Breastfeeding is a journey, and like any journey, it can come with its fair share of challenges. One of the most common concerns new moms face is low milk supply, which can be both frustrating and worrisome. If you’re struggling with milk flow, you’re not alone—and there’s so much that can be done to support and enhance your supply. Here’s a look at the factors that can impact milk flow, ways to address them, and how to seek the right support early on.
1. Identifying Risk Factors for Low Milk Supply
Not all milk supply issues are the same, and sometimes low supply has underlying causes. A few common risk factors include hormonal imbalances, certain medical conditions, or a challenging pregnancy and birth. That’s why thorough screening is so essential—it helps identify any root causes impacting your supply. The more we know about your unique situation, the more targeted the support can be.
2. Taking a Holistic Approach
At The Breast Choice, we believe breastfeeding isn’t just about milk. It’s a whole-body experience where physical and emotional factors intertwine, affecting everything from supply to bonding. Understanding your full journey—pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—can shed light on how these experiences are impacting breastfeeding. Maybe it was a long labor or a difficult recovery. Recognizing these details helps create a compassionate, personalized plan that honors your entire journey as a new mom.
3. Early Intervention: The Crucial Two-Week Window
Timing is everything. The first two weeks after birth are critical for establishing a strong milk supply. During this window, early intervention can lay a strong foundation, giving you a better chance for sustained breastfeeding success. In these early days, aim for at least 8 feedings in a 24-hour period, including some overnight. Frequent feedings help signal your body to increase milk production, which is especially crucial in the first 40 days to establish a healthy supply.
4. Supporting Effective Latch and Milk Transfer
Milk flow isn’t just about quantity; it’s also about transfer. An effective latch is essential for ensuring that your baby is actually receiving milk and, in turn, helping stimulate your body to produce more. Here are a few signs of a good latch:
Baby’s chin touches the breast.
You feel a gentle, rhythmic tug without pain.
Baby’s mouth covers a good portion of the areola, not just the nipple.
If the latch isn’t right, your baby may not be removing milk efficiently, which can signal to your body to slow production. Often, these challenges are fixable with a little guidance, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
5. Ensuring Frequent and Adequate Milk Removals
Consistent milk removal—whether through breastfeeding, pumping, or a combination—is key to maintaining and boosting supply. Frequent feeding, especially in the early weeks, helps signal to your body that more milk is needed. And don’t skip those night feedings! Nighttime milk removals play a big role in sustaining milk supply and ensuring that at least 8 feedings are happening daily.
6. Using the Right Pump and Flange Size
Did you know that something as simple as pump flange size can affect your milk output? If the flange isn’t the right fit, it can reduce milk flow and cause discomfort. Since breast size can change during the postpartum period, it’s worth checking flange size periodically to ensure it’s still a comfortable and effective fit. A properly fitted flange makes pumping more comfortable and productive.
7. Staying on Top of Pump Maintenance
Pumps are incredibly helpful, but they also need a little TLC to work their best. Over time, parts like valves and membranes wear down and can affect suction, impacting how much milk you’re able to express. Check with your pump brand for part replacement guidelines and consider keeping spares on hand. Regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping your pump working effectively.
Is it Time to Take a Deeper Dive?
If you’ve tried these tips and are still struggling, you don’t have to navigate this alone. At The Breast Choice, we understand the importance of personalized care, and we’ve partnered with La Lueur Health and Wellness to offer low milk supply labs that can be obtained in less than 24 hours. These labs provide valuable insights into the root causes of low milk supply, allowing us to craft a support plan tailored to you.
Want to learn more? Reach out to us and book a virtual screening call today. Together, we’ll explore your unique breastfeeding needs and help you find the best path forward.
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