Preparation for Childbirth
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Taking a Bath After a Membrane Sweep: Precautions and Advice
How does milk production work?
From the middle of pregnancy, the breasts produce colostrum, an initial yellow-orange milk perfectly suited to the newborn’s needs. Highly concentrated in proteins, minerals, and antibodies, colostrum provides a large amount of energy and protects the baby against infections. Small quantities are sufficient at each feeding because it is extremely nourishing. Often referred to as the “first vaccine,” it plays a key role in strengthening your newborn’s immune system.After birth, the expulsion of the placenta causes a sudden drop in pregnancy hormones that had previously inhibited lactation. This decrease allows the action of two essential hormones: prolactin, which produces milk, and oxytocin, which enables milk ejection.Milk coming in generally occurs two to three days after childbirth: colostrum is gradually replaced by transitional milk, then by mature milk after about two weeks. In some cases, such as after a cesarean section or a difficult delivery, milk coming in may be delayed.Milk coming in is sometimes accompanied by sensations of tightness or even breast engorgement, which can make breastfeeding temporarily painful.Milk production then relies on a stimulation mechanism: when your baby nurses, receptors located around your areolas send a message to the brain, which releases prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin acts on the alveoli to produce milk, while oxytocin causes the contraction of the cells around these alveoli, allowing milk to flow toward the nipple. The more effectively your breasts are emptied, the more production is stimulated. Conversely, when milk accumulates, an inhibitory factor slows down production. Lactation therefore naturally adapts to your baby’s needs through suckling.Good to know: food diversification, which generally begins between 4 and 6 months according to recommendations, does not necessarily mean the end of breastfeeding.
How can I tell if I don’t have enough milk while breastfeeding?
Low milk supply is rare. Yet it is often cited by mothers who feel their baby is not feeding enough. Before feeling guilty and questioning your milk production, it is essential to be able to assess whether your baby is feeding properly.Here’s what you can monitor.Your baby’s weight gain
In the first days of life, a baby loses on average 5 to 7% of their birth weight. From the 3rd or 4th day, they normally start gaining weight again (about 20 to 30 grams per day). They are expected to regain their birth weight before day 10. If this is not the case, it is possible that they are not getting enough milk.Your baby’s diapers
During the first two days after birth, a baby only wets one to two diapers per day. From day 5 onward, if they are feeding enough, output increases. On average, 6 diapers filled with urine and at least 3 golden-yellow stools per day.If your baby wets fewer than 6–7 heavy diapers per day, one possible cause is that they are not feeding enough.Signs of dehydration
If your baby shows signs of dehydration, without fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, they may not be drinking enough milk. The symptoms to watch for include: dark urine, dry mouth, paleness, dark circles, lethargy. If your baby shows any of these symptoms, we recommend seeking emergency care.Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your journey as a new parent.
I don’t have enough milk: what are the causes of this breastfeeding difficulty?
Insufficient intake in a breastfed baby is very rarely due to physiological problems in the mother (inability to produce enough milk) and may stem from various factors.Insufficient stimulation of lactation
In most cases, low milk production is explained by breastfeeding management that does not sufficiently stimulate lactation. Lactation follows the rule of supply and demand. In other words, the more your baby nurses, the more milk your breasts will produce. Conversely, if you limit the number of feedings and their duration, your lactation may not be sufficiently stimulated, and milk production may be reduced.Poor baby latch and suckling
From birth, your infant has multiple innate reflexes, including the suckling reflex. Skin-to-skin contact stimulates this reflex and allows breastfeeding to be established naturally, by following your baby’s rhythm and abilities.If your breastfed baby does not suck effectively, lactation will not be sufficiently stimulated, and you may produce “not enough” milk. Poor suckling is generally due to improper positioning during feeds. If the breastfeeding position is not appropriate, your baby may have difficulty latching onto your nipple. As a result, they cannot nurse effectively.It is also possible that your baby has difficulty nursing due to a restrictive oral frenulum (or tongue-tie), which prevents the tongue from lifting sufficiently from the floor of the mouth.A baby may also have difficulty nursing if they frequently switch between the breast and an artificial nipple, which can disrupt the suckling reflex.If you think your baby is having trouble nursing, don’t hesitate to seek the advice of an IBCLC lactation consultant during a breastfeeding consultation.A physiological issue
Physiological issues causing low milk production are rare but possible. The most common include breast hypoplasia, stress, extreme fatigue, or depression. Certain chronic illnesses or breast surgeries can also interfere with milk production. If you are affected by any of these conditions, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor or an IBCLC lactation consultant.Beware of false alarms
Some of your baby’s behaviors may worry you unnecessarily:- A baby who nurses very frequently does not necessarily lack milk: breastfeeding is not only about feeding, it is also a need for comfort.
