Babies

Concerned your milk supply is dropping? Here’s what you need to know about the factors that affect your milk supply and how to keep it strong.

Many things can impact your milk supply while breastfeeding, but the main factor is how much milk your baby needs, according to Nelia Jordan, a dietitian at Mediclinic Lephalale who specialises in breastfeeding. “The more your baby drinks, the more your breasts will produce the next day,” she says. “The milk production will be lower if the demand is less.”

Some moms do produce enough milk, but their baby doesn’t drink enough, which causes the milk supply to drop, she adds.

Other factors that can affect milk supply

  • Hormones – Some women can’t produce enough milk on their own. If this is happening, Nelia suggests talking to a breastfeeding consultant, dietitian, or nurse for advice on how to provide the energy your baby needs. “Doctors can prescribe medicine to increase milk production and there are ways to enrich expressed milk with milk fortifiers,” she explains.
  • Stress – The stress of adjusting to life with a new baby can sometimes lower your milk supply.
  • Wrong positioning – If your baby isn’t latching on properly, they might not be able to get enough milk, which can gradually reduce your milk supply.

How to tell if your milk supply is dropping

“The best sign for growth is weight, not a crying baby,” says Nelia. “If a baby doesn’t gain weight, it indicates that the milk supply is too little.” That’s why it’s vital to attend all your checkups. You can also monitor your baby’s growth at home between doctor’s visits.

When you left the hospital, you might have been given a chart to track your baby’s weight. “You can weigh your baby weekly at a clinic, hospital, with a dietitian, or even using your own scale,” says Nelia. “Then, plot the weight on the chart provided.” She also suggests using a measuring tape to track your baby’s height and see if they're growing taller. If you’re worried about your baby’s growth, talk to your doctor.

Ways to increase milk supply

Nelia suggests and explains ways to keep your milk supply up:

  • Feed often: Breastfeeding babies should feed every two to three hours. A baby’s stomach is small, and breast milk is digested faster than formula. That’s why it’s recommended to wake up a newborn during the day to feed – some babies may not show interest in feeding and will just keep sleeping.
  • Express milk: If your baby gets a top-up with formula, milk supply will be less. Try to express milk from the breast to make up for the decreased demand.
  • Eat healthy: The healthier you eat while breastfeeding, the better your body will be at producing enough milk and giving you the energy to make good choices, stay patient, and enjoy your baby.
  • Hydrate: Make sure you’re drinking enough fluids.
  • Sleep: While it may be hard to come by, take advantage of any opportunity to rest – even if it's just a nap while your baby is sleeping.
  • Take your time: Make sure your baby has enough time to feed so they get nutrient-rich hindmilk, not just the watery foremilk.
  • Latch properly: If your baby has not latched well, unlatch and reposition your baby.
  • Minimise stress: Stress can stop your breastmilk from flowing, so try not to worry about things you can't control.

“The miracle of breastmilk is that the body gives the best to the baby,” says Nelia. “It’s the perfect combination of what the baby needs. Breastfeeding is perfect, cost-free, and wonderful for mom and baby.”