Are you making enough Breastmilk for Your Baby?
It's natural for new mums to worry that they don't have enough milk to feed their baby. Not being able to physically see how much milk your producing, combined with sleep deprivation and surging hormones, means second-guessing ourselves is inevitable.
The truth is, most mums will produce enough milk to support their baby's needs. And if for some reason, a woman's milk supply is low, it's usually temporary. Low milk supply is generally a result of issues with the latch or other feeding problems on the baby's end. Correcting these issues is usually successful with the help of a lactation specialist.
Understanding Your Breast Milk Production
Our baby's milk needs will change over time; your supply will change to meet those needs. We start with colostrum, commonly referred to as 'liquid gold'. Colostrum is developed during pregnancy and is released over the first few days after you give birth. Colostrum is easier to digest and has a higher protein content, allowing for rapid growth in the first few days.
Around day three to five is when our "milk comes in". This is when we see the most significant changes in our breasts. Swelling, heaviness, fullness, and for some, engorgement is a sure sign that your milk has officially arrived. This milk is creamier and has a higher fat content than colostrum.
Over the next six to eight weeks, your milk supply becomes 'established'. Milk production is based on supply and demand. As milk is removed from your breasts, you signal them to make more. The more breast milk that is removed, the more you will make.
Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
It's common for babies to feed anywhere between every 45 minutes to every couple of hours in the beginning. Unfortunately, this only reinforces the niggly suspicion that you're not making enough milk. So, instead of focusing on how often you're feeding, it's essential to focus on the secondary signals. These include:
1. Baby has six or more fully soaked, wet nappies in 24 hours
2. Baby's stool is pale yellow with a soft consistency
3. Baby is gaining weight steadily
4. Baby has some contented times between feeds (note some babies may still be fussy and cry a lot but still getting enough milk)
When your milk establishes at around the eight-twelve-week mark, many women find that their breasts soften a lot. The 'let down' sensation also becomes less intense, and these changes often cause women to worry that their milk supply is drying up.
If your goal is to breastfeed exclusively, it's important not to supplement with formula at this stage, as it will cause your milk supply to decrease. Instead, we recommend focusing on regularly emptying your breasts (feeding on demand), getting as much rest as you can, staying hydrated and healthy, together with introducing a breastfeeding supplement, like the In Shape Mummy Health Shake.
Shevi is a qualified nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food sciences. As a new mum herself, she is passionate about postnatal-related nutrition. Shevi has worked alongside some of the most famous leaders and celebrities in the fitness industry throughout Australia and the UK.
Fast Track Your Results with the In Shape Mummy Health Shake
Many Busy Mums don't have time to cook health food and exercise ALL the time.
Great news! Now you can Fast Track Getting In Shape with our Quick, Easy and Delicious Superfood Meal Replacement, the In Shape Mummy Health Shake for Breastfeeding Mums.
Get the Nutrition you need for Breastfeeding & Lose Weight in a Quick & Easy way.
Look & Feel Your Best with our Premium blend of Organic Pea & Brown Rice Protein, 25 Vitamins & Minerals, Probiotics plus Organic Superfoods.
Enhanced with natural and organic herbs that have been used for centuries to Support Breastfeeding Mums.
100% Breastfeeding & Vegan Friendly. Contains NO Artificial Nasties, NO Soy, NO Dairy, NO Gluten & NO Caffeine. Made in Australia.
Enjoy as the Quickest and Easiest Healthy Meal! Try all 3 Delicious Flavours.
FREE 12-Week Healthy Weight Loss Support Program worth $168 with first shake purchase.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I'm loving it so far.. I'm already down from in weight and I feel great :) Not exaggerating when I say this is the best purchase I ever made .. can't wait to get to my first mini goal of 65kgs then set my new goal of 60kgs :) .. so far it's been life changing, thank you so much!! It has literally boosted my milk supply. I used to pump 160mls and now I average 240mls .. I've never been able to get that."
- Tania, Vic
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I've lost 35 kgs thanks to the In Shape Mummy Health Shakes. 110 kgs to 75 kgs! Juggling two little boys under 2 years old doesn't leave much time for healthy choices for Mummy and the In Shape Mummy Health Shake is such an easy solution to get all the goodness I need to keep going! My older son is 20 months and I didn't get the chance to lose the weight gained whilst carrying him before I was pregnant again with baby #2. I easily gained 40kgs across the two pregnancies and no thanks to terrible pelvic pain in pregnancy #2 wasn't able to keep active. Now that my second son is here and the pelvic pain has gone I have stuck to replacing breakfast with my shake and walking every morning for the duration of the morning sleep. Some days I will do a second shorter walk during his nap. I'm still able to enjoy yummy healthy foods and definitely do not feel like I'm going without. I no longer crave sugary foods as the shake sets me up for the day with its magical satisfying ingredients! The shake has become even more of a must since returning to work! If I thought I was busy before, life just got a whole lot busier! Now that I've lost the weight, I have more energy, zero aches and pains and have a better mood. I tell all my friends about In Shape Mummy because easy weight loss doesn't need to be a secret! Xx"
- Carly, Vic
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I discovered In Shape Mummy Health Shakes not long after my second baby was born. He has an intolerance to dairy so I was looking to find something that was safe for breastfeeding, and also vegan friendly. I have recently started a detox program with the help of a naturopath. She was so impressed with the ingredients that she has encouraged me to continue having it! In Shape Mummy has not only helped me lose the 26 kgs I put on in pregnancy, but it’s helped me nourish my body when I’ve been time poor and sleep deprived. It’s the only shake that I actually enjoy the taste of! My breakfast everyday includes ice, almond milk, water, a banana and my In Shape Mummy (my current fave is the caramel fudge!). At 11 months postpartum I feel great! And my breastfeeding journey is still going strong - my milk is in perfect supply for what Bub needs. I cannot recommend In Shape Mummy Health Shakes more highly!”
- Melanie, Vic
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I have lost over 30kg with In Shape Mummy Health Shakes, exercise and a complete diet change. I started at size 22 and am a loose size 12 at the moment… and nearly a 10! I feel so much better! With my injuries in my spine, pelvis and knee my weight loss has been the best thing for my pain.
7-8 months ago I couldn’t have even imagined I could drop this much weight! The change in my life has been insane! My advice to other mums is “stick with it and don’t give up!” Thanks so very much for your In Shape Mummy Health Shakes. They are the best thing for mums on the go and while breastfeeding as well. Words can not express how grateful I am with my weight loss. I couldn’t of started this without your shakes. My life is forever changed."
- Jess, NT
