How can a new mother judge whether the milk supply is sufficient? Why is the milk supply insufficient?

Regardless of whether it is breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, there is one issue that all parents are very concerned about, that is, whether the baby is getting enough milk. Especially some new mothers don’t know how to judge whether the amount of milk is enough. Let’s learn with the editor below!

How can a new mother judge whether the milk supply is sufficient?

1. See if the baby sleeps soundly

Babies sleep most of the time. During the confinement period, they usually eat and sleep. People often say that babies eat an inch of milk, which means that babies usually need to eat once every hour (gradually increasing to two hours). After eating, they will fall asleep soon. If the baby is restless when sleeping, or wakes up after just a short while, you should consider the problem of insufficient milk.

2. The baby is looking around while crying.

Babies cannot speak, and they express their needs with actions. When a baby is crying, you can touch the baby's face gently with your finger. If the baby immediately moves its mouth around when you touch it, it means the baby is hungry and wants to eat, which also means the mother's milk is not enough.

Why is there insufficient milk supply?

1. Using bottles or milk powder too early

In the first few days after giving birth, some mothers have not yet started breastfeeding, or have breast abnormalities, or are temporarily unable to breastfeed due to medication, which causes the baby to use bottles or formula too early, interfering with the baby's interest in breast milk, resulting in low sucking times and insufficient stimulation, which will also affect breast milk secretion.

2. Mom doesn’t feed on demand

During breastfeeding, the amount of breast milk secreted by the mother mainly depends on the baby's needs. Generally speaking, as long as the mother feeds on demand, the baby's needs can basically be met. If it cannot be met, when the baby continues to suck, it will send a signal to the mother's brain: breast milk is not enough for the baby, and the secretion of breast milk must be increased. In this way, the mother will continue to secrete breast milk to meet the baby's needs. However, if the mother does not feed on demand, the brain will not receive this signal to increase breast milk secretion, and the amount of breast milk will be insufficient.

How to relieve insufficient milk supply

It is recommended to prepare for breastfeeding from the beginning of pregnancy. In the late pregnancy, you can use a warm towel to apply heat to the breasts, which can stimulate the breasts to a certain extent and facilitate the timely secretion of breast milk after delivery. After giving birth, you must start breastfeeding as soon as possible, cooperate with the help of professionals, and pay attention to your diet. Don't eat greasy food. Try to eat light vegetable soup and rice porridge for one week after delivery. Don't eat broth first, so as not to block the mammary glands and hinder the secretion of breast milk.

It is recommended that mothers let their babies suck more and feed them on demand. Especially in the first few months after the baby is born, their stomach capacity is relatively small, they don’t eat much each time, and they may be hungry in two or three hours. Mothers must feed on demand instead of adding milk powder and complementary food to the baby too early.

Related News

The baby's demand for breast milk will suddenly increase in the first few stages after birth, such as the first week, second week, one month, and three months. During these stages, the baby's demand for breast milk suddenly increases, and the mother is temporarily unable to meet the baby's needs, resulting in insufficient breast milk.

Temporary lack of breast milk is normal, and mothers do not need to worry. They can let their babies suck more and strengthen their confidence in breastfeeding. In addition, mothers must pay attention to their diet, sleep and mood. If they eat a nutritious and healthy diet, go to bed early and get up early to ensure adequate sleep, and have a good mood, I believe they will be able to easily get through these stages.