It's a common concern among breastfeeding mothers: feeling like your milk supply is dwindling. While it's natural for supply to fluctuate, especially in the early days of breastfeeding, a persistent decrease can be worrisome. Let's delve into the signs of insufficient milk supply and bust some common misconceptions. 

Understanding the Signs of Insufficient Milk Supply

Contrary to popular belief, frequent feeding or shorter feeds are not reliable indicators of low milk supply. The idea that babies should be fed in intervals of several hours comes from a bottle-feeding culture. In cultures where there is little or no bottle feeding, babies feed on average four times an hour from birth to eighteen months. Feeding often is normal and natural. It can also be an indication of a baby needing more comfort and soothing due to things like growth spurts, separation from parents, and other stressors.

Shorter feeds are also not a sign of insufficient milk supply. An average breastfeeding session is 12-67 minutes long, but babies sometimes have much shorter feeds due to becoming more efficient at the breast or wanting more time to explore the world and newfound abilities. Breast milk flow rate can also impact feeding time. Often, if there is a strong letdown, babies will have shorter feeds.

What Are Signs of a Decrease in Milk Supply?

The most accurate signs are insufficient weight gain and decreased diaper output. Your baby should be gaining weight steadily: at least 150 grams a week for the first four months of life and then at least 80 grams a week from four to six months. After six months, 60 grams a week is the minimum weight gain.  
Babies should be producing at least four wet diapers a day and at least two stools a day. Stool output might go down as the baby gets closer to six weeks old, that happens because of the steady increase in milk fat levels.

The Myth of Pumping as a Supply Gauge

Pumping can be a helpful tool for expressing milk, but it's important to remember that if you are not an exclusive pumper, pumping is not an accurate measure of your milk supply. Pump output is typically less than breastfeeding output mainly because it happens less often and is less emotionally stimulating than breastfeeding for many mothers.

Pump Output Fluctuations Are Normal

It's normal to experience fluctuations in pumped milk output. One factor is your menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes can influence milk production, often leading to a temporary decrease in supply during your period. Additionally, as your baby grows, their nutritional needs change. Your body naturally adjusts by increasing the fat content of your milk. This can make it more challenging to pump efficiently, as fattier milk is often harder to extract.

The Good News: Increasing Milk Supply is Possible

If you're concerned about your milk supply, there are effective strategies to boost it. Frequent and effective breastfeeding or pumping is key. The more often your baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce. Skin-to-skin contact can also stimulate milk production.

Consulting with a lactation consultant may be beneficial. They can assess your breastfeeding and pumping technique, offer personalized advice, and address any underlying issues that may be affecting your milk supply.

Looking for more tips for increasing milk supply? This post is just for you: Power up your pumping sessions.