Breastfeeding is sometimes difficult, especially when you are able to see signs your milk supply is decreasing. A lot of new mothers are having problem that they might not produce enough milk for their infants. It could be that your child is more irritable during feeding times or that you are seeing less number of wet diapers.
This article will serve as your guide to the signs that your milk supply is rapidly decreasing. It also provides various tips that are very effective in facilitating milk production. You should not run into a panic since these signs are usual and can be resolved.
Common Signs Your Milk Supply Is Decreasing
Spotting signs your milk supply is decreasing will enable you to fix it quickly. In most cases, it is a change of the infant’s mother due to stress or a bad latch. Watching your baby’s cues and body signals, while staying comfortable in supportive wear like the Momcozy organic nursing bra, can make a real difference. Do not miss these signs from your child’s body:
Fewer diaper changes
In the first week after giving birth, if the infant is wetting six or more diapers in a day, this may be a sign that there is enough milk production because after the first week, the number is supposed to increase. Changing the number of diaper changes can be a way to make sure the infant gets enough milk.
1.  The baby looks like they are thirsty even after feeding
This can happen among some infants who begin crying and rooting towards the breast or the hand as if they are sucking on their hands few moments after feeding. The first reaction could be that they are even thirsty, an indicator linked to low milk production.
2.  Weight gain is taking longer
For the second month, babies gain between 5 to 7 ounces per week. But if your baby is gaining weight or their rate of gaining weight is slowing down, this may indicate that your baby is not getting adequate amounts of your milk.
3.  Fewer leaks and engorgements
During the early stages, your nipples may leak breast milk as your breasts feel full. It is likely that if you observe a lesser frequency of your breasts feeling full or a stoppage in the breastfeeding of your baby, your milk production may also reduce.
4.  Less frequent nursing
The usual time taken by infants while breastfeeding per breast is 15-20 minutes. If it is less than 10 minutes per breast, it may indicate that possibly the flow of milk or intake might be less. This can be a possible reason for the signs associated with low milk production.
5.  Changes in the stool
Amount and consistency of the stool can also give information on the breastfeeding of the baby. If the baby passes less stool or if it is harder or darker than usual, this can give a signal that the baby is not being fed enough milk.
Baby Signs of Decreasing Milk Supply
Baby signs are the first signs that your milk supply is decreasing before the mom can feel the changes. Monitor your infant’s behavior, diapers, and growth closely. These are the new signs that have not been mentioned before which will help you to identify the problems at the very beginning.
1.  Low energy or sleeping
Babies who do not receive sufficient amounts of milk can fall asleep readily while nursing or appear rather exhausted at any given time of the day. Also, this appearance of low energy can make it difficult to feed to the expected level.
2.  Sunken soft spot
The soft spot on an infant’s head, referred to as the fontanelle, might look flat or even depressed if the infant has not been well-hydrated. There could be various implications of an infant having a sunken soft spot if interpreted properly.
3.  Dry mouth or dark urine
If the lips of the baby are chapped and dry, the mouth is dry, and the urine is darker than usual, it could mean the baby is not getting sufficient milk.
4.  Longer sleep intervals
Whereas extended napping can sometimes be considered normal, if the baby exceeds four hours without waking for a breastfeeding, it may be that they are not getting enough milk. Longer sleep patterns alongside other symptoms may therefore indicate that the milk supply level could be reducing.
5.  Increased crying
A hungry newborn may become cranky or cry more often. Visible signs that there might be lower milk production and thus might need an adjustment can start with the first presentations that often involve frequent crying because of hunger.
6.  Less active play
If a baby seems quiet, limp, and passive rather than kicking, moving, and playing, it could be an expression of lack of energy that results from inadequate milk consumption. Monitoring baby alertness and activity can also serve as an indicator regarding adequate milk feeding.
7.  Weight loss
Once the expected newborn weight loss has been achieved, the baby then has to steadily begin the process of regaining the lost weight. Any baby who continuously keeps losing or stops gaining weight within the first few weeks demonstrates a severe signal that the baby isn’t getting enough milk.
