Are you losing sleep wondering when your milk will come in? One common concern many mothers face is delayed milk supply, myself included. If you find yourself in this situation, you are not alone, it’s usually not a cause for alarm. So, take a deep breath. Your baby will be nourished, and you will be OK. Whatever you are providing your newborn with right now, whether it’s a few drops of colostrum with formula supplementation or formula alone, your baby is benefiting.
You may even be tempted to throw in the towel on your milk supply, but there are plenty of reasons to stay calm and positive. Take a moment to keep reading, as we explore what delayed milk supply is, why it happens, and why you, amazing mama, shouldn’t feel like a failure and shouldn’t worry.
What is Delayed Milk Supply?
Breast milk supply refers to a situation where a mother’s milk doesn’t “come in” until several days after birth, typically beyond the first three to five days. While the standard expectation is that milk production ramps quickly after delivery, it’s perfectly normal for some moms to experience a bit of a delay.
In the first few days after birth, your body produces colostrum, a nutrient-rich, antibody-packed substance that provides baby with all the essentials. This is sometimes called “liquid gold” but it’s incredible benefits. After this period your milk supply should increase transitioning into mature milk.
Why the Delay
There are several reasons why your milk might be taking its sweet time to come in. But there it’s a good chance it will come in by the next week or two. Understanding these can help alleviate some of the stress.
- First-time motherhood: it’s common for first time mamas to experience a slight delay in milk production as their bodies adjust to the new demands.
- C-section deliveries: surgery, stress, pain, and the emotional factors associated with having a C-section can make it take longer for your milk to come in.
- Labor complications: a difficult or prolonged labor can also affect how quickly your milk comes in.
- Maternal health conditions: if you have health conditions like diabetes or obesity or hormonal issues such as PCOS or thyroid imbalances, it may take longer for you to make breast milk.
- Preterm birth: although your body is capable of making breastmilk by the end of your second trimester. If your baby arrives early, your body might need little time catch up.
- Breast surgery: previous breast surgeries such as reductions or augmentations, can affect milk supply. This depends on the location of the incision. Incisions made in the armpit are more favourable for normal breastfeeding, while incisions made around the areola increase a mother’s risk of having breastfeeding issues. If you’ve had breast surgery, discuss with a lactation consultant to understand how to maximise your milk production.
- Separation from baby: if you and you baby are separated after birth due to medical reasons, it can delay the onset of milk production. Skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding / pumping as soon as possible can help stimulate milk production.
Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Delayed Milk Supply
Now that we’ve covered some reasons for delayed milk supply, let’s talk about why you shouldn’t worry. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but understanding that this is a common issue can help put your mind at ease.
Your Body Knows What to Do
The human body is incredible. It has been perfectly designed to nurture and feed your baby. Hormones like prolactin and oxytocin are hard at work to get your milk supply up and running. Trust the process, even if it takes a little longer than expected.
Babies Are Resilient
Newborns are incredibly resilient. They are designed to thrive on small amounts of colostrum in the early days. As long as your baby is having regular wet and dry diapers and gaining weight, they are likely getting enough nutrition.
Breastfeeding Isn’t All or Nothing
If you need to supplement with formula while waiting for your milk to come in, that’s okay. Supplementing doesn’t mean you are failing; It means you are ensuring your baby is well fed while you work on increasing your milk supply.
Breastfeeding is a Learning Curve
Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby learn together. It’s not always an instant or natural process. It takes time to get the latch right and for your baby to learn how to nurse effectively. Give yourself grace during this learning period.
Help is Available
There is a wealth of resources available to help you through this. Lactation consultants, postpartum nurses, and breastfeeding support groups are there to help you. They can provide guidance, tips, and reassurance, making the process smoother for you and your baby.
Practical Tips to Encourage Milk Supply
If you are dealing with delayed milk supply, here are some practical tips to help encourage your milk to come in.
- Frequent Nursing
- Nurse often: try to breastfeed / pump every two to three hours, including during the night. Frequent nursing stimulates your breasts and sends to your body to produce more milk.
- Offer both breasts: pump or encourage baby to nurse from both breasts at each feeding. This helps with stipulation and ensures both breasts are producing milk.
- Skin-to-skin Contact
- Bonding time: spend as much time as possible holding your baby skin-to-skin. This not only promotes bonding but also triggers the hormones that help with milk production.
