Pregnancy & Baby 

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Low milk supply: my mum had it, so will I too?

It can be really worrying to hear tales like this. Many women fret for years about stories they have been told regarding difficulties giving birth or breast-feeding, particularly those involving their mother. It is highly unlikely you have any physical problem that will make it impossible for you to nourish your baby on your milk alone.

True milk insufficiency is very rare. Most of the time problems with a milk supply develop during the early weeks of breast-feeding, when your milk supply is becoming established.

A poor milk supply can be the result of a number of things. Allow your baby frequent access to your breasts for her nutritional needs and comfort sucking. An insufficient number of feeds, limiting the length of feeds and improper positioning at the breast can all play a role in reducing your milk supply. A newborn child needs to breast-feed on demand, which can be around ten to 12 times each day. Many infants feed even more than this. The more often your baby feeds and the more completely you ‘empty’ your breasts, the more milk you make. Most babies spend at least 30 to 40 minutes breast-feeding per feed. Allow your little one to control the feed, coming off your breast relaxed and satisfied.

Some maternal factors associated with poor milk supply are smoking, excessive caffeine intake (equivalent to over five cups of coffee a day) and the use of sedatives, antihistamines or birth control pills. Severe post-partum haemorrhage, anaemia and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), along with breast surgery, can also play a part in insufficient milk supply. It is very rare for a mother to have insufficient glandular tissue.

Babies can also play a part in insufficient milk supply. Underlying health problems in the infant need to be ruled out by your baby's midwife or doctor. It is very important that you talk to your midwife or health visitor about any problems so you can keep breast-feeding going without compromising your baby's health.

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