The #1 Reason Breastfeeding Mums Struggle with Supply—And How to Fix It Fast

Discover the Hidden Factors Behind Low Milk Supply & What You Can Do Today

Breastfeeding is often described as the most natural thing a mother can do—but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. For many new mums, one of the most distressing challenges in the early weeks is feeling like they’re not producing enough milk for their baby. The fear of low supply can cause anxiety, guilt, and even lead some mothers to stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended.

But what exactly causes low milk supply? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

This in-depth guide explores the underlying reasons behind low milk production, clears up some common myths, and introduces an effective, holistic approach to support lactation—MotherLove’s Lactation Enhancement Therapy.

The Physiology of Breast Milk Production

To understand why milk supply sometimes falls short, it helps to understand how breastfeeding works.

Breast milk production is a hormonally regulated process influenced by physical stimulation. It starts during pregnancy when hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin begin preparing the breasts for lactation. After delivery, the sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone allows prolactin to take over, initiating milk synthesis. Oxytocin, another key hormone, triggers the let-down reflex that releases milk.

The process is highly responsive to supply and demand. The more frequently your baby suckles (or you express milk), the more milk your body is signaled to produce. Conversely, any interruption in this feedback loop can cause a decrease in supply.

Common Causes of Low Milk Supply

1. Ineffective Latch or Suckling
   If a baby isn’t latching correctly, they may not be emptying the breast efficiently, sending the body the message to reduce production.

2. Infrequent Nursing or Pumping
   Long gaps between feedings, especially in the early weeks, can hinder supply establishment.

3. Supplementation
   Introducing formula too early can reduce the baby’s need to nurse, decreasing demand and thus supply.

4. Hormonal Imbalances
   Conditions like thyroid disorders, PCOS, insulin resistance, or retained placenta fragments can negatively impact milk production.

5. Stress and Fatigue
   Physical exhaustion and emotional stress can suppress the production and release of oxytocin, limiting milk flow.

6. Previous Breast Surgeries or Trauma
   Certain surgical procedures may damage milk ducts or nerves essential for lactation.

7. Use of Certain Medications
   Medications such as pseudoephedrine, hormonal birth control, or even some antihistamines may reduce supply.

Busting Myths Around Milk Supply

• Myth: You’ll know you have low supply if your baby cries often.

• Truth: Babies cry for many reasons, and not all of them are hunger-related. Look instead for wet diapers and weight gain.

• Myth: Small breasts can’t make enough milk.

• Truth: Breast size doesn’t affect the number of milk-producing glands.

• Myth: If you can’t pump much, your supply is low.

• Truth: Babies are more efficient at extracting milk than pumps.

• Myth: Formula supplementation is always necessary.

• Truth: Most mothers can produce enough milk with proper support and stimulation.

Natural Ways to Boost Supply

1. Frequent Skin-to-Skin Contact
   Encourages bonding and helps increase oxytocin levels.

2. Power Pumping
   Mimics cluster feeding to stimulate production.

3. Hydration and Nutrition
   Drink plenty of water and consume lactogenic foods like oats, barley, leafy greens, and papaya.

4. Herbal Galactagogues
   Fenugreek, blessed thistle, and moringa are traditional herbs used to support lactation.

5. Stress Reduction
   Practices like deep breathing, yoga, or postpartum massage can reduce cortisol and support milk let-down.

The Role of Breast Massage in Enhancing Lactation

Breast massage during lactation isn’t just about comfort—it plays a functional role in improving milk flow and breast health. Massage can help:

• Stimulate mammary glands

• Improve circulation

• Prevent blocked ducts

• Enhance lymphatic drainage

When combined with warmth and pressure, massage can improve the let-down reflex, especially when milk isn’t flowing easily due to stress or engorgement.

Introducing MotherLove’s Lactation Enhancement Therapy

MotherLove’s Lactation Enhancement Therapy is a unique blend of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles and modern postpartum care techniques. Designed specifically for breastfeeding mothers, this non-invasive treatment addresses both physical and energetic aspects of milk production.

What’s Included:

• Milking (Mammary Activation):
  Gentle, rhythmic massage that stimulates the glands and clears blockages.

• Malaxation (Meridian Stimulation):
  Acupressure and TCM techniques to promote hormonal flow and qi circulation in the chest.

• Motivation (Fascial Therapy):
  Deep tissue work to support pectoral fascia, improving breast structure and drainage.

• Herbal Oil Infusion:
  Application of organic, plant-based oils that soothe inflammation and stimulate glandular activity.

Key Benefits:

• Encourages natural milk flow

• Relieves engorgement and discomfort

• Prevents or resolves blocked ducts

• Balances lactation hormones

• Reduces stress and boosts confidence

When Should You Start?

This treatment is most effective in the first 3 months postpartum but can also help mothers who:

• Have been breastfeeding for several months and experienced a drop in supply

• Are returning to work and need help maintaining supply

• Want to re-lactate or induce lactation

Sessions can begin as soon as a week postpartum, depending on individual health and birth recovery.

Supporting Your Results at Home

To complement your sessions at MotherLove:

• Continue frequent nursing or pumping

• Apply warm compresses before feeding

• Practice gentle breast massage in the shower

• Stay well-nourished and well-rested whenever possible

Breastfeeding is a journey—and like all journeys, it comes with both joys and challenges. If you’re facing the stress of low milk supply, know that you’re not alone, and support is available. With targeted treatments like MotherLove’s Lactation Enhancement Therapy, you can address the root causes of your concerns and nourish your baby with greater ease and confidence.

Learn more about how Lactation Enhancement Therapy can naturally support your milk supply and overall postpartum wellbeing.