Wyoming WIC

Low Milk Supply

Low Milk Supply

Many breastfeeding mothers worry about having enough milk for their baby. The good news is most mothers can make plenty of milk.

Low milk supply may happen:

  • If you limit your baby’s breastfeeding sessions.
  • If you give your baby infant formula instead of breastfeeding or giving your baby your expressed milk.
  • If you give your baby solid foods before they are 6 months old.
  • If your baby is not feeding often enough.
  • If you have sore or cracked nipples from a poor latch.
  • If you are not following your baby's feeding cues regularly.
  • If you are using a pacifier in place of feeds.
  • If your baby is tongue or lip-tied. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about this.

What you can do:

  • The more you breastfeed, the more milk your breasts will make
  • - If your baby does not get a good feed, you can pump after to tell your body to make more milk
  • - The more often you empty your breasts, the more milk your breasts will make
  • Breastfeed early and often let your baby decide when to end the feeding
  • Offer both breasts with each feeding
  • - Have your baby stay at the first breast as long as they are still sucking and swallowing
  • - Offer the second breast when your baby slows down or stops
  • Massage or compress your breasts while your baby is latched to help release more milk
  • Avoid giving formula or using pacifiers
  • - If you need to feed your baby a bottle, offer your expressed milk
  • - If you do supplement with formula, you will still need a plan to remove your milk so your body will continue to make more
  • Get regular weight checks to make sure your baby is growing well
If the tips above don’t help, check with your healthcare provider to make sure there aren’t any medical issues that could be decreasing your milk supply.

Combination Feeding

Combination feeding, also known as mixed feeding, refers to the practice of feeding a baby with both breast milk and infant formula. Supplementing with formula is a way to bridge the gap when breast milk supply is low, ensuring the baby’s health and well-being.

1. Different Ways to Feed: Breast vs. Bottle

How it works:

  • When babies breastfeed, they have to work a little harder. They use their mouth and tongue to bring the milk out. This helps babies to develop all the muscles of their mouth.
  • When babies drink from a bottle, the milk flows more easily depending on how you are holding the bottle.

Why it matters:

  • Some babies get confused when they switch between breast and bottle. It's like learning two different ways to do the same thing.

To help your baby, you can try:

  • Using a slow-flow nipple on the bottle. This makes the milk come out slower, more like breastfeeding.
  • Holding your baby in a semi-upright position while holding the bottle horizontally. This allows your baby to control the flow of milk easier, similar to nursing at the breast.
  • Having someone else give the bottle, so your baby doesn't expect the breast.

WIC can help: WIC staff can show you different bottle feeding techniques and help you find the right bottle and nipple for your baby.

2. Making Sure Your Baby Gets Enough Food

Why it's important:

  • Babies grow fast, and they need enough food to stay healthy.
  • It's important to know if your baby is getting enough breast milk and formula.

Look for signs that your baby is getting enough food, like:

  • Wet diapers (at least 6-8 a day).
  • Poopy diapers (three a day in the early weeks).
  • Gaining weight.
  • Being alert and active when awake.

WIC can help: WIC staff can help you track your baby’s feedings and weight gain. They can also help you figure out how much formula your baby needs.

3. Your Body Makes Milk Based on Demand

How it works:

  • When your baby breastfeeds, your body gets the message to make more milk.
  • If you give your baby more formula, your baby will breastfeed less and go longer in between feedings, telling your body to make less milk.
  • When your baby breastfeeds less, your body makes less milk.

What this means:

  • If you want to keep making a good amount of breast milk, try to breastfeed often, even if you're also giving formula.
  • If you're giving more formula, your milk supply may decrease.
  • Hand expressing or pumping can help stimulate your milk supply. It is recommended to express your breast milk or nurse your baby at the breast 8-12 times in 24 hours, which may be more often than they are taking a bottle of formula. You can adjust this amount based on what is doable for you.
WIC can help: WIC staff can give you tips on how to keep your milk supply up if you’re combination feeding. They can also provide breast pumps and education on how to use them.

Tips for Combination Feeding:​

  • Talk to your doctor or a WIC staff member. At WIC, lactation consultants, Peer Counselors, and nutritionists can help you make a plan that works best for you and your baby.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help! Combination feeding can be tricky, but you're not alone.
  • Remember, every family is different. Do what works best for you and your baby.

Install this web app on your iPhone: tap ios-share and then Add to Home Screen.

SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position