Breastfeeding success is not only about latch and positioning, it’s about knowledge and confidence. This post is about ways to increase your baby’s milk intake, but also about common misconceptions about baby intake that make parents believe there’s a problem where there is none. Understanding what is and isn’t a sign of low intake is important. Let's explore some of the typical breastfeeding behaviors that can lead to worry and understand why they are often reassuring signs and what to do when there’s a problem with low milk intake.

Normal Feeding Frequency: Frequent Nursing Doesn't Mean Insufficient Milk

One of the most common reasons for concern is the frequency of feedings. Newborns have tiny tummies and digest breast milk quickly, leading to frequent nursing sessions, sometimes every hour or even more. This cluster feeding, particularly in the evenings, is a normal behavior that helps to establish and maintain your milk supply and ensures your baby is getting the calories they need. As long as your baby is gaining weight appropriately, and their diaper output is within the normal range (typically 6-8 wet diapers and several soiled diapers per day in the early weeks), frequent feeding is a sign of a healthy and well-nourished baby, not a sign of low milk supply.

The Myth of the Full Breast: Breasts Change Over Time

Another common worry is the feeling of "empty" or saggy breasts, especially as breastfeeding becomes more established. In the early days, your breasts may feel full and firm before a feed due to hormonal shifts and the initial influx of milk. However, as your milk production is regulated to meet your baby's specific needs, your breasts may soften and feel less engorged. This doesn't mean you're not producing enough milk. In fact, it indicates that your body has become more efficient at producing milk on demand. Soft breasts are a sign of a mature and efficient milk supply, not a dwindling one.

Understanding Percentile Drops: A Normal Part of Growth

Observing your baby's weight percentile drop on the growth chart can also cause anxiety. It's important to understand that most healthy babies will naturally drop at least one percentile from their birth percentile in the first few months. This is a normal physiological adjustment as they settle into their growth trajectory. The key indicator of adequate milk intake is consistent and appropriate weight gain. A general guideline is a weight gain of at least 150 grams (around 5 ounces) per week before four months of age, and at least 80 grams (around 2.8 ounces) per week after four months. If your baby is meeting these weight gain milestones, a drop in percentile is usually not a cause for concern.

The Pumping Paradox: Less Output Doesn't Always Mean Less Milk

Mothers who combine breastfeeding with pumping often use their pumping output as a measure of their total milk supply. However, pumping output can be a misleading indicator. As breastfeeding becomes established, the fat content of your milk often increases, making it richer and more calorically dense. This means your baby may be getting more calories in a smaller volume of milk. Additionally, babies are often much more efficient at extracting milk from the breast than a pump. It's also common for pumping output to decrease over time, even when your baby is thriving.

When Baby Isn't Gaining: Addressing Low Milk Intake

If you have concerns that your baby is not gaining weight adequately, it's crucial to seek professional help immediately. The first step is to contact your pediatrician and a certified lactation consultant. They can thoroughly assess your baby's feeding and your breastfeeding technique, and help create a personalized plan to increase your milk supply and ensure your baby is getting the nourishment they need.

Techniques to Increase Milk Intake

Alongside professional guidance, there are several techniques you can implement to potentially increase your milk supply:

Deep Breast Compressions: While your baby is actively feeding, use firm but gentle pressure on your breast using your thumb and index finger to compress the breast, starting near the chest wall and moving towards the nipple. This can help to move more milk forward and encourage continued feeding.

Diaper Change Between Sides: Offering a diaper change between nursing on the first breast and switching to the second can help to wake up a sleepy baby and encourage them to feed more actively on both sides.

Increase Breastfeeding Frequency: Offering more frequent breastfeeding sessions throughout the day and night signals your body to produce more milk. Aim for at least 8-12 feedings in 24 hours, especially in the early weeks and when trying to boost supply.

Consider a Galactagogue Supplement: Certain herbal supplements, known as galactagogues, may help to increase milk supply for some mothers. However, always discuss the use of any supplements with your pediatrician or lactation consultant. If you're looking for a galactagogue that doesn’t require taking herbal supplements, some mothers find auricular therapy (ear seeds) for lactation support to be beneficial.

Pumping After Feeds: Adding extra pumping sessions immediately after your baby has finished breastfeeding can help to further stimulate milk production by emptying the breasts more completely.

Utilize a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS): A Supplemental Nursing System is a device that allows you to provide supplemental milk (expressed breast milk or formula) to your baby while they are breastfeeding at the breast. An SNS typically consists of a container of milk connected to a thin tube that is taped alongside your nipple. As your baby nurses, they receive both your breast milk and the supplemental milk simultaneously. This encourages them to continue breastfeeding for longer and more effectively, stimulating milk production while ensuring they are getting adequate nutrition.

Pump to Letdown: When a baby latches and stimulates the nipple your brain gets a hormonal message and lets down milk. This process may take an average of 30 seconds to a minute.  Sometimes, when babies are having trouble nursing, they tend to fall asleep or get frustrated before the letdown. Some mothers find it helpful to pump just long enough to get the milk flowing and then let the baby enjoy the letdown.

Remember that every breastfeeding journey is unique, and what works for one mother may not work for another. Patience, persistence, and professional support are key to successfully nourishing your baby. Trust your instincts, seek help when needed, and celebrate the amazing connection you are building with your little one.