|
| |
|
| |
|
• |
After the birth, the suckling baby stimulates the release of hormones called prolactin and oxytocin into your bloodstream. |
| |
|
| |
|
• |
Prolactin causes milk to be produced, and oxytocin causes the breasts to secrete the milk ("let-down"). |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| Top | |
| |
Causes for Low Milk Supply |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
For most women, the real problem is delivery of breast milk, not production. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
For a few women, biological or physical conditions such as hormonal disorders or breast injury/surgery can cause their milk supply to be low. However, as milk production is so important, most mums with these conditions find that they can still produce enough milk to feed their babies. |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| Top | |
| |
What are the warning signs that your baby isn't getting enough milk? |
| |
|
| |
Signs that your baby isn't getting adequate milk usually include most of the following: |
| |
|
| |
|
• |
Your baby does not begin to regain his birth weight and put on weight after the first few days. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Your breasts don't feel softer after feeds. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Your baby is unsettled, cranky or lethargic most of the time. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Your baby has dimples in his cheeks or makes clicking noises while breastfeeding. (This is a sign that your baby is not latched on properly and you will need to get expert help from your doctor or infant feeding specialist to make sure that your technique is right) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Your baby is wetting fewer than six to eight nappies in a 24-hour period after the five days following birth. The colour of the urine may occasionally be darker and not a cause of worry. You may however bring it to your doctor’s notice. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Your baby doesn't have a bowel movement at least once a day or is having small, dark stools five days or more after birth. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
He becomes more yellow, instead of less, after the first week. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
He does not develop a rounded face by about three weeks. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Your baby's skin remains wrinkled after the first week. |
| |
|
|
