Signs your breast milk supply is decreasing

It’s common for parents to worry about their milk supply as they provide their baby with the nutrients they need to grow and develop. Because babies can’t tell you what’s going on, it can be hard to determine if they’re getting enough milk. While it can feel like a big guessing game, there are some signs that can give you an indication of your milk supply.

In this article, we’ll explore some signs your milk supply is decreasing, and we’ll debunk some myths about the signs of breast milk supply decreasing. We’ll also explain some of the reasons your supply might dip and what you can do to prevent it.

IN THIS ARTICLE:

What are the signs of a milk supply drop?

If you’re exclusively breastfeeding (not pumping or using any bottles), it can be especially difficult to determine if you are making enough milk for your baby. Between not being able to see your output and trying to decipher your baby’s cues and cries, you may wonder if your little one is getting enough milk.

Sometimes, people mistake natural signs of milk regulation [], such as softened breasts, as signs of a decrease in supply. However, rather than evaluating your own body, looking at the signs your baby is giving you can be more helpful. Some of the signs of decreased milk supply include:

Low energy levels in baby

If your baby seems like they’re sleeping excessively or consistently having trouble staying awake for a whole feeding, this might be a sign that they’re not getting the energy they need through milk []. Keep in mind there’s a wide range of normal when it comes to children and sleep, but if your baby seems lethargic and you have concerns about how much they’re sleeping, reach out to their healthcare provider.

Producing fewer wet diapers

When babies aren’t getting enough milk, they can get dehydrated, and one of the signs of dehydration is fewer wet diapers (normally, you want to see about 6 or more per day after 5 days old []). You might also notice that they have fewer tears when crying [].

Sunken soft spot

A sunken soft spot can be another sign of dehydration []. You might notice that the soft spot on a baby or toddler’s head appears flat or dips down.

Not enough weight gain

Newborns can lose 7 to 10% of their weight shortly after birth, but they should gain it back by the time they’re 2 weeks old []. If they’re struggling to gain weight or are falling off their personal growth curve, this could be a sign that your supply is dropping and they’re not getting enough milk.

Fussy or hungry after feedings

Typically, babies should be satisfied for one to three hours between feedings []. If they consistently seem hungry after they’re done with feedings, they might not be ingesting enough [].

Indicators of milk supply drop	NOT indicators of milk supply drop
Low energy levels in baby	Baby falling asleep during a feeding
Producing fewer wet diapers	A temporary decrease in wet diapers due to an illness
Sunken soft spot in baby	Softened breasts
Insufficient weight gain	Low percentile numbers
Consistently fussy or seeming hungry after feedings	General fussiness, especially during the witching hour

What are NOT indicators of low milk supply

There are some common misconceptions about signs of low milk supply. The following are not typical indicators of a dip in milk supply, and these do not mean your milk is drying up:

Frequent nursing: It’s normal for young babies to breastfeed 8 to 12 times per day (or even more!), and especially as newborns, they nurse day and night. Sometimes, babies eat more frequently for reasons outside of milk supply. They might be going through a growth spurt, , or seeking comfort [].
Decrease in breast fullness: Starting at 6 weeks your milk supply starts to regulate as your body learns what your baby needs. This means that your breasts might not feel as full as they did when you began breastfeeding, but it doesn't necessarily mean you’re not making enough milk. Your body has simply learned to make the amount that your baby needs [].
Not getting much milk when pumping: The amount of milk you are able to pump may not be a reliable indicator of your milk supply. Typically, babies are more effective at removing milk compared to pumps. You might also have low milk output when pumping for various reasons like using the wrong flange size or needing new pump parts [].
The witching hour: Many babies go through a period in the evening, often referred to as the . Your baby might cry, fuss, and cluster feed. Though they might be hungry, they could also be tired, overstimulated, or uncomfortable. Whereas persistent fussiness after feedings might indicate low milk supply, general fussiness isn’t necessarily due to hunger.

Reasons for milk production drop

There can be many reasons for a decrease in milk production. While it can feel scary, many of the causes have solutions, and a decrease in supply doesn’t have to mean an end to your breastfeeding journey. Some potential reasons for a milk production drop include:

Hormonal changes, which can happen when your period returns or if you get pregnant.
Ineffective breastfeeding, such as latch issues, which can prevent your baby from getting enough milk [].
Illnesses: when you get sick, your body might struggle to produce enough milk. Usually, your supply will return to normal once you’ve recovered.
Medication: some medications can cause a decreased milk supply, such as decongestants and allergy medications [].
Changes in feeding patterns, which might happen when you return to work, introduce formula, or when your baby begins to eat solids. If you’re not emptying your breasts as often, your supply may begin to drop in response.
Health conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can contribute to decreased supply []. Studies show chronic stress can negatively affect milk supply [].
Not fueling your body: if you’re not drinking enough water or eating enough nutritious food, your supply could suffer [].