- Relax and Unwind: find a comfortable spot and take the time to relax with your baby. Stress reduction is key to improving milk supply.
- Stimulate Let Down
- Breast massage: you can gently massage your breasts from the outside edges of your breasts inward towards your nipple using light pressure. This helps stimulate milk let down.
- Apply heat: placing a warm, moist warm cloth on your breasts, or taking a warm shower before you nurse, or pump can help encourage your breasts to let down more milk.
- Proper Latching and Positioning
- Comfortable positions: experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find what works best for you and ensures a good latch.
- Get help: if you’re struggling with the latch, don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant. They can show you techniques and positions that work best for you and your baby.
- Pumping
- Supplemental pumping: if your baby is not able to nurse directly or if you want to boost your milk supply, consider pumping. Pumping after feeding can help stimulate additional milk production.
- Quality pump: choosing a quality pump like a hospital grade breast pump such as the Medela Symphony or the Spectra S3, which have extra suction can make a big difference not only in the amount of milk you’re able to express but also in the amount of stimulation your breasts feel.
- Rest and Relaxation
- Sleep when baby sleeps: easier said than done but try to rest when baby is sleeping. Fatigue can affect milk production, so, prioritise rest.
- Stress management: practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercises. Reducing stress can have a positive impact on your milk supply.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished
- Hydrate: drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is essential for milk production.
- Eat a balanced diet: a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are beneficial for breastmilk production. Some foods like oats and fenugreek are also believed to boost milk supply.
Debunking the Myths
There are many myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding and delayed milk supply that can add to your anxiety. Let’s clear up a few common ones:
Myth 1: Small breasts can’t produce enough milk.
Breast size has no bearing or milk production. The amount of glandular tissue, not the size of breasts determines milk supply.
Myth 2: You need to drink milk to make milk.
While staying hydrated is crucial, you don’t need to drink milk to produce milk. Water, juice, and other hydrating fluids are just fine.
Myth 3: If your baby feeds frequently, you are not producing enough milk.
Frequent feeding is normal, especially in the early weeks. Babies have tiny stomachs and need to feed often. This frequent feeding helps establish your milk supply.
When to Seek Help
While delayed milk supply is often temporary and manageable, there are times when seeking professional help is essential. If you experience any of the following, reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider.
- Your baby appears dehydrated (dark urine, eyes sunken in, lethargy).
- Your baby has fewer wet and dirty diapers. Your baby should be having at least 6 to 8 wet diapers a day after their fifth day of life. Who’s the
- Your baby cries throughout and following feeds (i.e., no signs of happy milk-drunk baby).
- Your baby is not back to their birth weight by their 14th day of life. After the initial decrease in weight right after birth, your baby should be steadily gaining weight.
- You experience severe breast pain, redness, or fever (which could indicate an infection).
- You are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about breastfeeding.
Professional support can provide the reassurance and guidance you need to navigate these challenges and continue your breastfeeding journey with confidence.
Embracing Your Unique Journey
Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and what works for one mama, might not work for another. It’s important to remember that delayed milk supply is just a small part of the larger picture of motherhood. Whether you exclusively breastfeed, exclusively pump, or supplement with formula, the most important thing is that your baby is loved and nourished.
Celebrating Small Wins
In the early days of motherhood, it’s easy to get caught up in worries and what-ifs. Instead try to focus on small wins. Celebrate each successful latch, each ounce of milk pumped, and each moment of skin-to-skin contact. These small victories add up and contribute to a positive breastfeeding experience.
A Community of Support
You are not alone on this journey. Countless mamas have navigated the challenges of delayed milk supply and come out the other side with healthy, happy babies. Joining a breastfeeding support group, whether online or in-person can provide a sense of community and shared experience. Hearing stories from other moms can offer comfort, encouragement, and practical tips.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Body
Your body has done an incredible thing by bringing in new life into the world. Trust its ability to nourish and sustain your baby. Delayed milk supply is often a temporary hurdle, and with patience, persistence, and support, you and your baby can have a successful breastfeeding journey.
And in the event that your milk doesn’t come in due to a medical condition, don’t blame yourself. In the end, the most important thing is the bond you are building with your baby, whether through breastfeeding, bottle feeding, formula feeding, or any combination of the three. You are doing great Mama, and your baby will be just fine because fed is best.
