Increasing Low Milk Supply: You Can Do That

Last updated Apr 23, 2020 306 0

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.