Low Milk Supply or Not? How to Tell and What to Do

Before assuming low supply, check these concrete markers:

Your Baby:

• Has 6-8 wet nappies per day (after day 5)
• Has regular bowel movements (frequency varies by age)
• Gains weight appropriately (typically 150-200g per week in early months)
• Seems satisfied after most feeds
• Has periods of alert wakefulness between feeds
• Reaches developmental milestones

During Feeds:

• You hear rhythmic swallowing
• Baby's jaw moves in a steady pattern
• Your breasts feel softer after feeding

If these markers are present, your supply is likely adequate—even if your breasts feel "empty" or you can't pump much milk.

Contact your child health nurse or lactation consultant if:

• Your baby isn't producing enough wet nappies (fewer than 6 after day 5)
• Weight gain is slower than expected or baby is losing weight
• Baby seems lethargic or has decreased muscle tone
• Dark yellow or orange-coloured urine
• Persistent fussiness and feeding seems to provide no relief
• Baby consistently falls asleep at the breast within minutes without effective sucking

If you've identified genuine concerns, these evidence-based steps can help:

1. Optimise Feeding Frequency and Technique

Milk production works on supply and demand. More frequent and effective breast emptying signals your body to make more milk.

• Feed on demand, typically 8-12 times per 24 hours
• Ensure proper latch—poor latch reduces milk transfer
• Allow baby to finish the first breast before switching
• Consider switch feeding (alternating breasts multiple times per feed) if baby is very sleepy

2. Support Your Body's Production Capacity

Your nutrition and hydration directly influence your capacity to produce milk. Boosting breast milk production naturally starts with nourishing your body adequately.

Prioritise:

• Adequate calories: Breastfeeding requires approximately 330-400 additional calories daily
• Consistent protein: Aim for 65-75g per day from varied sources
• Steady hydration: Many mothers find dedicated breastfeeding hydration drinks help them maintain adequate fluid intake throughout the day

3. Consider Galactagogues Thoughtfully

Galactagogues are foods, herbs, or medications that may support milk production. Common natural options include fenugreek, blessed thistle, and oats.

While research on herbal galactagogues shows mixed results, many mothers find supportive foods helpful when combined with proper breastfeeding management. Lactation cookies containing oats and other traditionally supportive ingredients can be a convenient option, though they work best as part of a comprehensive approach—not as standalone solutions.

Similarly, lactation tea blends and even comforting lactation hot chocolate can provide both nourishment and the ritual of self-care during demanding feeding days.

4. Get Professional Assessment

A qualified lactation consultant (IBCLC) can:

• Assess your baby's latch and milk transfer
• Identify anatomical or positioning issues
• Evaluate your baby's feeding patterns
• Rule out tongue tie or other structural concerns
• Create a personalised plan for your situation

Early intervention makes a significant difference. Most supply issues are more easily addressed within the first few weeks.

Scheduled feeding too early: Rigid schedules before breastfeeding is well-established can reduce stimulation and therefore supply.

Introducing bottles or dummies prematurely: Before 3-4 weeks, these can interfere with baby learning to breastfeed effectively and reduce the stimulation your breasts receive.

Comparing yourself to others: Every mother's storage capacity differs. Some women have smaller storage capacity but faster milk production, requiring more frequent feeding. This is normal variation, not low supply.

Relying solely on pump output: Pumps are never as efficient as an effectively nursing baby. Low pump volumes don't necessarily indicate low supply—they might indicate you need a different flange size, better pump settings, or that pumping just isn't representative of what your baby gets.

Skipping night feeds too soon: Night feeds are hormonally significant for maintaining supply. Prolactin levels are naturally higher at night, making overnight feeds particularly valuable for milk production.

Don't delay seeking help. If your baby shows signs of inadequate intake—especially insufficient wet nappies or poor weight gain—contact your healthcare provider promptly. Dehydration and failure to thrive require immediate attention.

Be cautious with herbal galactagogues. While many are considered safe, they can have side effects or interact with medications. Fenugreek, for example, can cause digestive upset in some mothers and babies, and isn't recommended for mothers with peanut or soya allergies. Always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider.

Recognise when supplementation is necessary. If your baby isn't gaining weight adequately despite optimised breastfeeding, temporary supplementation may be medically necessary while you work on increasing supply. This isn't failure—it's responsible parenting.

Monitor your own wellbeing. Stress, inadequate nutrition, certain medications, and medical conditions can all affect supply. Your health matters both for its own sake and for sustainable breastfeeding.