Myths About Breastfeeding
While most breastfeeding mothers will go through a period of self-doubt where they worry that their milk supply is inadequate, experts say that true milk insufficiency is very rare.
It does exist of course, but it is exceptionally infrequent.
Many women who think their milk supply is low are simply incorrect about that.
They may think this because of some of the previous symptoms of fullness disappearing.
Maybe their milk stops leaking, or they don't have a feeling of fullness in the breasts any more.
This can be related to the baby's growth, though, and not indicate milk flow problems.
Babies have periods when they grow more quickly.
When this happens, it can mean that the baby will leave the breasts more fully drained.
Causes of reduced production: Your milk supply may diminish temporarily for several reasons.
One common cause is not feeding the baby frequently enough.
This is often due to pain in the nipples while nursing, or to a poor latch technique by the baby.
Illness can also make a woman's milk supply dip, as can taking birth control pills with estrogen in them.
How to address the problem: You will want to get a doctor's help to work with you if you are really having milk supply problems.
You want to make sure your baby is eating enough, and that there are no undiagnosed problems with your nipples or milk ducts.
If you check with your doctor, they can run the necessary tests to check if all is well.
Low milk supply can definitely affect your baby.
If you feel that you truly are having a drop in milk flow, and it isn't just a mental thing where you are worried needlessly, you should follow up.
It is especially critical to contact your doctor right away if the baby isn't gaining weight or if he is losing weight.
Sometimes all that is needed is some coaching on better techniques for breast feeding.
Still, it is best to rule out a serious cause for weight loss or failure to gain.
Many times, you can still continue to nurse if your supply is low.
Generally, the key to fixing low milk supply is to nurse more frequently.
It does exist of course, but it is exceptionally infrequent.
Many women who think their milk supply is low are simply incorrect about that.
They may think this because of some of the previous symptoms of fullness disappearing.
Maybe their milk stops leaking, or they don't have a feeling of fullness in the breasts any more.
This can be related to the baby's growth, though, and not indicate milk flow problems.
Babies have periods when they grow more quickly.
When this happens, it can mean that the baby will leave the breasts more fully drained.
Causes of reduced production: Your milk supply may diminish temporarily for several reasons.
One common cause is not feeding the baby frequently enough.
This is often due to pain in the nipples while nursing, or to a poor latch technique by the baby.
Illness can also make a woman's milk supply dip, as can taking birth control pills with estrogen in them.
How to address the problem: You will want to get a doctor's help to work with you if you are really having milk supply problems.
You want to make sure your baby is eating enough, and that there are no undiagnosed problems with your nipples or milk ducts.
If you check with your doctor, they can run the necessary tests to check if all is well.
Low milk supply can definitely affect your baby.
If you feel that you truly are having a drop in milk flow, and it isn't just a mental thing where you are worried needlessly, you should follow up.
It is especially critical to contact your doctor right away if the baby isn't gaining weight or if he is losing weight.
Sometimes all that is needed is some coaching on better techniques for breast feeding.
Still, it is best to rule out a serious cause for weight loss or failure to gain.
Many times, you can still continue to nurse if your supply is low.
Generally, the key to fixing low milk supply is to nurse more frequently.
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