Navigating concerns of low breast milk supply can be a source of stress for some families. Here are a few steps that can help if you're looking to boost your milk supply, whether you are exclusively nursing your infant or supplementing with formula or solid foods.

All mothers share the concern about their milk being enough for their baby. If you are worried about breast milk supply, visit your child's pediatrician⁠—we are happy to help. Your pediatrician will start by looking at how your infant is growing. A baby who is tracking along their growth curve as they should is very reassuring.

Sometimes babies are fussy due to colic or other factors, which may not be related to the volume or amount of feeding. Pediatricians can also work with you to identify factors that can help increase your breast milk supply or resolve breastfeeding difficulties, including latching issues and breastfeeding positions. An evaluation by a board-certified lactation consultant can also help you discover any other possible causes of low breast milk supply.

In addition, your pediatrician may also be able to connect you with resources if you are struggling to provide formula for your infant or if affording infant formula is a challenge.

Another step you can take is a tech check of your breast pump. Effective milk extraction is the best way to help keep up your milk supply. If you are pumping and notice that there is a decrease in the volume you are able to produce, check your pump equipment. Ensuring a proper flange fit can optimize pumping. It is also a good idea to inspect the pump valves as over time, they can become worn and reduce the effectiveness of your pump.

For information about pump settings, you can look to your pump's manufacturer. Some even have help lines you can call to troubleshoot pump-setting issues. However, it is best to seek the help of a lactation consultant to determine which pump settings work best for you.

Also, consider if the type of pump you're using is best for your specific needs. A double electric pump is best when needing to express breastmilk. Manual or hand pumps can work for short-term use, but are not ideal when you are planning to return to work outside the home or pump longer term. If you do not have an electric pump, your insurance may be able to cover it. Talk with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant to learn more.

If you are supplementing your breast-fed baby's diet with formula, start feedings with available breast milk first. Then if needed, give baby formula to meet your infant's growing nutritional demands. Be sure to follow food safety guidelines for breast milk and baby formula. If either are left out too long, especially once a bottle has been used, they can be contaminated with oral bacteria and make your infant sick.

Part of making breast feeding a positive and rewarding experience for both you and your child is ensuring you take time to care for you. Staying hydrated and getting good nutrition are very important to breast milk production. You need to take care and nourish yourself so you can provide nutrition to your baby. There are no special tricks or products needed; specific foods or supplements you may see marketed to promote breastmilk production are not necessary. Instead, focus on eating healthful foods and drinking plenty of water! Be mindful, too, of your own stress level and be sure to get enough sleep and physical activity to keep your mind and body healthy.

If you've noticed a lower-than-usual milk supply, it may be time to consider other health factors. For example, the return of your menstrual cycle or thyroid issues can affect breast milk supply. Infections can also affect your ability to make breast milk. Some other factors that could increase the risk of low milk include premature birth of your baby, difficult or cesarean delivery, delivery of multiples, or a previous breast biopsy or surgery. Consider seeing your primary care provider or OB/GYN for further evaluation if you have any health concerns.

As the old saying goes, "It takes a village." So, reach out to your village for connection and support. And don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician with any health or feeding concerns. Working together and helping each other can help ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need.

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Hailey Nelson, MD, FAAP, IBCLC, is a complex care pediatrician at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, California. Dr. Nelson enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities and is especially passionate about providing the best possible care to medically fragile children and their families. She is also a licensed breastfeeding consultant, certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultants to support nursing mothers and their babies.

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