Most mothers can produce enough milk for their babies. There are some myths around low milk supply, so if you feel like you are not producing enough milk for your baby, seeking support early can help.

What is low milk supply?

The breast works on a supply and demand system. The more the baby breastfeeds, the more milk is supplied. Low milk supply happens when there is not enough breast milk to meet your baby’s needs. The best way to produce enough milk for your baby is to breastfeed often or remove milk from your breast by hand expressing or pumping.

If your supply of breast milk is not meeting your baby’s needs, it is usually a temporary condition that can be improved quickly by more frequent removal of milk with the right health professional support.

How do I know if my milk supply is low?

Signs that your baby is not getting enough milk may include:

• being unsettled between most feeds
• being sleepy at the breast even though they are hungry – they appear too tired to breastfeed
• less than 6–8 soaked cloth nappies or 4-6 heavily weighted disposable nappies in a 24-hour period
• slow or no weight gain. Refer to ‘What to expect from my baby’ factsheet
• fussing at the breast when feeding

Why might I have low milk supply?

There can be any number of causes for a low milk supply. Some of the more common reasons include:

• poor infant latch to your breast
• infrequent, short, or interrupted breastfeeds
• ineffective sucking (i.e. tongue tie, prematurity, anatomical anomalies, pain)
• complications of birth
• replacement of any feeds with formula or a dummy (pacifier) as they can alter the number of breast feeds each day, reducing breast stimulation and milk production
• early introduction of solids
• smoking
• you may be severely overtired, anxious or dehydrated
• hormonal changes (i.e. ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, oral contraceptives with oestrogen)
• side effects of medication
• previous breast surgery

How can I increase my milk supply?

• feed your baby regularly whenever they ask for a feed. (Most newborns will ask for feeds 2 to 3 hourly around the clock)
• have lots of ‘skin to skin’ time with your baby
• make sure your baby is latched correctly. Refer to ‘Positioning and Attachment’ factsheet
• increase breast stimulation by offering both breasts twice at each feed (switch feeding) and/or expressing after each feed. A combination of hand and pump expressing can be more effective
• massage your breasts gently before and during feeding and expressing
• your GP or other health professionals may prescribe a medication/ supplement to help increase milk supply
• herbal supplements have been used traditionally to increase milk supply. These should only be used under the supervision of a health professional
• consult with Maternal and Child Health for support with a Lactation Support Service or privately for additional help

How can I find more information?

Phone

• Maternal Child and Family Health - Early Parenting Support Line (02) 5124 1775
• Central Health Intake (CHI) on (02) 5124 9977

Websites

• Australian Breastfeeding Association - 1800 686 268 www.breastfeeding.asn.au
• Pregnancy Birth and Baby - 1800 882 436 www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au
• Breastfeeding Support (MACH)

Visit

• Maternal Child and Family Health Breastfeeding Support Clinic
• Your GP