Understanding Low Milk Supply:

Low milk supply is one of the most common concerns new parents face — and one of the most misunderstood. Many families worry their body “isn’t making enough,” when in reality, true low milk supply is far less common than it feels in those early weeks.

How Common Is True Low Milk Supply?

Research shows that only about 10–15% of women experience true, medically-based low milk supply. The majority of parents who feel like their supply is low are actually dealing with:

• Normal newborn behavior of feeding frequently

• Cluster feeding

• Misinterpreting hunger cues

• Inefficient latch or oral dysfunction

• Issues with pumping fit or technique

• A lack of early breastfeeding support

In other words…Most of the time, your milk supply is not the problem. The feeding plan is.

What Actually Affects Milk Supply?

Milk supply is dynamic — it responds directly to what your baby or pump is doing. But it can also be impacted by several maternal or infant factors. Here are the most common ones:

1. Inadequate Milk Removal

This is the #1 cause. If milk isn’t removed well or often enough, the body makes less.

Common reasons:

• Shallow latch

• Oral restrictions or tongue ties

• Weak suck

• Sleepy baby

• Scheduled feeds instead of responsive feeding

• Incorrect pump flange size

• Low-quality pump or hands-free pump used too early

  
  

2. Birth & Pregnancy Factors

• Induction

• C-section

• Retained placenta

• Blood loss

• Preterm birth

• Diabetes or PCOS

• Fertility treatments

• Thyroid issues

• Hormone imbalances

• Magnesium, zinc, or iron deficiencies

  
  

These can delay or reduce milk production but are absolutely treatable.

3. Maternal Stress, Anxiety, or Pain

Stress doesn't make milk disappear—but it impacts letdown and frequency of feeding. Birth trauma, lack of support, postpartum mood disorders, and chronic pain can all contribute.

4. Medications & Birth Control

Some medications (including certain birth control methods) can lower supply.

5. Infant Structural or Functional Issues

If baby cannot transfer milk well, supply often drops even when the parent’s body is capable of making plenty.

Can You Increase Your Milk Supply?

YES — most of the time, you absolutely can. Increasing supply starts with treating the root cause, not just guessing.

Most improvements happen within 3–14 days with the right plan.

Increasing supply may include:

• Improving latch

• Addressing tongue ties or oral dysfunction

• Optimizing pump settings

• Correcting flange size

• Adding specific pump sessions

• Using breast compressions

• Adjusting supplements or medications

• Correcting thyroid, insulin, or hormone issues

• Treating anemia

• Increasing skin-to-skin

• Feeding more responsively

• Changing feeding positions

A customized plan makes all the difference.

Why You Should See an IBCLC

If you’re worried about supply, the very best first step is a full evaluation with an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in central Iowa.

An IBCLC will:

• Evaluate baby’s latch and oral anatomy

• Assess milk transfer during a feed

• Review pump fit and technique

• Check for maternal health concerns

• Create a personalized plan to protect and increase supply

• Coordinate care with pediatricians, OTs, PTs, ENTs, or dentists when needed

You do not have to figure this out alone — and you shouldn’t.

Low supply can feel stressful, discouraging, and overwhelming. But with the right support, most women can increase their supply, regain confidence, and meet their feeding goals.

Final Message

Low milk supply is real — but it’s not always permanent, and it’s rarely your fault. With expert help, proper evaluation, and a tailored plan, your supply can almost always improve.

If you’re worried about your milk production, reach out. You deserve compassionate, expert guidance every step of the way.

-Crystel Corbin, RN, IBCLC

Central Iowa Lactation and Feeding Expert