Explore the Causes of Reduced Breast Milk and How to Increase it

Breast milk is the best nutrition for babies. Unfortunately, some mothers may experience a decrease in the amount of milk. Understanding the various causes of reduced ASI can help overcome the problems that occur. To overcome the milk that can not come out or lack, mothers often choose formula milk as a solution. However, actually formula milk cannot completely replace breast milk, especially in terms of nutrition. Breast milk contains a variety of important nutrients, one of which is an antibody that can increase the baby's immune system. In addition, breast milk is also easier to digest compared to formula milk.

Various Causes of reduced breast milk

Decreasing the amount of milk can be seen from the reduction in the amount of milk that comes out when you milk it for storage, the baby looks still hungry when breastfed, or the baby's weight does not increase. Although in some cases, this condition is not necessarily caused by decreased milk production, but because of inappropriate breastfeeding techniques. In addition, the cause of reduced ASI can also be caused by several factors, including:

• Delay too long to start breastfeeding.
• Allergy and use of certain drugs.
• It is rare to breastfeed after giving birth.
• Have a history of diabetes.
• Have a history of breast surgery.
• Have hypertension during pregnancy.
• Babies are born prematurely.
• Postpartum hemorrhage.
• Underwent a family planning program.
• Hormone disorders.
• Menstruation.

Lack of breast milk intake in infants can make it difficult for babies to gain weight according to age. This certainly will affect the growth and development of infants. If the baby is not known to have gained weight for some time, you should consult a doctor.

How to Increase Breast Milk Production

You do not need to worry too much if your milk is reduced. Because there are many ways you can do to increase milk production, both independently and with the help of medical personnel. These methods include:

• Expand breastfeeding after delivery, at least every 2-3 hours or between 8-12 times a day.
• Pay attention to your position and baby when breastfeeding. The wrong position will make it difficult for the baby to suckle.
• Do not bottle feed until 3 weeks postpartum. The use of bottles while breastfeeding can make your milk production disrupted.
• In order to maintain breast milk production, try to always pump breast milk and store it in the refrigerator when not breastfeeding.
• Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking after giving birth, because both of these will cause your milk production to decrease.
• Consult your doctor to get special treatment in the form of supplements or medicines to help produce milk.

After understanding the causes of reduced milk supply, you can find ways to overcome it so that the production of breast milk goes back smoothly. This is very important to ensure the baby can get the benefits of breastfeeding optimally as needed.