Many moms worry about low milk supply, even though most make exactly what baby needs.Many moms worry about low milk supply, but most of the time your body makes exactly what your baby needs, even if you don't realize it. There are also ways to tell if your baby is getting enough milk. If you aren't making enough, there are ways you can build your supply. And your WIC breastfeeding staff is always there to help! Show
Am I Making Enough Milk?First, look for these signs that your baby is getting enough milk. For example, pay attention to the number of wet and dirty diapers and your baby's weight gain. Things you should NOT worry about:
If you are still concerned, talk to your baby's doctor about their growth. Causes of Low Milk SupplyWhile most moms make plenty of milk, some do have low milk supply. This might happen if you:
Talk to your doctor if you have hepatitis B or C, herpes, or diabetes. These conditions may also affect milk supply.
Increasing Your Milk SupplyBreastfeeding frequently—especially in the first hours, days, and weeks—is the main way to increase your milk supply. Your body will make milk to meet your baby's demand. Try these tips to help you make more milk:
Consider Charting Your ProgressRecord how often your baby is breastfeeding, for how long, and on which sides. If you are supplementing with infant formula, record how much your baby is getting and decrease the infant formula as your milk supply increases. WIC breastfeeding staff can help you determine how much infant formula your baby needs. Still Have Questions?Contact your WIC breastfeeding expert. They can talk to you about supply concerns and give you tips to increase your supply to meet your baby's needs. Browse WIC Breastfeeding TopicsCan you make breast milk come back after drying up?During relactation, you train your body to produce milk after not lactating for a period of time. It's possible to relactate if you haven't produced breast milk in weeks, months or even years. And while some may think relactation is a modern concept, the practice has been around for hundreds of years.
How can I get my milk supply back fast?A great way to boost your milk supply quickly is to power pump. Essentially for 2-3 days in a row, you pump after every nursing session for 10-20 minutes. This fully empties your breasts and signals to your body to make more milk.
How long does it take to bring milk supply back?The fastest way to increase your milk supply is to ask your body to make more milk. Whether that means nursing more often with your baby or pumping – increased breast stimulation will let your body know you need it to start making more milk. It usually takes about 3-5 days before you see an increase in your supply.
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