Many women opt to nourish their children with breast milk. Often new moms are seen worried about their milk supply. It is natural since it is not physically evident how much milk has been produced or consumed by the baby. As long as the baby is gaining weight and growing well, there is no need to get overly concerned about it.
Signs Of Low Milk Supply
Nursing mothers should not always worry about whether the child is getting enough or not. As milk produced in mothers works on demand and supply mechanisms. However, there are certain signs which might indicate a low milk supply in nursing mothers. Some of these indications are
- Poor Weight Gain
Losing 5-10% of birth weight immediately a few days after birth is very common. There is no need to get concerned about it. However, if the baby does not seem to gain weight afterward, then it might signal that he is not getting enough milk. A baby should gain at least 0.7-1 ounce a few days after birth.
For newborn children, the only source of nourishment is milk. Low weight or gaining too little might indicate that the baby is not getting sufficient nourishment essential for growth and development. It required immediate attention and professional assistance.
- Few Wet Diapers
Another important indication of low milk supply is too few wet diapers. A healthy baby should have at least 5-6 wet diapers a day. It shows that the baby is getting enough and is growing well. Immediately contact the health adviser if you notice a decline in your little one’s diapers’ heaviness and wetness.
- Dehydration
Signs of dehydration in the baby also indicate a low milk supply. Look for signs of dehydration in terms of any dryness in the mouth and dark urine. A baby may be dehydrated due to diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
If this is not the case, then dehydration might indicate a low milk supply. No matter whatever the reason is, you need to see immediate medical attention in such cases.
Reasons For Low Milk Supply
There are few reasons behind the low milk supply in nursing mothers. Though low milk supply is not very common, it requires attention. Some medical conditions and lifestyle may become possible reasons for low milk supply in nursing mothers. Few of these reasons are
- Excessive Blood Loss
Excessive loss of blood during birth can result in a delay in milk to come in, and it is usually delayed for three or more days after birth. Other complications such as placenta fragments left inside during birth may also cause a delay in milk supply and possibly low milk supply. Excessive blood loss during surgery may also result in a low milk supply.
- Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance such as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), thyroid, and diabetes may also cause low milk supply in many nursing mothers. This happens because the milk supply is also controlled by a hormone called prolactin.
Imbalance in other hormones may also interfere with milk-producing hormone, and resultantly mothers face issues of low and reduced milk supply
- Breast Surgery
Breast surgeries for any purpose, enhancing or reducing breasts, may also possibly cause low milk supply. This happens because such surgeries damage milk ducts present in the breast, and as a result, mothers can complain of having a low milk supply. Nipple piercing can also reduce milk supply.
- Mammary Hypoplasia
It is a condition in which there are not enough milk-producing glandular ducts in the breast. This is also one of the causes that result in a low milk supply. However, it is a rare but certainly amongst one of the causes that results in low milk supply.
- Alcohol Abuse
Even moderate consumption of alcohol by lactating mothers results in low milk supply. Alcohol interferes with the milk-producing hormone prolactin and oxytocin responsible for milk production, and milk is let down.
It certainly causes a low milk supply for babies. To cope with alcohol abuse, you may find many health centers especially working to help out those struggling with addiction. You may also look into how Sunrise House Treatment Center helps in this regard.
Take Away
Mother’s milk has countless benefits for babies. However, there are numerous reasons which can result in a low milk supply for babies. It is important to read out signs which could indicate a possible low milk supply. It is important to visit professionals for assistance.