More Than Just Milk: A Mother’s Journey to Nourish Her Baby

 

Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it also comes with challenges—some expected, and some surprising. For Toyin, a new mother, the birth of her baby brought immense joy. Her baby was healthy, and she was recovering well too. But soon after, she noticed something that many mothers experience but few talk about: her breast milk wasn’t flowing as it should.

Toyin found herself among the estimated 10 to 15% of mothers worldwide who experience actual low milk supply. At first, she was told that it was normal and that some mothers take a little longer for their milk to come in. While this reassurance helped a bit, her concerns only deepened when her baby began showing signs of poor weight gain and increasing fussiness.

Well-meaning people advised her to supplement with water or pap. But Toyin remembered what she learned in antenatal classes—exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is best. She just wanted to give her baby the healthiest start in life.

Toyin’s experience is not uncommon. Low milk supply is a common reason why many mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than planned. But understanding the causes of low supply is the first step toward improving it.

Why Does Low Milk Supply Happen?

Low milk supply can be caused by several factors, such as:

• Insufficient lactation or milk production

• Impaired lactation (milk not flowing well despite production)

• Hormonal changes

• Stress and anxiety

• Sleep deprivation

• Certain medications

• Improper latch or infrequent breastfeeding

Sometimes, it's not about how much milk is made, but how effectively it’s removed. The body produces more milk when it’s removed often and well.

Helpful Actions Mothers Can Take to Support Milk Production

• Frequent Breastfeeding or Pumping: Breastfeed your baby at least 8 to 12 times within 24 hours, especially in the first few weeks. This helps stimulate the body to produce more milk. Ensure a proper latch and feeding position.

• Feed from Both Breasts: Allow your baby to nurse on one breast until they slow down or release it, then offer the second breast. This encourages both breasts to be stimulated and helps increase overall milk production.

• Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact ("Kangaroo Care"): Holding your baby close with bare skin touching yours for at least 20 minutes daily helps stimulate hormones that promote milk production.

• Eat Nutrient-Rich, Milk-Boosting Foods: Including foods rich in protein—like chicken, eggs, fish, seafood, tofu, and beans—can help support milk volume. Foods like pumpkin, leafy greens, oats, and whole grains are also believed to support lactation

• Massage and Compress Your Breasts: Gently massaging the breasts before and during feeding or pumping can improve milk flow.

• Get Enough Rest and Practice Relaxation: Fatigue and stress can negatively affect milk production. Try to rest when the baby sleeps, and ask for help when needed.

When to Seek Help

If, after trying these tips, you're still concerned about your milk supply or your baby's growth, don’t hesitate to speak with a healthcare provider. They can help identify the issue and offer guidance.

Remember, breastfeeding is a learning process, both for mother and baby. You are not alone in this journey, and there is help available every step of the way.