Reasons Why Your Milk Supply Might Decrease

Before giving birth, "milk supply" was probably something you didn't give much thought to. But once your baby arrives, it can quickly become a source of concern.

The leading reason why women give up breastfeeding earlier than planned is because they think they're not producing enough milk. However, the truth is that nearly all women can make enough milk for their babies. And if milk supply is genuinely low, it's usually a temporary issue that can be improved with a few simple tweaks.

Common reasons mums think their milk supply is low

1. Baby is Feeding More Often

Babies go through stages of requiring more milk and, at other times, less milk. Infants wanting to feed more regularly can result from many factors, including growth spurts, comfort reasons, or sickness. Feeding more regularly is rarely an indicator of milk supply issues.

When your little one is experiencing a growth spurt, they will likely feed more often. This increased demand for milk signals your breasts, letting them know they need to make more. Pretty clever, isn't it?

The problem is, when this happens, many mums mistake the increased feeding for not having enough milk and begin supplementing with formula. Unfortunately, as soon as you add formula, you break the signal to produce more milk. As a result, you begin to make less milk than your baby requires.

What to do: Try to ride it out. Put your feet up, settle in with bub, and let the feeding magic happen. It’s hard when you’ve got other kids or feel touched out, but try to think it’s a short-lived phase that pays off in the long run.

2. Baby Feeds for Shorter Times

As babies grow older, they tend to feed for shorter periods. One of the reasons for that is babies become more efficient at feeding. As a result, some babies only need 4-5 minutes to drain each breast fully. This can be confusing for women who are used to feeding their newborns for 30+ minutes on each side and is another reason why women wrongly assume their milk supply is decreasing.

Distraction is another cause of short feedings. As our little ones grow, they become more aware of their surroundings, and as they feed, they might pop on and off as they look at the pretty colours and objects around them. This can be frustrating because the baby isn't getting a full feed, and they may want to feed again shortly after.

Tip: Try wearing a breastfeeding necklace or nursing in a quiet space to help bub stay focused.

3. Breasts Feel Soft/Have Reduced in Size

Although it can be different for all mums, our milk supply establishes at around the 12-week mark. When you first give birth, your milk supply is based on your body’s hormones. When your milk supply becomes “established” your body’s milk supply is based solely on demand. At this time our breasts tend to become softer and feel less 'full'. Around this four-month mark, many women begin to supplement with formula, and this feeling of emptiness is often cited as the reason why.

Another reason why many mums stop breastfeeding around 4 months is because of changes in their baby’s sleep cycle. It is common for babies to experience a sleep regression at four months. Mums become used to their little ones sleeping long stretches at night, and now that they're waking through the night, many mums associate it with the 'empty' breasts and believe it is because they’re not producing enough milk.

Bottom line: Soft breasts and sleep disruptions are not signs your milk is drying up. Keep feeding and trust the process.

Real Causes of low milk supply

If your supply is genuinely low, the most common cause is ineffective latch or attachment . When your baby isn’t latching properly, they may not remove enough milk, which signals your body to make less.

Common reasons for poor attachment include:

• Lip or tongue ties

• Flat or inverted nipples

• Holding bub in an awkward position

These issues are all treatable with the help of a qualified lactation consultant.

Other, less common causes of low supply include:

• Previous breast surgery

• Mastitis or blocked ducts

• Certain medications

• Smoking

How to Naturally Increase Milk Supply

Health is holistic - so boosting milk supply works best when you take a multi-faceted approach:

1. Breastfeed On Demand

That is, as often as your bub wants. Our breasts produce milk in response to demand. So, you will naturally increase your milk supply by feeding more, expressing more, or combining both. If you've got the time, try a "nursing holiday; this is where you cosy up on the couch, relax, watch a couple of movies and allow bub to feed as much as possible.

2. Power Pump

Power pumping mimics “cluster feeding” and helps signal your body to make more milk.

So, how do you power pump? Basically, you pump for a set amount of time repeatedly with breaks in-between. For example:

• Pump for 20 minutes
• Break for 10 minutes
• Pump for 20 minutes
• Break for 10 minutes

And you continue this for 1-2 hours for 1-2 weeks. It’s effort, but it works!

3. Skin-to-skin

Finding ways to increase connection with your little one can also help to increase milk supply. For example, research shows that going skin-skin with your baby can help calm and relax both mum and bub by increasing the release of both prolactin and oxytocin. These two hormones assist your body in making and releasing more milk.

Stripping bub down and feeding with no top on is the easiest way to increase skin-to-skin connection. Many women also say the smell of their little one helps them relax, so don’t be afraid to have a big whiff!

4. Take Care of Yourself

Your nutrient requirements are significantly higher when you're breastfeeding as your baby is relying on you for 100% of their nutrition. So, you need to try your best to eat enough healthy food. Aim for a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high protein foods and good sources of healthy fats. Drink plenty of water and rest (as much as you can - even short naps help!).

5. Add Galactagogues to Your Routine

Galactagogues are foods or herbs that support milk production by helping to increase prolactin levels - one of the key hormones involved in making breast milk.

A simple and delicious way to add galactagogues to your diet is with the In Shape Mummy Health Shake for Breastfeeding Mums.

Specifically designed to support the unique needs of lactating women, this nourishing plant based shake contains natural galactagogues like milk thistle and flaxseeds. It also delivers 25 essential vitamins and minerals, organic plant-based protein, probiotics and digestive enzymes - helping breastfeeding mums meet their daily nutritional needs with ease.

In Conculsion

Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and it’s normal to face ups and downs along the way. By tuning in to your baby’s needs, caring for yourself, and using simple strategies to support milk production, you can confidently nurture a healthy milk supply.

You’re doing an amazing job. Trust yourself, keep going, and remember that your dedication is truly incredible. You've got this!