ing and

your ba
by. Help
ful Hin
ts No.2

BREASTFEEDING & YOUR BABY

Breast
feed

Low Milk Supply

Most mothers do produce enough milk for their babies but many worry about their milk supply,
especially in the early weeks of breastfeeding. Women often say they stopped breastfeeding
because they didnt have enough milk.

What is low milk supply?

Your milk supply is considered low when there is not
enough breast milk being produced to meet your babys
growth needs. Sufficient milk production is dependent upon
regular stimulation and emptying of the breast, either by
breastfeeding or expressing. The breast works on a supply
and demand system. The more the baby demands the more
milk is supplied.
If supply is genuinely low it is usually a temporary condition
which can be improved quickly with the right support.

How do I know if my milk supply is low?

Signs that your baby is not getting enough milk may
include:
Being unsettled between most feeds.
Being sleepy at the breast even though they are
hungry they appear too tired to breastfeed.
Less than 68 wet nappies in a 24 hour period.
Slow or no weight gain (refer to what to expect from
my baby handout).
Fussing at breast when feeding.

Why would I have low milk supply?

There can be any number of causes for a low milk supply,
some of the more common reasons include:
Poor attachment to your breast
Infrequent, short, or interrupted breastfeeds
Ineffective sucking
Complications of birth
Replacement of any feeds with formula or a dummy
(pacifier)
Early introduction of solids
Smoking
You may be over tired, anxious or unwell
Hormonal changes (such as ovulation, menstruation,
pregnancy, oral contraceptives containing oestrogen)

Separation of you and your baby (e.g. returning to work,

hospitalisation)
Some medications and herbal supplements
Some medical conditions
A history of breast surgery.

Common reasons why I might think

I have low milk supply

My breasts feel softthis usually occurs when your milk

supply has adjusted to your babys needs.

My baby only feeds for a short timeyour baby has become

more efficient at feeding and therefore will take less time
to feed.

My baby has suddenly increased the demand for feedsthis

often occurs when your baby is having a growth spurt.
This is usually only for a short time and will settle when
your supply increases to match your babys needs.

My baby feeds too oftenbabies naturally feed frequently

(up to 1012 times in 24hrs) and can be unsettled.
Frequent feeding is necessary to establish a good
breastmilk supply.

How can I increase my milk supply?

Feed your baby regularly whenever they demand a feed.

Have lots of skin to skin time with your baby.

Ensure your baby is attached correctly.

Increase breast stimulation by offering both breasts twice

at each feed (switch feeding) and/or expressing after
each feed.

The amount expressed is not an indicator of supply so

dont worry if you cant express much milk.

Massage your breasts and apply warmth (heat pack)

during expressing.

Visit your doctor who may prescribe a medication/

supplement to help increase milk supply.

Where can I find out more information?

HERE ARE 4 WAYS:
1. PHONE

3. VISIT

Maternal and Child Health service by calling

Community Health Intake (CHI)
6207 9977

ACT Government Health Directorate website:

www.health.act.gov.au/breastfeeding

healthdirect

4. SEE YOUR GP

1800 022 222

Australian Breastfeeding Association 1800 Mum 2

Mum OR
1800 686 268

2. ATTEND
Early Days Group
(infants up to 3 months of age) for assessment and
ongoing breastfeeding information and support.
Contact CHI for locations and times.

Accessibility
The ACT Government is committed to making its information, services, events and venues, accessible to
as many people as possible.

If you have difficulty reading a standard printed

document and would like to receive this publication
in an alternative format, such as large print or audio,
please telephone 13 2281 or
email HealthACT@act.gov.au.
If English is not your first language and you require
the translating and interpreting service, please
telephone 131 450.

If you are deaf or hearing impaired and require the

TTY typewriter service, please telephone 133 677,
then ask for 132 281.

Speak and listen users - phone 1300 555 727 then ask
or 132 281.

Internet Relay Users - connect to the NRS, then ask for

132 281.

Australian Capital Territory, Australia, January 2012

Publication No 12/1038

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the
Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process
without written permission from the Territory Records Office,
Community and Infrastructure Services, Territory and Municipal
Services, ACT Government, GPO Box 158, Canberra City ACT 2601.
Enquiries about this publication should be directed to ACT Government
Health Directorate, Communications and Marketing Unit:
GPO Box 825 Canberra City ACT 2601 or email: HealthACT@act.gov.au
www.health.act.gov.au
www.act.gov.au | Enquiries: Canberra 13ACT1 or 132281
REFERENCES
Australian Breastfeeding Association.
(2005). Breast and Nipple Care, Australian
Breastfeeding Association.
Brodribb, W. (2004). Breastfeeding Management
in Australia: Mothers Direct

Parenting and Child Health. (2011).

Child and Youth Health. Retrieved 19 October,
2011, from www.cyh.com.au/SubDefault.
aspx?p=98

The Womens (2008). Low Milk Supply. Retrieved

Riordan, J., & Wambach, K. (2010). Breastfeeding 19 October 2011, from www.thewomens.
org.au/ Lowmilksupply?searchTerms[]=low
and Human Lactation (4th ed.). London: Jones
&searchTerms[]=supply
and Bartlett.