Causes of Decreasing Milk Supply
There are various things that can cause your milk supply to decline, and therefore, you may show signs of a drop in your milk supply. Signs are stress, health problems, and feeding habits, which all play major roles. Knowing them, mothers are able to figure out ways to fix the issue immediately.
- High stress or worry: Prolonged stress raises cortisol levels, which can inhibit milk, producing hormones like prolactin and oxytocin. If stress is a constant factor in someone’s life, they might eventually show signs of their milk supply slowly decreasing.
- Not enough feeding or pumping: Breast milk production is a supply and demand process. If breasts are not regularly emptied through nursing or pumping, the body will get a signal to reduce milk production.
- Formula supplements: When formula feedings replace breastfeeding sessions, milk removal decreases. Naturally, less stimulation at the breast leads to lower milk production, especially if supplements are used frequently.
- Health problems: For instance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, anemia, or diabetes, that can affect hormones and energy levels, thus making it harder for the body to produce enough milk.
- Medications: Some cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine may cause a drop in supply, along with certain hormonal birth control methods, by interfering with milk, producing hormones.
- Poor sleep or lack of water: The body still needs enough rest and proper hydration to function well. Lack of sleep and dehydration can slow milk production and affect let down.
- Breast surgery or mastitis: Past breast surgery may have caused damage to milk ducts or glands, whereas mastitis can inflame and obstruct milk flow, as well as cause pain, which makes it difficult for milk to be released properly.
How to Confirm Your Milk Supply Is Decreasing
People often get worried if their breast milk changes, particularly if they notice the signs your milk supply is decreasing. Well, it makes sense that knowing which ones to watch helps you to confirm the issue if it is the case and to take the necessary steps without delay.
- ​Actually, by breastfeed your baby takes more time than usual, and then he still looks unsatisfied.
- The amount of milk pumped decreases gradually, not only for one session.
- There are hardly any times when your breasts are noticeably heavy, even after a longer interval between your feeds.
- In very few instances, you experience milk leaks compared to the first weeks. Therefore, you should monitor those changes to prevent possible problems.
- Now your baby has fewer wipes or diapers throughout the day.
- The weight gain gets slower or is at a standstill during the regular pediatric visits.
- The moment for letting down the milk seems to be delayed, the intensity is weaker, or it happens with less consistency during feeding sessions.
- Your baby gets fussy, cannot concentrate, and therefore moves away from the breast repeatedly.
- Hormonal changes, stress, illness, or being poorly hydrated may have an adverse effect on milk production.
What to Do When Milk Supply Is Decreasing
Noticing the signs your milk supply is decreasing can be a bit nerve-racking, but most of the time taking action early brings back a normal flow of milk. If you are experiencing a decline in your milk supply, these are some of the helpful things that you might want to try:
- You have to increase the breastfeeding or pumping frequency in order to keep the production at a normal level.
- One more very effective thing is to ensure that the baby is properly latched and positioned in a way that milk can be removed more efficiently.
- Please do not forget to drink lots of water and eat nutritious meals that are good for your body and lactation.
- You should refrain from skipping any feeding sessions and extending the intervals between nursing. To ensure you can express milk regularly, we recommend using a device like a breast milk cooler, such as the Momcozy Portable Breast Milk Cooler for Outdoor – 22oz. Additionally, a bottle warmer is also necessary.
- Using the breast compression method during feeding will not only make your milk flow more efficient but will also help to encourage the baby to take a bigger portion of milk.
- Adding pumping for a few minutes right after nursing is a good way to tell the breasts to produce more milk.
- Try to keep your spirits up and make time for sleep as well, because being tired can cause your body to produce less milk.
- Review the drugs you are taking and any hormonal changes that you might be having, which can impact your milk production.
- It would also be really helpful if you watched how many times your child urinates in the diaper and their weight.
