While the benefits of breastfeeding are well documented and campaigns like “Breast is Best” are well-meaning, they can leave parents feeling frustrated, confused, shocked, and guilty after they’ve been diagnosed with low milk supply. Chronic low milk supply is believed to affect as many as 5-15% of breastfeeding parents, which can range from producing very small amounts of milk to producing slightly more but not enough to exclusively breastfeed and ensure adequate growth and hydration for their baby. As a lactation consultant, I’ve had the privilege of helping parents navigate their feeding journey with low milk supply. Today, I want to share some insights and resources that can be helpful for parents diagnosed with low milk supply.
Discovering Low Milk Supply: Personal Stories
The journey of discovering a low milk production can be emotional and, at times, overwhelming. In a research article titled “‘I didn’t want to let go of the dream’: Exploring women’s personal stories of how their low milk supply was discovered”, many parents shared their experiences. Their stories highlight the complex emotions and the often-winding path to understanding and addressing low milk supply.
The Emotional Impact
One of the most profound aspects of these stories is the emotional impact. Many parents described feeling a sense of failure or inadequacy when they realized their milk supply was not meeting their baby’s nutritional needs. This feeling is common, but it’s important to remember that low milk supply is not a reflection of your worth or your ability to be a great parent.
The parents in this article described feeling blindsided, that ‘despite all [their] efforts’ they ‘never quite got a full supply’ and that it was the most ‘exhausting and difficult thing they had ever done’”. These feelings are 100% valid and as you’re reading this, I hope you know your emotions and breastfeeding journey are significant. You deserve someone who listens, believes in you, acknowledges your feelings and challenges, validates your experiences, and supports you in finding solutions.
Support
As with any breastfeeding journey, support is crucial for continued breastfeeding. Both personal encouragement and professional guidance can significantly aid in managing low milk production. In the article mentioned above, parents voiced they did not feel as though they received adequate help from their healthcare provider and sought out additional support and resources on their own.
Some parents sought expert opinions from various IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants), while others found support groups, social media accounts, and online forums dedicated to low milk supply. Unfortunately, there is very limited research available on this topic, so having people to lean on who understand the diagnosis of low milk supply along with the emotional toll it can take, becomes even more crucial to your feeding journey.
Possible Causes of Low Milk Supply
There are different theories about why some parents experience low milk supply, which can be divided into pre-glandular, glandular, and post-glandular. Next, I'll briefly discuss each category, but it's important to note that you may fall into one or more categories. Working closely with an IBCLC and your healthcare provider can help identify the cause of your low milk supply, create an individualized action plan, and provide the support you need.
Pre-glandular
Pre-glandular issues relate to hormonal factors such as retained placenta, endocrine disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, and diabetes, as well as conditions like insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.
Glandular
Glandular issues refer to structural differences in the breast, such as insufficient glandular tissue. This condition occurs when breast tissue does not fully develop during puberty, pregnancy, or both. It can also result from breast surgery where milk-making tissue is removed or where nerves or milk ducts essential for lactation are affected.
Post-glandular
Finally, there are post-glandular issues which are issues that occur after your baby is born. For example, your milk supply may be impacted if your baby was born with a tongue tie or oral motor dysfunction and is not adequately stimulating your breasts and removing milk.
Can I Still Breastfeed My Baby if I Need to Supplement?
The short answer is: yes, continue breastfeeding for as long as it works for you and your baby. Your lactation consultant can help you outline your breastfeeding goals, provide support throughout your journey, and adjust your goals as needed. For example, some parents prefer supplementing at the breast with donor milk or formula, while others find this feeding routine unmanageable. Combination feeding, which involves a mix of direct nursing and bottle feeding, is another option. Ultimately, doing what works best for you and your family is what matters most!
Final Thoughts
Navigating the challenges of low milk supply can be a complex and emotional journey, but you are not alone. Understanding that low milk supply affects up to 15% of parents and recognizing the importance of support and professional guidance can make a significant difference. Whether your underlying cause of low milk supply is hormonal, anatomical, related to post-birth issues, or multifactorial, there are strategies and resources available to help you on your breastfeeding journey. Remember, every drop of breast milk is beneficial, and your commitment to your baby's well-being is what truly matters. Trust yourself, seek support, and know that you're doing an amazing job!
Additional Resources
- Find a lactation consultant who specializes in helping parents with low milk supply. I highly recommend checking out Kaia Lacy from Low Supply Mom. She is a certified lactation consultant with a history of low milk supply and offers courses, guides, and consults to help parents figure out what works best for them.
- If you’re looking for an IBCLC covered through insurance, you can fill out this form through The Lactation Network for virtual or in-person lactation appointments.
- Join a Facebook group like IGT and Low Milk Supply Support Group
- Low Milk Supply Foundation
This site is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician or other health-care professional.
