Why do some mothers underproduce? There are some breastfeeding mothers who produce milk just fine for their babies. Other mothers suffer from oversupply (might seem like an oxymoron, but it’s true. It’s a real burden for them). While other mothers can’t seem to ever get their supply to boost. Why is that?
In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why some mothers underproduce.
Disclaimer
This article is not meant to replace the professional assessment of a lactation consultant or doctor. If you are suffering from severe underproduction, we recommend you be seen. The information is this article is meant for education only. It is not exhaustive in it’s list.
Reasons For Underproduction
1. Stress
First on our list is stress. Stress is the top killer of milk supply! We listed it first because of this reason. Probably 100% of breastfeeding mothers are stressed to some degree.
It’s important to manage stress for your overall health, but also to protect your milk production. To learn how you can reduce your stress, read my article 5 Tips To Recue Mom Stress!
2. Dehydration
Secondly, dehydration. Breastmilk is 90% water! That’s because your baby needs to be hydrated just like you do. If you do not keep your hydration up as a breastfeeding mom, odds are your milk supply will suffer.
To gain tips on how to stay hydrated as a busy, breastfeeding mother, fill out the form below!
3. Not Enough Caloric Intake
Thirdly on our list is an insufficient amount of caloric intake. After giving birth, many mothers are desperate to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight. One way they may try to do this is by limiting their caloric intake. Although this is not necessarily the best or smartest way to loose weight, many mothers try this method.
What they don’t realize is that when they do this, they are hurting their body’s ability to make milk for their baby. I do not want to go into this subject deeply here since that’s not the purpose of this article. To learn more about this subject, read my article Why Eating Enough Should Be Your Goal And Not Losing Weight.
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4. Medical Reasons
Fourthly, there are some medical conditions that can lead to low milk supply. If you are concerned about any of the following, please reach out to your doctor for further assistance!
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hypothyroidism
- Obesity
- Postpartum hemorrhaging (leads to excessive bleeding)
- Retained placenta (when not all of the placenta is “birthed” and some remains inside mom)
The above list is not exhaustive. Again, if you suspect or are concerned about any of the above relating to your low milk supply, please reach out to your doctor! They will be able to give you further knowledge and assistance.
5. Taking Certain Medications
Fifth on our list are certain medications. Certain medications, including some birth controls, can lead to low milk supply. If you are taking a birth control pill (or other form of contraceptive), and you are worried it may be causing low milk production, be sure to consult your doctor to find the best solution for you.
According to Medical News Today (2023), oral decongestants can dramatically reduce milk supply. However, most other cold medications are safe to take while breastfeeding.
To learn more about which medications can lead to decreased milk supply, read my article Medications That Decrease Milk Supply.
6. Smoking
Lactating mothers who smoke my experience low milk production. Consequently this is because the nicotine decreases the hormone prolactin levels in the blood. What is prolactin, you might ask? Prolactin is the hormone that tells your breasts to produce milk. Decreased levels of this hormone will lead to decreased amounts of milk being produced by the breasts.
7. Alcohol
According to LactMed, “nursing after 1 or 2 drinks (including beer) can decrease the infant’s milk intake by 20-23%…”. Babies may nurse for the same amount of time, and may cause the mother to think the baby is getting the same amount of milk. However, according to this study, baby may actually be consuming less milk.
Additionally, according to the CDC, the safest option for breastfeeding mothers is to avoid alcohol. However, it is considered safe for lactating mothers to consume one alcoholic drink per day. Yes, alcohol can be found in breastmilk shortly after it is consumed (anywhere between 30-60 minutes). The length of time that it remains in the breastmilk is determined by how much alcohol the mother drinks.
Leave A Comment Below!
What do you feel you need to improve on to help boost your milk production? Was it managing stress? Staying hydrated? Or perhaps you feel like a phone call to your doctor would be beneficial?
Share your thoughts with us! We would love to encourage and support you in your breastfeeding journey!
Want To Learn More?
If you would like to learn more about milk supply, be sure to check out these related articles below!
The Breastfeeding Accelerator Course
Best Tips To Maintain Milk Supply While Traveling
Encouragement For The Discouraged Mama
Milk Supply And Exercise – What You Need To Know
How Common Is It For Mothers To Struggle With Milk Supply?
3 Tips To Increase Your Emergency Stash Of Frozen Breastmilk
This One Thing Helped Me Produce 1-2oz More Milk Per Feeding
References
- CDC, Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/vaccinations-medications-drugs/alcohol.html#:~:text=However%2C%20higher%20levels%20of%20alcohol,due%20to%20decreased%20milk%20production.
- LactMed, Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501469/?fbclid=IwAR3T8mratFMKjIVbq100pUo0bAGDpzicDCsYzr7qwaCzfXRdfztSHvPK51w
- Medical News Today, Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-cold-medicine-safe-while-breast-feeding#:~:text=Over%2Dthe%2Dcounter%20(OTC,symptoms%20by%20using%20OTC%20medications.