Breast Milk Production - Is My Milk Supply Low?

By Tasha Franklin 


My breast milk production has decreased, is my milk supply low?

This is a common concern among many mothers, whether they are using a breast pump to express their milk, or breastfeeding exclusively. Some may notice a drop in their milk output, which is the amount of milk expressed not the supply itself, while others may notice a change in their breasts. If this happens it does not mean that your milk supply is low, it is often times due to the fact that your breast milk production has regulated. When your milk first comes in your body will typically produce more than what your baby actually needs, then somewhere around 6 to 12 weeks it decreases. What this means is that your body has figured out how much breast milk your baby needs, based off of the amount of milk being removed, and has regulated the supply to match the demand.

You may also notice that your breasts no longer feel as full as they were during those first few weeks. Again, this doesn't mean that your milk supply is low, it just means that your body has stopped producing too much milk. Unfortunately, because so many women are unprepared for this change, they assume the worst and immediately begin weaning their baby from the breast. This is one of the biggest reasons why so many women start out strong with breastfeeding and later give up because they feel that their milk supply is inadequate.

There are many other possible reasons for a decrease in milk production, ranging from growth spurts to your menstrual cycle, both of which are only temporary decreases that will soon work themselves out. With growth spurts you can add a couple more pumping sessions, or increase nursing frequency to get through.

A decrease in breast milk production can also be caused by the breast pump you are using. Again, this doesn't necessarily mean that your milk supply has decreased, it just means that for whatever reason your breast pump is not capable of giving you a good milk output. Over time this can cause a drop in your milk production, but not if you catch it early on. Make sure that you are using a pump that is designed to be used as much as you are using it. In other words, if you are using a single electric breast pump designed to be used moderately, the pump motor may be wearing out and you'll need to either replace it, or buy a breast pump designed to be used more frequently. Also, make sure that the breast flange, or breast shield is the appropriate size. Some breast pumps only offer a one size fits all breast flange, while others offer several different sizes. If a breast flange or shield is too small for your breast, it can affect your milk output.

How do I increase my milk production and milk output with a breast pump?

Research tells us that in order to increase your milk production, and your milk output, you must empty your breasts completely. The less milk that accumulates in your breasts between feedings and pumping sessions, the better. To do this, you must nurse more often, and increase your pumping sessions after feedings. A double electric breast pump is recommended. Try pumping for at least 15 minutes each session, and continue pumping for 2 to 3 minutes after the last drops have been expressed. This will signal your body to produce more milk. Keep in mind that the breast pump quality can make a huge difference in milk output. Make sure that the breast pump you are using is designed for frequent use.

Some women find it helpful to power pump, or cluster pump. This means nursing and pumping every half-hour to an hour for several hours, for a couple of days. Some women do this every couple weeks to boost their milk production, however, it's important to remember that if you plan to power pump you must give yourself plenty of rest, and lots of fluids.

For more information on breast pumps, or for a list of some of the best breast pumps available, visit http://thetopbreastpumps.com for full in-depth reviews on manual pumps, electric pumps, and hospital grade breast pumps.

Article Source:  Breast Milk Production - Is My Milk Supply Low?