Low Milk Supply

Low Milk Supply

Many breastfeeding mothers worry about having enough milk for their baby. The good news is most mothers can make plenty of milk.

Low milk supply may happen:

  • If you limit your baby’s breastfeeding sessions.
  • If you give your baby infant formula instead of breastfeeding or giving your baby your expressed milk.
  • If you give your baby solid foods before they are 6 months old.
  • If your baby is not feeding often enough.
  • If you have sore or cracked nipples from a poor latch.
  • If you are not following your baby's feeding cues regularly.
  • If you are using a pacifier in place of feeds.
  • If your baby is tongue or lip-tied. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about this.

What you can do:

  • The more you breastfeed, the more milk your breasts will make
  • - If your baby does not get a good feed, you can pump after to tell your body to make more milk
  • - The more often you empty your breasts, the more milk your breasts will make
  • Breastfeed early and often let your baby decide when to end the feeding
  • Offer both breasts with each feeding
  • - Have your baby stay at the first breast as long as they are still sucking and swallowing
  • - Offer the second breast when your baby slows down or stops
  • Massage or compress your breasts while your baby is latched to help release more milk
  • Avoid giving formula or using pacifiers
  • - If you need to feed your baby a bottle, offer your expressed milk
  • - If you do supplement with formula, you will still need a plan to remove your milk so your body will continue to make more
  • Get regular weight checks to make sure your baby is growing well
If the tips above don’t help, check with your healthcare provider to make sure there aren’t any medical issues that could be decreasing your milk supply.

Combination Feeding

Combination feeding, also known as mixed feeding, refers to the practice of feeding a baby with both breast milk and infant formula. Supplementing with formula is a way to bridge the gap when breast milk supply is low, ensuring the baby’s health and well-being.

1. Different Ways to Feed: Breast vs. Bottle

How it works:

  • When babies breastfeed, they have to work a little harder. They use their mouth and tongue to bring the milk out. This helps babies to develop all the muscles of their mouth.
  • When babies drink from a bottle, the milk flows more easily depending on how you are holding the bottle.

Why it matters:

  • Some babies get confused when they switch between breast and bottle. It's like learning two different ways to do the same thing.

To help your baby, you can try:

  • Using a slow-flow nipple on the bottle. This makes the milk come out slower, more like breastfeeding.
  • Holding your baby in a semi-upright position while holding the bottle horizontally. This allows your baby to control the flow of milk easier, similar to nursing at the breast.
  • Having someone else give the bottle, so your baby doesn't expect the breast.

WIC can help: WIC staff can show you different bottle feeding techniques and help you find the right bottle and nipple for your baby.

2. Making Sure Your Baby Gets Enough Food

Why it's important:

  • Babies grow fast, and they need enough food to stay healthy.
  • It's important to know if your baby is getting enough breast milk and formula.

Look for signs that your baby is getting enough food, like:

  • Wet diapers (at least 6-8 a day).
  • Poopy diapers (three a day in the early weeks).
  • Gaining weight.
  • Being alert and active when awake.

WIC can help: WIC staff can help you track your baby’s feedings and weight gain. They can also help you figure out how much formula your baby needs.

3. Your Body Makes Milk Based on Demand

How it works:

  • When your baby breastfeeds, your body gets the message to make more milk.
  • If you give your baby more formula, your baby will breastfeed less and go longer in between feedings, telling your body to make less milk.
  • When your baby breastfeeds less, your body makes less milk.

What this means:

  • If you want to keep making a good amount of breast milk, try to breastfeed often, even if you're also giving formula.
  • If you're giving more formula, your milk supply may decrease.
  • Hand expressing or pumping can help stimulate your milk supply. It is recommended to express your breast milk or nurse your baby at the breast 8-12 times in 24 hours, which may be more often than they are taking a bottle of formula. You can adjust this amount based on what is doable for you.
WIC can help: WIC staff can give you tips on how to keep your milk supply up if you’re combination feeding. They can also provide breast pumps and education on how to use them.

Tips for Combination Feeding:​

  • Talk to your doctor or a WIC staff member. At WIC, lactation consultants, Peer Counselors, and nutritionists can help you make a plan that works best for you and your baby.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help! Combination feeding can be tricky, but you're not alone.
  • Remember, every family is different. Do what works best for you and your baby.