Sudden Milk Supply Drop: Causes, Solutions & Tips for Nursing Moms

When your milk supply is reduced suddenly, it can be unsettling, especially if you’re trying to keep up with your baby’s needs. But don’t panic; there are reasons why there’s a sudden milk supply drop, and there are simple ways to boost your supply again.

Why would my Milk Supply Suddenly Decrease?

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience, but it can also come with its challenges, especially when you notice a sudden milk supply drop. This sudden decrease in milk supply can be stressful, leaving you wondering what went wrong and how to fix it. Understanding the reasons behind why my breast milk suddenly decreased is the first step in addressing the issue.

Here are 10 common factors that could be contributing to sudden drop in your milk supply along with tips on how to get your milk production back on track:

1. Improper Latch - If your baby isn’t latching onto your breast correctly, they may not be able to get enough milk can cause a sudden drop in breast milk supply. This can leave milk in your breasts, signaling your body to make less. A good latch is key to keeping up your supply.
2. Lack of Hydration - Breast milk is mostly water, so staying hydrated is crucial. If you’re not drinking enough water, your body might not produce much milk and decrease breast milk supply.
3. Poor Diet and Nutrition - Your body needs extra calories and nutrients to produce milk. If you’re not eating enough or if your diet lacks important nutrients, it can cause a sudden milk supply decrease.
4. Lack of Sleep - Not getting enough sleep can affect your sudden decrease in breast milk supply. When you’re tired, your body may struggle to keep up with the demand for milk. Try to rest as much as possible, even if it means taking short naps when your baby is sleeping.
5. Infrequent Breastfeeding or Pumping Sessions- The more you breastfeed or pump, the more milk your body will produce. If you’re not feeding or pumping often, your body might think it doesn’t need to make as much milk, leading to a sudden drop in milk supply.
6. Changing your Pumping Schedule or Dropping a Feeding- If you change your pumping routine or drop a feeding session, your body takes it as a sign to produce less milk or a sudden drop in milk supply.
7. Ignoring Baby’s Hunger Cues- Waiting too long to feed your baby when they’re hungry, your body might not get signals it needs to produce more milk, which leads to a milk supply drop. Feeding on demand helps ensure your supply meets your baby’s needs.
8. Using Supplements- Some supplements, herbs, or even certain medications can cause a sudden drop in milk supply. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking anything new while breastfeeding.
9. Stress and Anxiety- Stress and anxiety can interfere with the hormones that help your body produce milk. High stress can make it harder for your body to make and release milk.
10. Medical or Health Issues- Health conditions, like hormonal imbalances or thyroid problems, can impact milk supply. If you suspect a medical issue with the sudden drop in milk supply for, it’s important to consult with your doctor.

After you learn the cause of why you are experiencing a sudden decrease in milk supply as early as 2 months, you need to move on to another important aspect: what are you going to do when your breast milk decreases suddenly?

What To Do When Your Milk Supply is Reduced Suddenly?

If you are experiencing a sudden decrease in milk supply, here’s what you can do to help get it back on track:

1. Stay Hydrated- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keeping your body well-hydrated helps support milk to prevent a sudden decrease in milk supply.
2. Eat a healthy and balanced diet- Focus on eating a variety of foods that provide the nutrients you need. To avoid milk supply suddenly dropping, include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meal to give your body the energy it needs to make milk.

3. Get more sleep or relaxation time- Try to get a rest and a relaxation time every day to inhibit a sudden decrease in breast milk supply.
4. Foster More Skin-To-Skin Contact - Spend time holding your baby close to your skin. Skin-to-skin contact can help stimulate your body to produce more milk, strengthen the bond between you and your baby, and avoid a sudden decrease in milk supply.
5. Try Power Pumping- When your breast milk decreases suddenly, try power pumping. Because when you pump more frequently for short periods to mimic cluster feeding. This can help signal your body to make more milk. You can try power pumping for an hour each day, pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and repeating the cycle.

Use Momcozy M9, a powerful and portable pump for busy moms. With a strong motor that provides up to -300mmHg suction, it helps you get more milk quickly when you have a sudden milk supply drop. The Momcozy M9 makes pumping easy and efficient. Upgrade to the Momcozy M9 electric breast pump and enjoy a better pumping experience.

6. Manage Your Stress - Stress can lower your milk supply. Try to relax with deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk. Finding small ways to reduce stress can make a big difference.

7. Seek advice from a professional - Reach out to a lactation consultant or your doctor. They can give you advice, check your breastfeeding technique, and suggest ways to boost your supply. Sometimes, small changes can help a lot.

Conclusion

To summarize, a sudden milk supply drop can happen to almost all mothers. Dealing with this and understanding the possible causes is the best thing to do to give your baby the most healthy life. With patience and persistence, you can overcome this challenge. Stay positive and take it one step at a time.