Reduced milk supply is a common worry for breastfeeding mothers.
The amount of milk you make depends on how often and how well your baby feeds at the breast.
You'll know your baby is getting enough milk if they:
- are gaining weight
- are settled between feeds
- have regular dirty nappies
It is normal for your breasts to soften after the first week. This is not a sign your milk supply is low.
Knowing if your newborn is getting enough breast milk
How to increase milk supply
If your baby needs more milk than you are producing, you may need to breastfeed or express more often. This will increase your supply.
You may also improve supply by:
- massaging your breasts before a feed
- compressing your breast during a feed
- expressing additional milk after a feed
If you are combination feeding (breast and bottle), gradually offer your baby less formula. You are likely to produce more milk as your baby's demand increases.
If your baby uses a soother, this can reduce your milk supply. Soothers reduce feeding time at the breast, causing your body to produce less milk in response.
Common concerns about breast milk supply
You may have the following concerns while breastfeeding.
Your baby is feeding very often
Many babies have a strong desire to be in close contact with their mother. You'll generally start to produce the right amount of milk if your baby is well positioned and actively feeding from your breast.
Your baby seems very hungry
Your baby will often seem hungry again not long after being fed. This is due to the breast milk being very digestible, so they feed more often. It may also be because their previous feed did not last long, or they just fed from 1 breast.
When your baby wakes for a feed, latch them immediately. Change their nappy when they are sleepy, around halfway through the feed. This will wake them up. They may feed for longer and be more settled after.
Your baby suddenly increases length of feeds
Your baby's feeding routine may change considerably during the first few weeks. Babies who are very sleepy in the first days often have a better appetite at about 3 to 4 weeks.
Babies can go through growth spurts at different times. They need to feed more to support this growth.
Cluster feeds and growth spurts
Your baby reduces breastfeeding times
This may mean your baby is getting better at draining the breast as they are now more experienced at breastfeeding.
Your baby sleeps longer at night and misses a feed
It is OK to offer a feed during the night. Your milk-making hormones are higher at night so this can help boost your supply.
Your baby is unsettled (fussy)
It's normal for newborns to have fussy periods each day. These are often at the same time of day.
Fussiness can be caused by things other than hunger.
For example:
- trapped wind
- not sleeping well between feeds
- having a cold
Leaking breasts
It is normal to have leaking breasts, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Ongoing leaking breasts can be a sign you are producing too much breast milk. Milk supply usually evens out to meet your baby’s exact needs when they are 4 to 6 weeks old.
Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is usually gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is normal and has no effect on your milk supply.
Breast fullness may return for a short while if:
- your baby's feeding routine changes
- you or your baby becomes unwell
- you're not removing enough milk
You do not feel the let-down reflex
The let-down reflex is when your baby changes from fast sucks at the start of a feed to slow deep sucks with more frequent swallowing.
You may not feel or be aware of the let-down reflex. This is normal for some mothers and is nothing to worry about.
You cannot express much milk
The amount of milk you express does not reflect your true milk supply. When your baby is well attached and positioned, they can empty your breast better than a breast pump.
Your baby takes a bottle after a breastfeed
It's normal to think your baby did not get enough milk if they drink a bottle after a breastfeed.
Babies will often suck on a bottle because they like to suck. This does not mean they did not get enough from the breast.
Cracked or sore nipples
If you have cracked or sore nipples, you may need to adjust your baby’s positioning and attachment to the breast. Ask for advice from your public health nurse (PHN), lactation nurse or midwife.
Mastitis or blocked ducts
Mastitis or blocked ducts may temporarily reduce supply. You can treat these with gentle massage and cold cloths. You can also use pain relief medicine, if needed.
Blocked or narrowed duct while breastfeeding
Older babies
When you introduce solid foods (weaning), there will be a natural decline in your milk supply. This is because your supply adjusts to your baby's demand.
But it is still recommended to continue breastfeeding. Breast milk provides key nutrients such as proteins, fats and vitamins - even after the first year of life.
Getting support
Talk to your public health nurse (PHN), lactation nurse or midwife if you are concerned about your milk supply.
Join a breastfeeding support group. This is a great way to meet other breastfeeding mothers and learn about their experiences.