Low Milk Supply
Perceived low milk supply can be just a dangerous as real physiological low milk supply. In a time where social media can sometimes set the standards, we definitely need to make sure we are checking our sources. A healthy growing breast fed baby takes in about 750 - 800 ml per 24 hours from 1 month to 6 months of age. This equals roughly 25 - 27 ounces. That means if baby is feeding about 10 times in a 24 hour period, baby is getting about 80 ml or 2.7 oz per feed. If baby is feeding 12 times in a 24 hour period, baby is getting 67 ml or 2.2 oz per feed. This can be from both breast, or for some women one breast, with lots of variability. And remember - we like to look at the big picture! We may have a very good long breastfeeding session at 7:00am because our prolactin levels have been soaring all night. Later that day we might have a few quick short feeds in the late afternoon aka: cluster feeding. We are looking at the 24 hour feeding period. Here are a few ways to check milk supply naturally:
Baby’s diaper output. Humans are made to poop often! Breastfed baby’s should be pooping everyday. Breastfed baby’s have poop diapers that appear yellow and seedy after the first week of birth. Lots of wet and poopy diapers are a good indication baby is getting milk.
Your breasts should feel slightly full at the start of the feed with some softening as the baby finishes. We want to let baby feed as long as needed to get that nice full fat milk that is at the end of the feed, when the breast is most empty. This also signals to our body to increase the supply because the demand has been fulfilled.
Notice baby’s temperament and behavior. Baby’s that are well fed are content and appear to be more relaxed. Hungry baby’s seem agitated and frustrated after the feed, they may exhibit body tightness and fisted hands. This does not always indicate low milk supply is the culprit. There are many other variable to consider if baby has been feeding frequently with no to low milk transfer. If this is the case, frequent and regular milk removal is the goal to maintain milk supply until further investigation can be conducted.
Weight gain. Baby’s are usually back up to birth weight by 2 weeks and continue to gain about 5 - 8 ounces a week during the first 3 months.
Hopefully these tips can offer some relief in knowing you are doing amazing! You don’t need to produce mass amounts of breast milk at every feed to be a successful mother. All breasts are created equal and function at different levels and capacities!!