Causes of Low Milk Supply when Breastfeeding
- jaimiezaki
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 4
After talking with hundreds of women, and breastfeeding 5 babies of my own, I know very well how intense concerns about breastmilk supply can be for new moms. Knowing the signs and symtpoms of low milk supply is the first step to taking action and finding solutions... But once you realize you do in fact have low milk supply, you need a plan.
Mos moms try "everything"—lactation cookies, teas, even the infamous blue Gatorade—hoping for a quick fix. But without understanding the underlying causes of low milk suppkly, these solutions aren't effective... and most are just based on coincidence, at best.
Let's chat about some common reasons for low milk supply and how to address them.
Common Causes of Low Milk Supply (and What You Can Do About Them)
How latching issues impact milk supply: A proper latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding. If your baby isn't latching well, it can hinder milk removal, signaling your body to produce less. Sometimes, simple position adjustments can help, but conditions like tongue-tie may complicate latching. Check out this resource for getting a better latch and more efficient milk transfer.
Hormonal Imbalances can hurt milk supply: Hormones play a significant role in milk production. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, and diabetes can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting your supply. If you have a history of hormonal concerns, discussing them with your healthcare provider can lead to targeted interventions, including lifestyle changes or medications, to support lactation. Herbal Support can be beneficial but depending on your individual situation, some herbs may be contraindicated.
Low Iron or Anemia: Significant blood loss during childbirth or low iron levels during pregnancy can lead to anemia, which can negatively impact milk production. Incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet, taking iron supplements, and ensuring adequate intake of vitamins like B12 and C can help.
Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT): Some mothers may have less developed breast tissue necessary for milk production, a condition known as Insufficient Glandular Tissue. This can make producing a full milk supply challenging. Working closely with a lactation consultant can help you develop a tailored feeding plan, which may include supplementation while continuing to breastfeed to the extent possible.
Retained Placenta: If fragments of the placenta remain in the uterus after delivery, it can interfere with the hormonal shifts needed for milk production. Symptoms might include prolonged bleeding or abdominal pain, but sometimes there are no obvious signs. If you suspect retained placenta, seek medical evaluation, as addressing this issue can often improve milk supply.
A Quick Note on Holistic Milk Supply Solutions: While various products are marketed to boost milk supply, their effectiveness varies, and some may even have unintended effects. For instance, placenta encapsulation is popular for postpartum recovery, but it might negatively impact milk supply due to residual hormones. Always monitor any changes and consult with healthcare providers when considering such remedies. Additionally, as previously mentioned, some herbal options are fantastic in some scenarios and can make things worse in other scenarios.
You Deserve Real Support for Increasing Your Milk Supply - Not Just Quick Fixes
Navigating low milk supply can feel overwhelming, but personalized support can make a significant difference. Working with a lactation consultant can help identify the root causes of your supply issues and develop a plan tailored to you and your baby's needs.
If you're concerned about your milk supply or have questions, book a virtual consultation with a lactation specialist! Here at Little Bear Lactation, we work with insurance to increase access breastfeeding support!
👉 See if your insurance is working with us and Book your one-on-one virtual breastfeeding specialist consultation with Jaimie Zaki IBCLC today! Let's work together to support your breastfeeding journey!
Jaimie Zaki is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 5! Jaimie has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader, and has worked as a nurse, doula, and birth photographer, is the current host of the Breastfeeeding With Confidence Podcast and founder of the Confident MamaBear Society. Jaimie provides holistic breastfeeding advice for pregnant & new moms to prevent and overcome unexpected latching trouble and milk supply issues when breastfeeding. Jaimie inspires mothers to make decisions from the place where intuition & information intersect. It is Jaimie's goal to help you shut out the toxic whispers of the world, embrace your God-given intuition, and unleash your inner fierce MamaBear!
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