Not enough milk - Questions and Answers

<h1>Breastfeeding - www.breastfeeding.org.nz</h1>

Not enough milk

I've got no milk...what can I do?

Women often perceive they don’t have enough milk because of the baby’s feeding behaviors, which may be not what they expected. Remember that babies normally have some breastfeeds close together which is called clustering plus they have times when they breastfeed more frequently due to growth spurts. Sometimes they are fussy and unsettled but that’s mostly because they are new babies and going through normal newborn unsettled periods.

People also sometimes tell mothers that their breastmilk may not be "strong enough" or "good enough". This is never true. It is important for a mother's health and well-being to eat a well balanced diet and drink lots of water. It is also important for breastfeeding mothers to avoid becoming overtired, stressed or unwell. A mother's breastmilk will always be perfect for her baby. Remember that the more often breastmilk is removed from the breast by a baby the more milk will be produced.

Babies who are getting enough breastmilk will:

Start to have changing bowel motions by around day four (from the black and greenish first meconium bowel motions to either starting to turn yellow or yellow).
The baby will also have at least six wet nappies in twenty-four hours by day four.
The baby will be back to birth weight by ten to fourteen days.
Gain weight after regaining their birth weight – approx 120-240 grams per week.
The baby demonstrates multiple bursts of sucking during a feed and swallowing sounds are heard.
The mother’s breasts may feel softer after a breastfeed although some mothers do not always feel this change.
The baby will pass bowel motions three times or more in a twenty-four hour period until the age of around six weeks.
The baby is waking and cueing for feeds, alert, active and feeding vigorously.

See also a fact sheet on the Breastfeedingonline.com website - Is my baby getting enough milk?

If there are concerns about baby output (urine and stools), weight gain or feeding responsiveness or if the latch is still painful and nipples damaged then a consultation to assess a breastfeed and the baby may be indicated. If milk supply is on the low side there are some actions that can be taken to increase amounts but seek advice if unsure or worried.

See also:

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Where to get help

Midwives

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Well Child

La Leche League

More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2008