Your body’s milk production is a complex process. It depends on hormones, how often your baby feeds, your own nutrition, sleep, and even stress levels. The positive part is that most of the reasons for low milk supply are factors you can easily notice and address.
Stress and Anxiety
Feeling stressed or anxious can really affect how much milk your body makes, especially in those first few weeks after giving birth. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed during this time. Managing a newborn’s feeding schedule, sleepless nights, and all the emotions that come with new parenthood can take a toll. When stress levels rise, the body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can interfere with milk production. Sometimes the supply can drop noticeably within a single day.Finding ways to relax can make a real difference. Asking a partner, family member, or friend to help with simple tasks can create time to rest or take a short nap.
Not Nursing or Pumping Enough
Breast milk production works on a simple supply-and-demand system. The more often the baby feeds or milk is pumped, the more milk the body produces. When feeding or pumping sessions are skipped or spaced too far apart, the body assumes less milk is needed and starts to make less.Not fully emptying the breasts during feeds or pumping can also cause supply to drop gradually. Keeping a steady routine helps.
Supplementing with Formula
Using formula to supplement feedings can unintentionally lower your milk supply. When you give your baby formula instead of breastfeeding, your body thinks it doesn’t need to produce as much milk. This is especially common when several feedings are replaced with formula. Over time, the body adjusts to this new pattern and milk production can drop.Inadequate Nutrition or Hydration
The body needs extra energy and fluids to make breast milk. Since breastfeeding burns about 450 to 500 calories a day, not eating enough can cause milk supply to drop. Skipping meals or trying to lose weight too soon after giving birth can make it harder for the body to keep producing enough milk.Staying hydrated is just as important. Around 16 cups of fluids a day are needed, which can come from water, food, or other drinks. A good habit is to drink a glass of water every time the baby nurses.
Illness or Fatigue
Getting a common illness such as a cold or flu doesn’t directly lower milk supply, but the symptoms can have an effect. When the body is tired, dehydrated, or not getting enough food due to fatigue, vomiting, or diarrhoea, it can struggle to produce milk as usual.Hormonal Changes
One of the common reasons for low milk supply is hormonal changes, which can have a big impact on how much milk your body produces. Starting a new birth control method that contains oestrogen can sometimes cause supply to drop. When breastfeeding exclusively, periods may stay away for 3 to 6 months. But once they return, it’s common to notice a temporary decrease in milk just before or during the cycle.Breastfeeding while pregnant can also affect supply, especially from around the fourth month.
Medications or Herbs
Some medications can sometimes lower milk supply, even ones generally considered safe for breastfeeding. Certain herbs, when taken in large quantities, can have a similar effect.Before starting any new medicine or herbal supplement, it’s always a good idea to check with a doctor or lactation consultant.
Breastfeeding Challenges
Breastfeeding challenges can sometimes cause a drop in milk supply. Issues such as engorged breasts, clogged ducts, or mastitis can make it harder for milk to flow properly. When a baby struggles to latch well or refuses to nurse for a while, the breasts may not empty fully, and the body starts to make less milk.As babies grow, teething or getting easily distracted can also lead to temporary feeding difficulties. These phases are usually short-term.
Introducing Solid Foods
Solid foods are often introduced when babies reach around 4 to 6 months of age. In the beginning, this doesn’t affect milk supply much because babies only eat small amounts of solids. As they get used to eating and start relying less on breast milk, the body naturally adjusts and produces less milk to match the reduced demand. This gradual change is completely normal.A sudden drop in breast milk can feel worrying, but in most cases, it’s temporary and can improve once the reasons for low milk supply are identified. Watching the baby’s weight, number of wet nappies, and general behaviour can give helpful clues about their intake.
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FAQs on Reasons Why Your Milk Supply May Be Decreasing
- How quickly do breasts refill after feeding?
Breasts begin refilling almost immediately after feeding or pumping, with milk flow usually increasing within 20 to 30 minutes. - Which Indian foods help increase breast milk?
Foods like fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, spinach, oats, and lactation-friendly dals are commonly used to support milk production.
