Understanding Low Milk Supply

Too often, when someone struggles with low milk supply, they’re met with a dismissive message:
“Some people just can’t make enough milk.”
End of story. No explanation, no support, no investigation.

But imagine if we approached other health conditions the same way.

Would we say:
“You have diabetes because you just do”?
“Your thyroid isn’t working, just one of those things”?

Of course not.

We’d want to know why. We’d look at the whole picture, family history, hormonal imbalances, underlying health issues, lifestyle factors, and we’d offer medical support and treatment.

Low milk supply deserves the same level of respect and clinical curiosity.

Breastfeeding is a biological process, but it’s also complex. When supply is low, there’s almost always a reason. Maybe it’s hormonal. Maybe it’s anatomical. Maybe it's related to early feeding management, a history of birth trauma, or a baby’s latch. Often, it’s a combination of factors. But rarely is it just a random, unchangeable fact of life.

What Is Low Milk Supply?

Low milk supply refers to a situation where the body isn't producing enough breast milk to meet the nutritional needs of the baby. True low supply is actually less common than many people think. In fact, many parents misinterpret normal newborn behavior, like frequent feeding or fussiness, as a sign they’re not making enough milk.

So before jumping to conclusions, let’s ask:

• Is baby gaining weight appropriately?

• Is baby having enough wet and dirty diapers?

• Is baby generally content after feeding?

If the answer to these questions is yes, milk supply may not actually be an issue.

Signs of Possible Low Milk Supply

While perceived low supply is common, true low milk supply can happen. Here are some signs that warrant further evaluation:

• Poor weight gain in baby

• Fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after the first week

• Signs of dehydration (e.g., sunken fontanelle, lethargy)

• Persistently fussy or sleepy baby who doesn’t seem satisfied after feeds

• Mom never feeling full or noticing changes in breast fullness, even early on

• Short or ineffective feeds with minimal swallowing sounds

If you’re noticing these signs, it’s important to reach out to an IBCLC for a full assessment.

Common Causes of Low Milk Supply

Low milk supply can stem from a variety of factors. These can be broadly categorized into three areas:

1. Infant Factors

• Poor latch or sucking difficulties

• Tongue tie or other oral restrictions

• Sleepiness or prematurity (baby not feeding often or effectively)

2. Maternal Factors

• Insufficient glandular tissue (IGT)

• Hormonal conditions (PCOS, thyroid issues, insulin resistance)

• Previous breast surgery or injury

• Retained placenta or postpartum hemorrhage

• Delayed onset of milk coming in (beyond 4-5 days postpartum)

• Low prolactin levels

3. Management Factors

• Scheduled feeding instead of feeding on demand

• Early formula supplementation without medical need

• Use of pacifiers or bottles before breastfeeding is established

• Not enough stimulation in the early days (e.g., not nursing or pumping frequently)

What You Can Do:
Our IBCLC-Recommended Steps

At Women in Motion, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We take a compassionate, evidence-based, and personalized approach to helping families meet their feeding goals.

Here’s how we support families with low milk supply:

Full Assessment

We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of both parent and baby. This includes:

• Feeding observation and latch assessment

• Baby’s oral function (e.g., tongue tie screening)

• Breast anatomy and health

• History of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery

• Milk transfer (may include a weighted feed)

Feed the Baby, Protect the Milk Supply

Your baby’s nutritional needs are the top priority—and so is protecting your milk production. This might include:

• Frequent, responsive breastfeeding or pumping

• Supplementing with expressed milk, donor milk, or formula (when necessary)

• Using a supplemental nursing system (SNS) to support breastfeeding while supplementing (when necessary)

Maximize Milk Production

We work with you to boost your milk production with strategies like:

• Effective, frequent milk removal (8–12 sessions per day)

• Hands-on pumping and breast compressions

• Optimized pump settings and flange fitting

• Nursing on both breasts and using switch nursing techniques

Address the Root Cause

Sustainable improvement requires understanding and addressing why supply is low. This may involve:

• Referrals for lab testing (e.g., prolactin, thyroid, insulin)

• Collaboration with OBs, midwives, endocrinologists, or pediatricians

• Emotional support and counseling for the stress that often accompanies feeding challenges

We Don't Stop at “Some People Just Don’t Make Enough Milk”

When a parent comes to Women in Motion with concerns about supply, we don’t stop at vague reassurances or defeatist statements. We dig deeper. We assess thoroughly. We listen. We ask the right questions. And we walk alongside you with a plan.

Because you deserve more than a shrug and a supplement.
You deserve evidence-based care, compassion, and answers.

Need help with your supply or feeding plan?

Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our IBCLCs.

We’re here to support you every step of the way.