- Spit-up, reflux, or small episodes of vomiting are common in infants and are not related to insufficient milk intake.
- A baby who cries frequently is not necessarily hungry; they may be expressing a need for contact, reassurance, or experiencing colic.
If I don’t have enough milk, what are the solutions for peaceful breastfeeding?
Stimulating your lactation
To stimulate lactation, nothing is more effective than allowing your baby to nurse on demand, without restricting frequency or duration. From the very first signs of waking, you can offer the breast, or while your baby is half asleep (babies nurse very well while sleeping!). Even if your baby takes only small amounts of milk at first, this will still allow your body to release prolactin and oxytocin, the two hormones that promote milk ejection. Don’t hesitate to practice skin-to-skin contact with your baby whenever possible, as this also promotes hormone production.If your baby’s suckling is not effective enough or if you are separated, don’t hesitate to express your milk in addition, to further stimulate lactation. A double electric breast pump can be effective for this purpose.Taking care of yourself
Fatigue and stress can disrupt lactation. Between the exhaustion of childbirth and shortened nights, it is completely normal to feel tired during the first weeks (or months!) of your baby’s life. Try to rest as much as possible and ask for help between feedings.Eating well
As much as possible, it is important to maintain a balanced and varied diet and to stay well hydrated. Certain foods are known to stimulate lactation (quinoa, carrots, lentils, almonds, cashews, oats, dates, etc.). However, these foods will be ineffective if the breasts are not sufficiently stimulated and if suckling is not effective. The priority is therefore to ensure effective milk transfer first.Warm compresses and breast compression
Warm compresses facilitate milk ejection. You can place a towel soaked in warm water on your chest before feeding to help promote milk flow. This technique has the advantage of being very practical and inexpensive.You can also perform breast compressions during feeding to help with milk ejection.
“I don’t have enough milk”: letting go of guilt
The beginnings of breastfeeding are often perceived as instinctive. Yet the experience can be more complex than expected and may not match initial expectations. When breastfeeding does not go as imagined, many women feel disappointment, sometimes accompanied by deep guilt. Some then feel that they did not “really” breastfeed and tend to minimize their experience or judge themselves harshly, reproaching themselves for perceived shortcomings or weaknesses.This guilt is largely fueled by the many pressures surrounding infant feeding. Between official recommendations, opinions from family and friends, and social norms, mothers are faced with constant pressure. From pregnancy onward, the choice between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding becomes a subject of debate, with everyone having an opinion on what should be done and for how long.It is important not to forget that perfection does not exist. Accepting one’s limits also allows a child to grow in an environment where mistakes are allowed and are part of learning.Whether feeding is based on breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, or supplemented with formula, every situation deserves support without judgment. Reframing “I only breastfed for three weeks” as “I breastfed for a full three weeks” helps change the way you see yourself and recognize your achievements.Advice from Caroline Plas, pediatric nurse:“The key words during this period are patience and letting go. Arm yourself with them, and don’t worry—it will pass!”In summary, milk production is a natural, finely regulated mechanism that constantly adapts to your baby’s needs. If you find yourself saying “I don’t have enough milk,” chances are it does not reflect a physiological reality, but rather temporary difficulties. Understanding how lactation works, recognizing the true signs of insufficient intake, and knowing how to support milk production can help build confidence and allow you to experience breastfeeding more peacefully.** Photo credits: zamrznutitonovi | leszekglasner | YuriArcursPeopleimages | lamapacas This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.
