One of the greatest joys of being a mother is breastfeeding your own child. It is something that strengthens the bond between you and your baby. But while breastfeeding is a natural thing, it can sometimes be a challenge. One of the biggest questions that many mothers face is, 'Is my baby getting enough milk?' or 'Is my milk not enough?' If you feel the same way, don't worry. You are not alone. Let's get to the bottom of this.
Why is breastfeeding so valuable?
It's important to breastfeed your baby whenever possible. That's because your body is designed to produce exactly the nutrients your baby needs to grow and the antibodies that protect against disease. Did you know that your breast milk isn't always the same? From the day your baby is born until you stop breastfeeding, the composition of your milk changes to suit your baby's needs. Isn't that amazing?
Simply put, breast milk is the perfect, incomparable food, specially formulated for your baby.
Let's take a look at the health benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mother.
| Benefits of breastfeeding for the baby | |
|---|---|
| Reduced risk of asthma. | Reduced risk of ear infections. |
| Reducing the risk of obesity. | Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). |
| Reducing the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. | Reduced risk of digestive tract infections (diarrhea/vomiting). |
| Reduced risk of lower respiratory disease. | |
| Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother | |
|---|---|
| Reducing the risk of high blood pressure. | Reducing the risk of breast cancer. |
| Reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. | Reduced risk of ovarian cancer. |
How do I know exactly if my milk supply is low?
Most of the time, mothers produce enough milk for their babies. However, some health conditions or lifestyle factors can cause milk production to decrease. There's something else to keep in mind. Babies have periods of rapid growth (growth spurts). During these times, your baby may be drinking more milk than usual, which can make you think, "Oh, I'm not getting enough milk." But it's really just because your baby's needs are increasing.
Here are some signs that your baby may not be getting enough milk.
| Things to watch out for | Description |
|---|---|
| Baby's weight | If your baby loses more than 10% of their birth weight, or if they don't gain weight well over time, it could be a sign of low milk supply. It's important to talk to your doctor about this. |
| Diapers | If a baby is not getting enough food, the number of wet and poopy nappies per day will decrease. By the time a baby is three days old, they should be having at least 6 wet nappies and 3 poopy nappies per day. |
| Symptoms of hunger | If your baby is restless, continues to cry, or sucks his hands even after he finishes drinking, it could be because he is hungry. Usually, when a baby is hungry, he clenches his hands. When he is full after drinking milk, those hands open up again. If your baby is still clenching his hands and clenching his hands after drinking milk, he is probably still hungry. |
What should I do to increase my milk production?
Although there are various products on the market that claim to increase milk supply, you don't have to spend a lot of money on them. It's true that the nutrition you eat affects milk production. But there are a few more important, simple things.
Breastfeed on demand.
This is the most important thing . The more often your baby breastfeeds, the more milk your body will produce. Think of it like your baby sucking, which is like a signal to your brain to 'make more milk!' It's like supply meets demand. You've probably heard that a newborn baby needs to be fed every three hours. But babies don't work by clocks. So, feed your baby whenever he shows signs of hunger. Over time, both you and your baby will develop a good routine.
Ensure a proper latch.
If your baby doesn't latch on deeply, he won't get enough milk. Your body will think there's no demand for milk, and over time, it will reduce its milk production. Some babies have lip and tongue ties, which make it difficult to move their mouths properly. This can also make it difficult to latch on properly. If you have this problem, talk to your doctor and get a solution to it, and your milk production may increase.
Eat a healthy diet.
Your body uses the energy and nutrients from what you eat and drink to make milk. In our country, there is a belief that eating things like ulahal, halmasso, oats, and coconut milk will increase your milk supply. These can help to some extent. But the most important thing is to eat a balanced diet. It is normal to feel hungrier than usual during breastfeeding. This is because your body is working hard to feed someone else. Therefore, reduce junk food and eat more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and foods containing good protein (fish, eggs, and milk). Also, don't forget to drink plenty of water .
Pump if you miss a feeding.
If your baby sleeps too long or misses a feeding for any other reason, pump some milk at that time. Even if pumping isn't enough to get your baby to drink, it helps send the message to your body that you need milk.
Get professional advice
If you still feel like you don't have enough milk after doing all this and can't figure out why, don't be afraid to seek professional help. There are lactation consultants who are experts in breastfeeding. They have a lot of knowledge about this. It's best to get advice from someone with an internationally recognized certification like (IBLCE). They will look at how you're feeding your baby, measure how much milk your baby is drinking, and even measure how much milk your baby is drinking (weighted feed) and give you the advice you need.
The most important thing is, if you have even the slightest suspicion that your baby is not getting enough milk, see your doctor immediately. They will examine your baby and give you the most accurate guidance.
While you're trying to increase your milk supply, try to limit bottle and formula feeding as much as possible. However, if your baby still doesn't have enough milk despite following all of these tips, you still have options. You can breastfeed your baby as needed, and give your baby a little extra formula after each feeding, as directed by your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Milk production is based on demand . The more often your baby breastfeeds, the more milk your body will produce.
- Make sure your baby is latching on properly . If there is a problem, seek medical advice.
- Take care of your diet. Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
- The best way to know if your baby is getting enough milk is by monitoring their weight gain and the number of wet nappies they have per day .
- If you suspect that your milk supply is insufficient or if you are worried, never hesitate to seek advice from a doctor or a lactation consultant .
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