Tips and Benefits

4 Factors That Can Decrease Breast Milk Supply – And How to Replenish It

Description: Several things can cause a decline in breast milk supply. To eliminate the myths flooding everywhere, the guide below outlines common factors that can reduce breast milk.

Milk production in lactating mothers depends on various factors. As such, breastfeeding mothers should understand various factors that interfere with normal maternal supply and make some changes in their daily routine or find tips on how to increase breast milk supply. Most mothers with low supply often opt for battery operated bottle warmers to store their infants’ milk. If you are experiencing this as a mother, get to know the following causes of decreased breast milk supply to increase production.

Health Conditions

Health issues are a leading cause of decreased supply. Poor health affects the body and mind, all of which affect breast milk production. If your body is physically healthy, the body can focus on making sufficient breast milk. Getting insufficient rest is probably a major health condition that affects your supply.

Breastfeeding a newborn immediately after birth is certainly exhausting. Postpartum fatigue, coupled with diminished energy, can affect maternal feeding. While it may not be easy to overcome this during the first week after birth, you should have enough rest during this period. Taking a nap is among the considerable tips on how to build breast milk supply. You can also feed the baby with your feet lying down.

Improper Diet

A proper diet is listed among the best ways on how to increase breast milk fast. Most mothers use herbs during lactation, which negatively affects their supply. Paying less attention to diet and using excessive herbs can affect your supply. Some herbs and spices do not affect the supply, but taking them in large doses significantly decreases milk production.

That said, lactating mothers should opt for various ways on how to increase breast milk supply fast with dietary interventions. For instance, they can avoid peppermint, large doses of jasmine, yarrow, and parsley. Using herbs that increase supply, such as garlic, ginger, and fennel can also come in handy.

Medications

cold sick kit

Most medications taken during breastfeeding can contribute to low supply. As such, it is prudent to consult with your pharmacist before taking over the counter drugs and any other medications. Medications can interfere with the normal letdown reflex and production of breast milk.

That said, lactating mothers should avoid sinus, cold, and allergy medications as they can lower breast milk supply. Informing your doctor that you are breastfeeding can also help in prescribing what helps breast milk supply. Besides normal medication, birth control pills can also impair normal supply.

Alcoholism

Smoking cigarettes and excessive alcoholism are other contributors to decreased production. Smoking hinders the production of oxytocin, the hormone that stimulates breasts’ normal letdown reflex. Just like smoking, excessive alcoholism affects the body letdown reflex, which is crucial for breast milk production. That aside, alcoholism impairs the mothers’ ability to breastfeed. As such, lactating mothers should avoid drinking alcohol regularly when breastfeeding.

Bottom Line

If you are lactating and experiencing low supply, the above factors can explain why. Fortunately, there are several ways you can increase breast milk supply by pumping. You can increase production by reducing stress, changing your lifestyle, pumping more often, and avoiding medications that impair production. If the condition persists, consult your physician. Do you have more questions or concerns regarding decreased breast milk supply? Please share with us in the comment section below; we will be happy to help you.

Author’s bio:

Rachel Burns is an experienced copywriter and photographer with a design diploma. She works with startups, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and companies from around the world. In addition to writing articles and promotional materials, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.