World Breastfeeding Week, observed in the first week of August, which has just passed, emphasises the significant health benefits of breastfeeding for babies and supports nursing mothers globally. Besides narrowing in on the health and welfare of the newborn, it’s also a time to focus on enhancing maternal health while ensuring good nutrition. Yet, many mothers face hurdles in breastfeeding due to busy lifestyles and varied challenges, making it seem less accessible.
Adding to the list of challenges and concerns are mothers who may be struggling with low milk supply despite the desire to breastfeed.
In line with this is the World Breastfeeding Week theme for 2024, “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all,” which aims to support breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity throughout their journey. This campaign highlights the collective effort needed from families, communities, and healthcare providers to support every breastfeeding mother.
So, what can be done to help mothers increase their breast milk supply and embrace breastfeeding confidently?
Understanding Breast Milk Supply
Breast milk is not only crucial for providing essential nutrients to infants but also for offering immunological protection.
It is perfectly designed to meet the nutritional needs of newborns and includes anti-inflammatory properties that safeguard both mothers and babies from various illnesses. In fact, it is recommended to exclusively breastfeed children for at least the first six months of their lives to ensure optimal development and health of the baby. This practice should ideally continue, complemented by other foods, for two years or more as desired by the mother and child.
However, as mentioned, despite its importance, many mothers face challenges in maintaining an adequate supply due to various factors that disrupt the natural process of lactation.
What Causes a Pregnant Woman Not to Produce Milk?
Several factors influence the production of breast milk, impacting the ability of mothers to adequately nurse their babies:
- Separation from Baby: Physical separation from the baby can reduce direct breastfeeding opportunities, thus leading to a possible reduction in milk production.
- Stress and Anxiety: High stress levels can significantly reduce milk production.
- Diet and Hydration: Adequate nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining milk supply. If sufficient calories and fluids are not consumed by the breastfeeding mother, lactation may not be supported optimally.
- Health Issues: Illness can affect a mother’s ability to produce milk.
What is the Average Breast Milk Production Per Day?
The amount of breast milk a mother produces can vary widely but is generally aligned with the baby’s needs.
On average, mothers can produce around 1,200 grams of milk per day in the first week postpartum. This amount can increase significantly, especially when additional milk is extracted using breast pumps after feedings. Mothers of multiples, like twins or triplets, can produce up to 2,000 to 3,000 grams per day, although this requires frequent nursing.
It’s important to remember that while a mother may produce a large volume of milk, the infant’s demand may dictate the actual amount needed.
Why Am I Struggling to Produce Breast Milk?
Many new mothers face challenges with breastfeeding, wondering why they might be struggling to produce enough breast milk. Here are some common factors that can affect milk production:
- Improper Latching: If your baby isn’t properly attached to the breast, it can lead to ineffective feeding and discomfort for both mother and child. A proper latch is crucial for adequate milk flow.
- Infrequent Feeding: Babies typically need to feed 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Less frequent feeding may lead to a reduced milk supply.
- Formula Supplementation: Introducing formula can reduce the frequency of breastfeeding sessions, which in turn may decrease your natural milk production.
- Health Conditions: Conditions such as hormonal imbalances (like PCOS, thyroid issues, diabetes, or hypertension) or having had breast surgery can impact your ability to produce milk. Each of these issues may require specific interventions to manage and improve milk supply.
- Medications and Smoking: Certain medications, including some hormonal birth control methods and over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu, as well as smoking, may negatively impact milk production.
- Insufficient Glandular Tissue: Some women may have underdeveloped ducts, which can affect milk production. While this condition can improve with subsequent pregnancies, additional measures like pumping or medications might be necessary.
TCM Perspective on Causes of Low Breast Milk Supply
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) viewpoint, the production of breast milk is closely tied to the body’s Qi (energy) and blood. Childbirth is a demanding process that can deplete these vital resources, leading to challenges in milk production.
TCM identifies several key factors that could potentially contribute to insufficient breast milk:
- Qi and Blood Deficiency: Childbirth can significantly drain the mother’s Qi and blood, which are crucial for milk formation.
- Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional well-being is essential in TCM, and stress or emotional distress can cause liver Qi stagnation. This condition may obstruct the smooth flow of milk.
- Phlegm-Dampness Blockage: TCM also considers the physical blockages in milk ducts, often described as phlegm-dampness, which can potentially affect the free flow of milk.
How to Identify Which Type of Cause You Belong To?
Determining the underlying cause of low breast milk supply in TCM involves observing specific signs and symptoms that reflect the body’s internal balance:
- Deficiency of Qi and Blood: If you’re experiencing a low milk supply, feeling weak, having a diminished appetite, and suffering from fatigue or loose stools, it may indicate a deficiency in Qi and blood.
- Stagnation of Liver Qi: Signs that liver Qi might be stagnant include a low milk supply accompanied by emotional instability, irritability, tender and bloated breasts, and a general feeling of heatiness.
- Phlegm-Dampness: This cause is typically marked by a full feeling in the breasts without pain, chest tightness, nausea, and sticky or unusual bowel movements.
What to Do if I Cannot Produce Breast Milk?
If you’re struggling with milk production, it’s crucial to seek help. A lactation consultant can provide personalised advice, ensuring your baby latches correctly and suggesting ways to improve your breastfeeding technique.
Enhancing skin-to-skin contact might also be able to help boost oxytocin levels, which is vital for milk flow. In addition, relaxation strategies like listening to soothing music could also be considered to manage stress, which can negatively impact milk supply. And for those exploring alternative options, TCM might also be able to offer supportive therapies.
Lactation Massage: A TCM Technique
Lactation massage, a technique rooted in TCM, might be of some help for breastfeeding mothers. This massage may help:
- Address Plugged Ducts: Effective massage techniques might be able to help clear blockages and mitigate the risks of developing ductal infections.
- Support Milk Production: By improving Qi and blood circulation, lactation massage might support increased milk supply.
- Manage Pain: Regular massage may help manage discomfort associated with breast engorgement, mastitis, and nipple pain.
- Help with Overall Vitality: Lactation massages may promote general well-being, potentially rejuvenating the body postpartum.
Navigating breastfeeding challenges can be daunting, but with the right support and techniques, many mothers can have their challenges addressed. Whether through conventional lactation support or reaching out to a female TCM in Singapore for alternative therapies like lactation massages, the key is to address issues promptly and holistically.
If you’re facing difficulties, remember that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. Get the additional resources and support you need to help you through your breastfeeding journey.
