How to identify low milk supply, tips to boost up

Avin Kohli

5 years ago

My first time breastfeeding was not a pleasant experience. Although I did catchup eventually, it took me some time to breastfeed Gurmeher comfortably.

So naturally when I conceived the second time, I had promised myself to breastfeed my baby exclusively for 6 months, and continue to breastfeed as long as I could.
Breastfeeding is the best thing for you and your baby. Some of its benefits–

⏺ To provide food, water and nutrients for your baby
⏺ To help you bond with your baby
⏺ Helps your uterus go back to normal and recover
⏺ Helps lose some of the baby weight
⏺ May reduce risk of breast cancer

⏺ Protects the baby against infections and boost immunity

So with so many benefits, it’s natural for new moms to be worried about supply.

How to know if you have low milk supply-

Unfortunately the only way to know if you have low milk supply is to measure baby weight.

When checking baby’s weight make sure you give time till atleast baby is 6 weeks old.

If baby is not gaining weight consistently then there are certain things to check for low milk supply.

Are you having any latch issues(no 1 problem)
Are you under any stress
Are you eating properly and taking care of yourself, diet for breastfeeding moms is extremely crucial or foods to avoid during breastfeeding that can harm you and your baby
Are you giving top-up with breastfeed
Are you not feeding your baby long enough or on demand
Is any physical problem like pain in stickers or any infection has forced you to not feed the baby
Is your breastfeeding position comfortable

On average a baby should gain 25-40 gm per day untill they double their birth weight.

**Please remember that low weight gain does not imply low milk supply. Identify the reason of your breastfeeding problem and then let your gynecologist decide that you really have low milk supply. Self diagnosis can be bad as you may top up with formula if you think you have low milk supply.

Things to do if you have low milk supply-

Feed as much as you can. Just forget the world around you, grab your basic need items and just feed; even if it is for all day long.
Milk supply is directly related to demand. So feed on demand.
Eat healthy, things like methi dana, dhaniya, jeera, ghee… basically local and natural things aids into good breast milk supply.
Rest, do regular walk, rejuvenate, do yoga…. reduce any stress if you have any.
If you have latching trouble, get help; ask an elder or get someone professional to help.
Remember milk supply can increase or decrease naturally with no particular reason too. Keep on feeding as you would otherwise.
If you have just delivered, wait for 2-7 days for milk to come in. New babies only need a little to thrive.

Even after all this if you are unable to feed your baby or your baby is not gaining weight don’t beat yourself up for not able to feed. Instead supplement with formula. But remember you can still bond with your baby. Keep feeding time private, love and cuddle your baby and spend maximum time with baby.

Remember breast pump is your best friend. It helps to keep up with supply. Do check best Breast pumps in Indi a before buying for a complete guide to help you choose the right one.

I hope this article helps someone who is in need of some real time advice from a mom.

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