skin to skin
● Ensure you have a deep latch
● Feed 8-12 times in 24 hrs
● Let your baby finish the first breast before switching to the second breast.
● Offer both sides each feed
● Breast compressions
● Switch feeding - offer both breasts twice
● Express straight after feeds(10mins double pumping, 20 mins single pumping) for 48 hrs to boost supply.
● Of course Lactation Cookies and other lactation products containing Galactagogues.
MORE FREQUENT FEEDING MEANS MORE MILK!
If you have tried these ideas and are still finding low supply to be a problem, it would be a good time to see a Lactation Consultant. A full list of Nationwide lactation consultants can be found via this link
https://www.nzlca.org.nz/find-a-lactation-consultant
Julia Daly
IBCLC
www.morethanmilk.co.nz