A sudden drop in breast milk supply can be concerning for breastfeeding parents. This refers to a noticeable decrease in the amount of milk produced, observed through less milk volume when pumping, a baby seeming unsatisfied after feeds, or fewer wet or dirty diapers than usual. While alarming, a temporary reduction in milk supply is common during the breastfeeding journey. Understanding potential causes can help address the issue and often restore milk production.
Dietary and Lifestyle Contributors
Daily habits and physical well-being significantly influence milk production. Inadequate fluid intake, leading to dehydration, can impact milk volume, as breast milk is primarily composed of water. More severe cases of dehydration can reduce both the quantity of milk and potentially alter its nutritional balance. Similarly, insufficient calorie intake or poor nutrition can hinder milk production, as breastfeeding demands considerable energy, burning 500-700 extra calories daily.
High levels of stress can interfere with the body’s milk ejection reflex, often referred to as let-down. When stressed, the body releases adrenaline, which can inhibit oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk release, making it harder for milk to flow freely. Extreme fatigue or lack of rest can also indirectly affect milk supply by increasing stress hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt milk production.
Medications and Hormonal Shifts
Certain medications and hormonal changes can decrease milk supply. Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, found in some cold and allergy medications, reduce milk production by decreasing prolactin, a hormone essential for milk synthesis. Hormonal birth control, particularly those containing estrogen, can also impact milk supply by interfering with lactation.
Hormonal shifts can lead to a dip in milk supply. The return of the menstrual period, for example, often brings hormonal fluctuations, including a decrease in prolactin and changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can temporarily reduce milk production. A new pregnancy can also cause a decrease in milk supply due to the hormonal changes that prepare the body for the developing fetus. Thyroid issues, such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can affect milk production because thyroid hormones play a role in breast development and milk synthesis.
Feeding and Latch Dynamics
The frequency and effectiveness of milk removal from the breast are fundamental to maintaining supply. Infrequent nursing or pumping sessions signal to the body that less milk is needed, leading to a reduction in production. Milk supply operates on a supply-and-demand principle; consistent and thorough emptying of the breasts is necessary to signal continued production. If a baby has an ineffective latch, they may not be able to transfer milk efficiently, even if they are at the breast frequently. This insufficient milk removal can lead to a decrease in overall supply.
The use of pacifiers, especially in the early weeks before milk supply is well-established, can contribute to missed feeding cues. When a baby is soothed by a pacifier, they may not signal hunger as often, potentially reducing feeding opportunities and the necessary stimulation for milk production.
Supplementation with formula also directly impacts milk supply. Each bottle of formula given means less demand for breast milk, causing the body to produce less over time.
Illness and Other Physical Factors
Maternal illness can temporarily affect breast milk supply as the body redirects energy towards recovery. Conditions like mastitis, a breast inflammation often caused by a blocked milk duct or infection, can lead to a localized decrease in milk production in the affected breast. Other illnesses such as the flu or a severe cold can also cause a temporary dip in supply due to the body’s stress response and energy expenditure.
Underlying physical factors related to the breast can contribute to supply issues. Anatomical issues, such as insufficient glandular tissue, might limit the breast’s capacity to produce milk. Previous breast surgery, including augmentation, reduction, or lumpectomy, can also impact milk supply by potentially damaging milk ducts, nerves, or glandular tissue. The extent of the impact depends on the type of surgery and the individual’s healing process.