Low Breast Milk

What causes an inadequate supply of breast milk?

There are many reasons why women may not produce enough breast milk. While we are confident that our herbal extracts are the best formulas available, not all issues can be corrected with supplements. An inadequate or low supply of breast milk can result from a variety of causes; most of which can be addressed in order to produce more breast milk. Confer with a lactation consultant for help in determining the cause of a low milk supply.

Milk Supply Equation - Copyright © Lisa Marasco

1. Sufficient lactation tissue
2. Intact nerve pathways
3. Intact ducts
4. Adequate hormones
5. Adequate receptors
6. Adequate milk removal
7. Adequate stimulation
8. Sufficient frequency

• Adequate removal of milk - Make sure that your milk is being removed frequently enough to maintain supply. Breastfeed or pump often, your body produces milk to replace milk that is removed, so the more milk that is removed, the more milk is made. Be sure your baby is latched correctly to maximize milk removal.
• Hormonal - Hormonal imbalances can sometimes cause low milk production. Thyroid, insulin, progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, prolactin and fasting glucose can all affect milk supply. Receptors and pathways must be intact for each hormone to work properly.
• Mammary tissue - Women can have damaged or insufficient mammary tissue for several reasons. Breast implants, reductions and other types of surgery can reduce milk production by damaging glands, ducts, and nerves. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a possible cause of poor mammary tissue development. Goat’s Rue can help to increase mammary tissue.
• Scarring - This can result from any type of surgery affecting the mammary tissue, including diagnostic, ablative and cosmetic breast and nipple surgeries. Areola piercings can cause scaring in the nipple that can damage to nerves critical to milk ejection.
• Anti Galactogogues (Galactofuge) - Women may ingest certain food items while breastfeeding, not realizing they might be having an effect on their milk supply. Try to avoid these spices in large quantity while breastfeeding; sage, parsley, thyme, and peppermint (including breath mints). Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (especially four months postpartum) and hormonal birth control (especially in the first weeks after birth) can also decrease milk supply.

What can women do to increase their supply of milk?

• Herbal galactogogues have gained a reputation for increasing breast milk from years of traditional use. Our liquid extracts and liquid capsules are stronger, more easily absorbed and more effective than dried herbal capsules or teas. Some popular herbal galactogogues are: fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettle, anise, dill, fennel, goat’s rue, raspberry, and alfalfa. Motherlove's More Milk contains blessed thistle, nettle, and fennel seed. More Milk Plus contains fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettle and fennel. More Milk Two, for women who are nursing 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 and is helpful for women who need to build mammary tissue. Please consult our Product FAQ's to find the formula that is right for you.
• Talk to a professional - We always recommend working with a lactation consultant. They can best advise mothers on their exact situation. Every woman’s body, physiology, biology, hormonal levels, baby's habits and personal habits are different. One on one consultation can really help target the reason and solution to low milk supply.
• Pumping - Sometimes the body needs extra stimulation and milk extraction to produce enough milk to feed your baby. Residual milk can be pumped after feedings and stored for later use.
• Latching correctly - Your baby might not be latching deeply enough, preventing adequate milk removal. Have a lactation specialist check for problems such as a tongue tie if it appears that your baby is struggling to latch, frequently slips down on the nipple, the nipple has compression stripe, clicking is heard during nursing or if pain continues after the first few weeks.
• Alternative techniques - There are a variety of alternative therapies that can help address low milk production including chiropractics, acupuncture, reflexology and yoga. Visualization can be a helpful tool, visualize abundant milk as it effortlessly flows from you to nourish your child.
• Nutrition - Remember that food can be medicinal too. 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. A healthy diet rich in protein, fiber, iron, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and omega 3 can make a big difference. Avoid junk food. You need adequate liquid so drink plenty of fresh water.
• 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.
• Relaxation - Remember to relax and do not put yourself under additional stress. Many women are too hard on themselves when struggling with milk production. It may very well be something out of your control. Some breast milk is better than no breast milk! It is 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). Keep trying, expand your resources and let us help you any way we can.

Where can I find more information?

• La Leche League International 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.
• Low Milk Supply provides information and support to mothers who are experiencing low milk production.
• MOBI Motherhood International a non-profit organization committed to breastfeeding research, advocacy, education, and support.
• Breastfeeding.com has lots of helpful information on breastfeeding and resources to help you network with mother’s in similar situations.
• Kellymom.com is yet another wonderful resource for breastfeeding questions.
• The Breastfeeding Mother’s Guide to Making More Milk, by Diana West and Lisa Marasco McGraw-Hill, 2008.
• The Nursing Mother’s Herbal, by Sheila Humphrey, Fairview Press Minneapolis, 2003.
• The Nursing Mother’s Companion, Kathleen Huggins, Harvard Common Press, 1999.