Increasing Low Milk Supply: You Can Do That

Many mothers are insecure about whether they can provide enough milk for their baby. Here we explain how much milk is normal and how you can boost milk supply if necessary.

How much milk is normal?

Shortly after the birth the milk quantity is still small. Hormones then cause the milk quantity to increase to about 500 millilitres by the fourth day. From the fourth week after birth, the breasts produce about 750 millilitres of milk, regardless of size and girth. Breastfeeding the baby keeps the milk quantity constant by stimulating suckling. Regular application to the breast is particularly important.

You don’t have to pump your milk out to measure whether your baby is getting enough breast milk. According to the European Institute for Breastfeeding and Lactation, the following factors indicate that sufficient milk is produced:

• You can hear your baby swallow once the milk-donor reflex is triggered
• You breastfeed 8 to 12 times a day
• From the fourth day after birth, at least 6 nappies are wet per 24 hours and in the first four weeks at least 3 to 4 defecations per 24 hours
• By the tenth day the birth weight is reached again
• During the first two months, approximately 170 to 330 grams of weight are gained each week
• During months three and four, weight gain of 110 to 330 grams per week
• Your baby makes a lively and attentive impression and has a smooth skin

In general, you can tell whether your child has been drinking from your breasts: After breastfeeding, they don’t feel so full. Your baby should now also appear full and satisfied.

Causes for low milk supply

Normally, milk supply is controlled automatically so that your baby receives enough breast milk. A baby that is put on frequently will therefore also increase milk supply. Demand regulates the supply accordingly. If demand is constant, a corresponding amount of milk is produced. The baby should be able to drink as long as it wants.

Which factors can affect milk supply?

Both medical reasons and breastfeeding mistakes can inhibit milk supply:

• Incorrect creation
• Baby does not suck properly
• Absence of milk donor reflex
• Breastfeeding management is unfavourable: This can be the case, for example, if breastfeeding times are limited or too irregular
• Tea, water or milk are given additionally
• Mother and child are separated
• Nipple shields are used incorrectly
• Pump out too seldom
• Artificial teats, such as the pacifier or bottle teat, can irritate the baby because they require a different sucking technique
• Presence of placenta retention
• Severe blood loss during delivery
• Previous illnesses of the mother: e.g. thyroid disease, pituitary gland disease
• Anatomical reasons on the breast or previous breast surgery
• Disease or special features of the baby: e.g. malpositioning in the jaw area

Increasing low milk supply: Measures

If there is insufficient milk supply or uncertainties about it, you should seek advice from a midwife or lactation consultant. It can help you to find out the causes. Possible measures are:

• Early application directly from birth
• Frequent and regular breastfeeding
• Improvement of the feeding technique and breastfeeding management
• Rest and relaxation during breastfeeding, avoid stress!
• Checking breastfeeding cones
• Control of the pumping technique
• Offer the baby both breasts when breastfeeding
• In the case of supplementary feeding, this should be done in a breastfeeding-friendly manner
• Exclude suction confusion
• Much body and skin contact between mother and child can increase milk production, as more oxytocin (hormone for the transport of breast milk) is produced
• A gentle breast massage will trigger the milk donor reflex more easily before breastfeeding
• Taking of lactation stimulating medication (Galaktogoga), which can be prescribed by the doctor
  If necessary, appropriate still teas can be drunk. They contain various herbs and spices which are said to have a milk-inducing effect: e.g. fenugreek seeds, caraway, fennel, coriander, aniseed, verbena. Note: Allergic reactions may be possible with some herbs or seeds. You should therefore consult a doctor first.

Basically, you should always remember that milk supply occurs naturally if you spend a lot of time with your baby. Relaxation and peace and quiet for breastfeeding are also very important. If you are still unsure whether your baby is getting enough milk, talk to your midwife or a lactation consultant.