What should moms do to prevent milk supply drop?

It’s normal to question whether you’re producing enough milk to feed your little one. However, most moms do produce enough to support their growing baby’s needs []. True “low supply” is typically temporary and many moms can continue making enough milk with the right support.

If you’re worried about your milk supply, there are many things you can do to help prevent a supply drop.

Try to make sure you’re getting the rest and nutrients you need

Your body needs hydration, nutrients, and energy to produce milk for your baby. To help prevent a supply drop, it’s important to take care of yourself as best as possible. Make sure you’re drinking enough water, eating a well-balanced diet, and doing your best to get enough sleep (we know this can be hard with a baby!). Try making it a habit to drink water and eat a snack each time you nurse your baby [].

If you’re looking for support when it comes to your little one’s sleep, we can help! With , you can submit for a customized, step-by-step Sleep Plan that considers your child’s age and your parenting preferences.

Maintain a consistent feeding/pumping schedule

To keep your supply up, it’s also important to maintain a consistent breastfeeding or pumping routine and to feed your baby on demand. Your body learns how much to make by how much is expressed — aka supply and demand! By feeding your baby when they show hunger cues (instead of based on the clock), you can help your body produce more milk. If your baby starts sleeping through the night, you might consider waking up at night to pump, especially if you notice your supply drop [].

If you are feeding your baby a combination of breast milk and formula, consider feeding your baby from the breast first before offering formula. It’s also helpful to pump in place of a nursing session if you give your baby a formula or frozen breast milk feeding. Doing so will signal your body to continue to make more milk [].

Seek support

Seeking support is immensely helpful as well. Reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare providers if you’re concerned about your supply or your baby’s health. Experts can help spot and troubleshoot any problems you may be having with breastfeeding, and this can help protect your supply and ensure your little one is getting the nutrients they need to thrive.

A lactation consultant can also help evaluate your supply and your baby’s intake by doing a weighted feed. They’ll weigh your baby before and after a nursing session so they can see exactly how much your baby is consuming. It’s a great way to either get peace of mind or begin to troubleshoot any issues you may be having with your supply or with your baby’s intake.

Takeaway

It’s common to worry about milk supply, and your baby can provide some clues about whether you’re producing enough milk. If your baby is showing signs of dehydration, isn’t gaining weight, and/or consistently seems hungry after feedings, they may not be getting enough milk.
Frequent feeding, decrease in breast fullness, and minimal output when pumping might NOT be indicators of low milk supply.
A drop in milk supply can be due to hormonal changes, illness, milk regulation, your baby’s needs as they grow, and certain medications.

Signs of milk supply drop FAQ

Q: Does a crying baby indicate low milk supply?

Babies may cry because they’re hungry, tired, cold, uncomfortable, in pain, or for other reasons. Crying is how children communicate as newborns and infants! A crying baby does not necessarily indicate a low milk supply. However, if a baby is consistently crying after a feeding, this may indicate hunger or discomfort. If you suspect your baby is not getting enough to eat or is uncomfortable after eating, discuss these concerns with their doctor.

Q: Is it normal for my breasts to feel less full?

It is common for your breasts to feel less full starting around 6 weeks postpartum as your body learns how much milk your baby needs and your milk supply regulates [15]. You’ll likely notice less engorgement and leaking as well.

Q: Are fewer wet diapers a sign of low milk supply?

Fewer wet diapers can be a sign of low milk supply. Babies should have at least 6 or more wet diapers per day after 5 days [4]. If they are producing fewer than that or if there’s a sudden drop in their usual number of wet diapers, contact your baby’s healthcare provider.

Q: Can lack of sleep affect my milk production?

Not getting enough sleep may be a contributing factor to low milk supply [8]. It’s difficult to get enough sleep as a new mom, so to help combat any effects from a lack of sleep, you can focus on eating a well-balanced diet, hydrating your body, and getting help with night wakings whenever possible. Implementing a dream feed might also help you get more sleep.

Q: Is it normal for pumping output to decrease over time?

Pumping output typically decreases over time as your baby demands less milk and as your milk supply changes, often starting between 3 and 6 months old [16]. However, there could be other reasons for a decrease in your pumping output, such as using old pump parts that need replacing or reducing your pumping frequency.

Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.