Low milk supply

Low milk supply is a condition that can occur in breastfeeding mothers, where the production of breast milk is insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of the infant. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including maternal health issues, infant feeding difficulties, and certain lifestyle factors.

Causes

The causes of low milk supply can be broadly categorized into three groups: maternal, infant, and lifestyle factors.

Maternal Factors

Maternal factors that can contribute to low milk supply include breast surgery, certain medications, hormonal imbalances, and health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders. Stress and fatigue can also impact milk production.

Infant Factors

Infant factors include premature birth, poor latch, and certain health conditions such as tongue tie and cleft palate. Infants with these conditions may have difficulty effectively removing milk from the breast, which can lead to decreased milk production.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors that can impact milk supply include infrequent breastfeeding or pumping, alcohol and tobacco use, and certain medications.

Symptoms

Symptoms of low milk supply can include the infant not gaining weight as expected, the infant seeming unsatisfied after feeds, and the mother not feeling a let-down reflex or not being able to express much milk.

Management

Management of low milk supply typically involves addressing the underlying cause, if possible. This may involve changes to the mother's lifestyle, medication, or breastfeeding technique. In some cases, supplemental feeding with formula may be necessary.

See Also

• Breastfeeding difficulties
• Breast milk
• Lactation