Low Milk Supply: Causes, Signs & How to Increase It? Lactation Consultant explains
Low milk supply. These three words bring so many mothers through my clinic door every single day — and they carry enormous emotional weight.
What Is Perceived Low Milk Supply?
In the majority of cases, what I see is perceived low milk supply. This is when a mother's body is producing enough milk to meet her baby's needs, but she believes — or has been made to believe by those around her — that her supply is the reason her newborn won't stop crying.
(What else is a baby going to do?)
These are mothers whose feeding is going well. Their baby's diaper output is healthy and weight gain is on track — the two most reliable indicators of adequate supply and milk transfer. And yet, something feels off.
More often than not, the issue is a lack of knowledge around:
- Normal newborn stomach volumes (tiny — much smaller than most people expect)
- Comparison to formula volumes, which are fundamentally different from breastmilk intake
- Normal newborn behaviour (2-3 hours of crying on average daily is normal)
- How to know if baby is getting enough milk- the one thing you absolutely need to know if you wish to breastfeed
When mothers come to me with these concerns, I always ask them to objectively count diapers and let that data guide us. Numbers don't lie. Very simply- what goes in, comes out!
What Causes True Low Milk Supply?
Genuine low milk supply is, unfortunately, also very common. But here's what surprises most people: the root cause is rarely hormonal issues or poor nutrition and hydration.
The most common culprit? Feeding mismanagement in the first six weeks postpartum.
Those first six weeks after birth are absolutely critical for establishing long-term milk supply. They lay the very foundation of your entire breastfeeding journey.
I wish every expecting parent truly understood this — because so few do.
Here's the key distinction that changes everything:
Lactation is a biological process. Breastfeeding is a learnt skill.
Mothers with true low milk supply often spend those precious early weeks without following the core principle of milk production: frequent and effective milk removal. When either part of that equation is compromised, the body simply produces less milk than the baby needs.
How I Help Mothers Rebuild Their Milk Supply
This is exactly the work I do in my Supply Boost Consult — working with mothers and babies as a dyad to help them reach their desired milk-making capacity. My most popular consult type!
But honestly? I wish it never had to come to that.
I wish every mother had learned this before giving birth. That's why I created From Bump to Breast, my signature prenatal breastfeeding course, where I teach all the essentials of feeding, milk supply, and what to expect in those crucial early weeks.
Prenatal Breastfeeding Preparation vs. Postpartum Support: What the Data Shows
After 1,000+ clinical hours, I can say this with complete confidence:
Mothers who prepare for breastfeeding before birth have significantly better feeding outcomes than those who seek support only after a problem arises.
Prenatal education outperforms reactive support — every single time.
And yet, most parents invest deeply in baby gear and nursery setups while giving almost no thought to how they'll feed their baby. I understand it — the cot and the pram are visible, exciting, tangible. But the ability to nourish your baby confidently? That's priceless, and it can be prepared for.
Next Steps: Whether You're Pregnant or Struggling Right Now
If you're pregnant: Don't wait until you're in the thick of those exhausting early weeks. Sign up for From Bump to Breast and go in informed, confident, and prepared.
If you're currently struggling with low milk supply: You don't have to figure this out alone. Book a Supply Boost Consult and let me help you navigate this bumpy ride as I've done for so many amazing families.
Labour of Love Lactation | www.labouroflovelactation.com Lactation Consultant | Prenatal Breastfeeding Education | Milk Supply Support