Foods and Nutrition That Support Milk Supply
Feeding your body with the right foods definitely helps your body especially when you notice signs your milk supply is decreasing. Although no single food can immediately increase milk production, a balanced diet and adequate fluid intake will keep your body in a good state to produce milk.
Mothers eat whole grains like oats or brown rice to have clean energy, fiber and minerals that will not only be used for milk production but also for the overall health of the mother. Leafy greens like malunggay and spinach are vitamins and minerals, packed foods that provide the health of the body and immune system. Protein is essential to the body, so eggs, chicken, fish, tofu and beans are good protein sources which help in the repair and building of tissues in the body.
On the other hand, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables are micronutrient, dense foods that not only aid in hormone balance but also keep the body healthy and strong. Drinking water is a necessity especially when breastfeeding because the fluid needs of the body increase. In addition to water, other hydrating foods such as soups, broths and milk can also be taken to provide the required liquid.
Certain foods and habits can work against you when trying to maintain a supply of breast milk. Overindulgence in caffeine, alcohol, and highly processed foods; as well as meal skipping and putting yourself on very strict diets can all contribute to low energy and dehydration. Both of which are essential components of milk production. If these habits are maintained, they can lead to a worsening of the signs of milk supply reduction. Getting back to regular meals, drinking enough water, and eating nutrient-dense foods are good for your health and will also help you breastfeed.
Lifestyle Habits That Protect Milk Supply
Good daily habits matter a lot in keeping your milk supply stable. They will also speed up your recovery after birth. Rest and relaxation, managing stress, and feeding or pumping frequently are basically the three main things that have to do with keeping the hormones that induce milk production at a normal level. Even lifestyle changes that are very small can still result in a positive effect over time.
As much as possible, sleeping helps the body to recover and to be more efficient in milk production. Light exercise, deep breathing, or getting help with baby care can all help to relieve stress and so, the supply will go up. If you have nice fitting clothes and nursing bras, you will find breastfeeding and pumping a lot more comfortable and enjoyable.
When to Seek Professional Help
It is important to understand when you need professional support if you see signs your milk supply is decreasing. Prompt assistance not only can avoid the complications that often arise, make it possible for you to regain your supply, but also provide you with the reassurance to continue your breastfeeding journey. Although minor fluctuations in milk supply can usually be handled at home, it is sometimes necessary to take the advice of a lactation consultant and a doctor.
- Consistently, a baby who has fewer than the expected number of wet diapers and bowel movements may not be sufficiently fed and an evaluation by a professional will definitely help clear that.
- In case your baby is losing weight or is not gaining weight according to growth charts, a doctor will be able to check your milk supply as well as your baby’s health.
- If your baby appears to be extremely sleepy, cries all the time and is not satisfied even after feeding, a lactation consultant will be able to check the latch, feeding technique and milk flow.
- An intervention by a professional will help uncover the reasons in case you see a very sudden drop in your milk production which does not get better with increased feeding or pumping.
- If you are in pain or have mastitis or have any issues related to breast such as blocked ducts that make it difficult to remove milk, it is very important to get help medically as soon as possible, not only to take care of your health but also to protect your milk supply.
- If you are in a situation where you are taking medication or have a medical condition that may adversely affect lactation, visiting a healthcare provider will give you the go signal to safely continue breastfeeding while looking after your health.
Conclusion
If you are able to catch the signs that your milk supply is decreasing early, then you will be able to take action before it is a bigger problem. The frequency of milk letdowns can be done with a little help from nursing more often, getting enough rest, being hydrated with plenty of liquid, and finally taking care of yourself.
By also incorporating the use of supporting products such as the Momcozy organic nursing bra, nursing as well as pumping can become more comfortable. These products can enhance ideal positioning of breasts, as well as reduce strain on the body. With all these measures in place, along with moral support from family, friends, or a lactation consultant, confidence will be boosted for a well-nourished baby.
Photo Credits: Unsplash
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