PARENTS
How Do I Know If I Have a Low Milk Supply?
Here are four steps to help you find out.
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
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PARENT PICKS
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PARENTS
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
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Bestsellers
How do you know if your baby is getting enough milk? With bottle-fed babies, it is simple: Just count the ounces she eats. With breastfeeders, however, it is trickier, and you will want to determine if you have a decreasing or low milk supply. Here are four steps to help you find out if you have a low milk supply:
Note: One last clue in checking your breast milk supply is after you are done with a feed, offer a bottle of pumped milk or formula to see if your baby gulps it down. But be careful when giving bottles before breastfeeding is well established. It can alter a child’s sucking and make her suddenly reject the breast. In fact, to avoid nipple confusion it is best to give no more than one bottle a day, even after the nursing is well established to prevent low milk supply.
If you suspect your milk supply is decreasing, these are the most common culprits:
The best way to prevent low milk supply is to allow your baby to drink as much breast milk as possible during feeding sessions; the more milk that is taken, the more your body will produce. Upping your breastfeeding frequency—or adding a pumping session immediately after breastfeeding—can help tell your body that it is time to make more milk!
And even though you are super focused on Baby right now, make sure you are looking after mum, too. Stay hydrated and make sure you are getting enough food to eat.
Be sure to discuss any concerns and signs your milk supply is decreasing with your healthcare provider or an experienced lactation consultant and your child's paediatrician.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
