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When your milk supply is reduced suddenly, it can be unsettling, especially if you’re trying to keep up with your baby’s needs. But don’t panic; there are reasons why there’s a sudden milk supply drop, and there are simple ways to boost your supply again. Understanding how to increase milk supply is essential for breastfeeding mothers.
Why would my Milk Supply Suddenly Decrease?
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience, but it can also come with its challenges, especially when you notice a sudden milk supply drop. This sudden decrease in milk supply can be stressful, leaving you wondering what went wrong and how to fix it. Understanding the reasons behind why my breast milk suddenly decreased is the first step in addressing the issue.
Here are 10 common factors that could be contributing to a sudden drop in your milk supply along with tips on how to get your milk production back on track:
- Improper Latch - If your baby isn’t latching onto your breast correctly, they may not be able to get enough milk can cause a sudden drop in breast milk supply. Proper latch technique is crucial for both mother and baby to ensure adequate milk transfer and avoid low milk supply issues. Leaving milk in your breasts can signal a decrease in milk production. A good latch is key to keeping up your breastfeeding supply and preventing a sudden decrease.
- Lack of Hydration - The breastfeeding journey demands staying hydrated, as breast milk is mostly water. If you’re not drinking enough water, your body might not produce much milk and decrease breast milk supply.
- Poor Diet and Nutrition - Your body needs extra calories and nutrients to produce milk. If you’re not eating enough or if your diet lacks important nutrients, it can cause a sudden milk supply decrease.
- Lack of Sleep - Lack of sleep is detrimental and can impact milk production significantly. When you’re tired, your body may struggle to keep up with the demand for milk. Try to rest as much as possible, even if it means taking short naps when your baby is sleeping. Moms who are nursing need to prioritize short naps whenever possible.
- Infrequent Breastfeeding or Pumping Sessions - timely feeding is crucial. The more you breastfeed or pump, the more milk your body will produce. Increasing feeding frequency encourages milk production. If you’re not feeding or pumping often, your body might think it doesn’t need to make as much breast milk, leading to a sudden drop.
- Changing your Pumping Schedule or Dropping a Feeding- If you change your pumping routine or drop a feeding session, your body takes it as a sign to produce less milk or a sudden drop in milk supply.
- Ignoring Baby’s Hunger Cues - Ignoring baby’s hunger cues can lead to a decrease in milk supply. Waiting too long to feed your baby when they’re hungry means your body might not get the signals it needs to increase milk supply. Feeding on demand helps ensure your breastfeeding supply meets your baby’s needs efficiently. Responsive feeding is key to maintaining breastfeeding success.
- Using Supplements - Certain supplements, herbs, or medications can cause sudden milk supply decreases. It’s important for nursing mothers to talk to their healthcare provider before taking anything new while breastfeeding.
- Stress and Anxiety- Stress and anxiety can interfere with hormones critical for milk production. High stress can make it harder for your body during breastfeeding, affecting supply. Stress and various lifestyle elements, such as diet and sleep, can drastically affect breastfeeding performance. High levels of stress disrupt essential hormones crucial for milk production, potentially lowering milk supply. Participating in stress-reduction activities, like meditation or light exercises, can tackle these concerns. Obtaining sufficient sleep and maintaining a balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, and proteins supports your body’s capacity to produce adequate breast milk for your baby's requirements.
- Medical or Health Issues - Various medical or health issues, such as hormonal imbalances or thyroid problems, can affect breastfeeding. If you suspect a medical issue with the sudden drop in breast milk supply, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
After you learn the cause of why you are experiencing a sudden decrease in milk supply as early as 2 months, you need to move on to another important aspect: what are you going to do when your breast milk decreases suddenly?
Recognizing Low Milk Supply Signs
Determining if your milk supply is low can be perplexing for many mothers. However, there are some unmistakable signs to be mindful of. If your baby is not gaining weight, has fewer wet diapers, or seems perpetually hungry, these could be signals. Other indicators include your baby's trouble during breastfeeding or showing frustration during feeds. Observing alterations in your baby’s feeding routines, weight, and demeanor can assist mothers in identifying if they are dealing with low milk supply problems.
What To Do When Your Milk Supply Is Reduced Suddenly?
If you are experiencing a sudden decrease in milk supply, here’s what you can do to help get it back on track:
- Stay Hydrated - Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your breastfeeding journey. Keeping your body well-hydrated supports milk production to prevent sudden decreases.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet- Focus on eating various foods that provide nutrients to assist in increasing milk supply. To avoid a sudden milk supply drop, include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals to give you the energy needed.
- Get more sleep or relaxation time - Prioritize rest and relaxation daily to positively affect your milk supply. Try to get some rest every day to prevent sudden decreases in breast milk supply. Use a supportive nursing pillow like the Momcozy nursing pillow to get comfortable and rest during feedings.
- Foster More Skin-To-Skin Contact - Spend time holding your baby close to your skin to support breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact can help stimulate your body to produce more milk, strengthen the bond between you and your baby, and avoid a sudden decrease in milk supply.
- Try Power Pumping- When your breast milk decreases suddenly, try power pumping. Because when you pump more frequently for short periods to mimic cluster feeding. This practice can help signal your body to increase milk production. You can try power pumping for an hour each day, pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and repeating the cycle.
The Momcozy M9 can make frequent pumping sessions easier for nursing moms. With a strong motor that provides up to -300mmHg suction, it helps you get more milk quickly when you have a sudden milk supply drop. The Momcozy M9 makes pumping easy and efficient. Upgrade to the Momcozy M9 electric breast pump and enjoy a better pumping experience.
- Manage Your Stress - Stress can negatively affect milk production and lower your supply. Try to relax with deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk to support increased milk supply. Identifying effective stress management techniques can make a significant impact.
- Seek advice from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding professional - They can give you advice, check your breastfeeding technique, and suggest ways to boost your supply. Sometimes, small changes can help a lot.
Conclusion
To summarize, a sudden milk supply drop can happen to almost all mothers. Dealing with this and understanding the possible causes is the best way to support your baby's growth and the breastfeeding process. With patience and persistence, you can overcome this challenge. Stay positive and take it one step at a time.
