As a lactation consultant, I have encountered a variety of mothers on their breastfeeding journeys. Some face minor challenges and simply require encouragement, while others may decide that breastfeeding isn’t the right fit for them. I wholeheartedly support each mother’s choice, recognizing that while breastfeeding offers significant benefits, the decision ultimately lies with her.
I’ve worked with moms who have dealt with extreme discomfort, such as bleeding nipples, and others whose babies faced challenges like surgeries or lengthy NICU stays, often learning to breastfeed months later (it can be done!). I’ve encountered infants with allergies, serious tongue ties, and developmental delays. Additionally, I’ve supported mothers who have continued to breastfeed through personal health struggles, including surgeries, postpartum depression, and anxiety.
One of the most heart-wrenching situations I witness is when mothers genuinely wish to breastfeed but find it difficult to maintain an adequate milk supply. There are numerous reasons for this, each deserving its own deep dive. Breastfeeding is a complex dance that requires both mother and baby to be in sync, and sometimes issues can arise with both.
Common Factors Affecting Milk Supply
Common factors affecting milk supply include hormonal imbalances (like thyroid issues or PCOS), previous breast surgeries, or insufficient glandular tissue—a condition more prevalent than many realize. Babies can also face challenges such as tongue ties, jaundice, or cleft palates. In addition, for milk production to occur, mothers must nurse or pump frequently enough, which can be a surprising revelation for many. Newborns typically breastfeed every hour or two, sometimes more, and if a mother doesn’t start off strong with breastfeeding, she may mistakenly believe her supply is low. Often, this perception can be corrected with the right breastfeeding practices and support.
For any mother whose baby isn’t receiving enough milk for any reason, I cannot emphasize enough the first rule of breastfeeding: Feed the baby. While seeking help to enhance milk supply is essential, ensuring your baby is fed—whether through pumped milk, donated breast milk, or formula—must be the priority. A hungry baby struggles to breastfeed effectively, and ultimately, a happy, healthy baby is what every mother desires.
It’s devastating for some mothers to come to terms with the possibility that their bodies may not produce the milk their babies need. I’ve stood beside mothers in their moments of despair, offering comfort as they cry over their little ones. However, I’ve also witnessed the relief when mothers discover there are legitimate reasons for their struggles—that they aren’t at fault and haven’t done anything wrong.
Some women choose to stop breastfeeding when faced with these challenges, perhaps due to pain or overwhelming circumstances that make supplementing with formula or donor milk impractical. These choices are deeply personal and deserve respect.
Yet, I’ve seen mothers who, despite knowing they may never achieve a full milk supply, are determined to make breastfeeding work. It’s absolutely feasible. As long as there are nipples and a willing baby, breastfeeding can continue in some form.
I recall one mother, Emma, who had undergone breast reduction surgery. With minimal milk-producing tissue, she could only express a few ounces each day, but her resolve to breastfeed was unwavering. She successfully pumped, supplemented with formula, and breastfed her daughter primarily for comfort for over a year. While this approach may not suit everyone, it’s crucial for mothers to know that such options exist and that they can find the support needed to pursue them.
A heartfelt salute goes out to all the low milk supply mamas out there, nursing their babies against the odds. To illustrate the various ways breastfeeding can unfold, I’m sharing images from Instagram mamas who proudly navigate breastfeeding with low supply each day. Many mothers manage to provide a portion of their baby’s needs through their own milk while supplementing with bottles of donor milk or formula. Some even use a supplemental nursing system—a thin tube connected to a milk source that helps babies receive nourishment while breastfeeding, which can also stimulate milk production.
We can’t forget the incredible mamas who donate their excess milk to those in need, a truly generous act. Breastfeeding manifests in numerous forms among all mothers and babies, and regardless of how it looks, these women are making it work on their terms, which is nothing short of inspiring.
Additional Resources
For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from the CDC here. If you’re interested in exploring at-home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom for comprehensive options. And if you want to connect with others in similar situations, don’t hesitate to reach out here.
Summary
Breastfeeding can be a challenging journey, particularly for mothers with low milk supply. Various factors contribute to this, and it’s essential for mothers to prioritize feeding their babies—whether through breastfeeding, pumping, formula, or donor milk. Each mother’s experience is unique, and support is vital. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works for both mother and child.