Low milk supply

Low milk supply is one of most common reasons new mothers give for stopping breastfeeding. If you're worried that you're not producing enough milk:

• Speak to your midwife or health visitor – they can check that your baby is latching on well and check their weight. 
• See our article on how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk. 
• Make sure you are eating well and drinking enough fluids – water, juice, milk and herbal teas are best.
• Get help at home from your partner, friends and family so that you can concentrate on spending time with your baby and feeding them.
• Make sure you are getting plenty of rest. 
• Give your baby plenty of time to empty the first breast before offering them the second – an empty breast sends signals to your brain to produce more milk.
• Relaxation helps your let-down reflex so do the things that normally relax you – invite a friend round for a chat, read a magazine or watch television. 
• If your baby tends to sleep for long periods, your health visitor may suggest waking them for feeds. 
• Try having a warm bath with your baby – lie back in the bath, lay them face down on your chest and splash warm water over you both (you may want to have someone else there to help).
• Problems like sore nipples and mastitis can reduce your milk supply, so do get help from your midwife or health visitor if you are in pain or feel unwell.
• Avoid using a dummy as this may reduce your baby's urge to suck. 
• Avoid offering top-up bottles of formula until breastfeeding is well established as this will affect your milk supply.  
• Expressing can stimulate your breasts to produce more milk – see how it's done.