FAQ

Low Breast Milk

What causes an inadequate supply of breast milk?

An inadequate or low supply of breast milk can result for a variety of reasons. These include poor nutrition, stress, the baby's inability to latch on properly or suck hard enough to stimulate milk production, and the comfort level the mother has with nursing. Most women can produce more breast milk by properly addressing these issues. Confer with a lactation consultant for help in determining the cause of low milk supply.

What can women do to increase their supply of milk?

• Galactogogue herbs have gained a reputation for increasing breast milk from years of historical use. Drink teas or take liquid herbal extracts such as tinctures (alcohol and water base) or alcohol free glycerites of the following herbs: fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettle, anise, dill, fennel seed, goat's rue, raspberry leaf, and alfalfa. Motherlove's More Milk contains blessed thistle, nettle, and fennel seed. More Milk Plus contains fenugreek seed, blessed thistle, nettle and fennel seed. More Milk Two, for women who are nursing an older baby and are pregnant, contains raspberry leaf, nettles and alfalfa. Our newest combination More Milk Special Blend, adds Goat's Rue to the popular More Milk Plus formula. Avoid parsley and sage, which decrease breast milk.
• Nutrition: Eat a well-rounded diet with adequate calories (even more than during pregnancy) that includes vitamins and minerals with levels high enough for yourself and to produce milk. You need foods high in calcium, iron, and protein. Avoid junk food. What you eat comes through your milk. You need adequate liquid so drink plenty of fresh water and herbal tea.
• Lack of Confidence: Sometimes it takes time to feel comfortable with motherhood. It doesn't just come naturally for every new mother! Some may be uncomfortable with the new feelings of pleasure or pain while nursing. Find a place that is comfortable for you to nurse. You may want privacy or quiet until you feel comfortable. Having eye contact with your infant while you nurse can help you relax and feel a nurturing bond. Find a friend or support group to talk with.
• Stress: Nursing does take a large amount of energy and can be emotionally draining, so it's important to find the stress relievers that work for you (quiet time alone, talking with someone, exercise, getting plenty of rest, taking a warm bath.) And, be sure to ask for help with the housework and siblings.
• Visualization: Visualize the abundance of your milk as it effortlessly flows from you to nourish your child.

Where can I find more information?

• The La Leche League has support groups throughout the country. Contact one in your area. There are also lactation consultants working in private practice and in hospitals to answer your questions. There is a lot of information on the internet at various lactation sites and chat groups. See our links to get started.
• The Nursing Mother's Herbal, by Sheila Humphrey, Fairview Press Minneapolis, 2003.
• The Nursing Mother's Companion, Kathleen Huggins, Harvard Common Press, 1999.
• ProMom Promotion of Mother's Milk, Inc.
• Breastfeeding Coalition