Although it may look easy, breastfeeding is not a simple task. It is natural, but sometimes a new mother’s body just doesn’t respond like we hope it will. There are a few common problems that new moms may run into, but understanding the logic behind it may help you get through it.

Running low on breast milk can put quite a kink in the order of things, but millions of women around the world suffer from this problem. If this happens to you, do not worry because there are some methods that can help get your breast producing milk rapidly again. First off, let’s discuss what can cause this to happen in the first place.

What causes a reduction in breastmilk?

There are many different reasons why a new mother may experience a lack of milk production. A common reason is due to baby’s eating habits, dome babies have a hard time latching on to the nipple properly which may result in less feeding time. That will trigger your body to start thinking you do not need so much milk, so it will slow down the rate at which the breast produces it. It’s a natural response as your body acts on instincts.

On the other hand, a decline in breastmilk production can be due to a change in your body. For instance, some new moms develop conditions like mastitis, nipples that are sore and cut, or a blockage in the milk-producing ducts inside the breast. Hormonal changes and other ailments inside the body, like anemia or diabetes, can also cause a reduction in breastmilk.

Additionally, smoking and heavy drinking can also play a role in low milk production. Taking birth control medication may also halt your breasts from creating milk, so avoid taking them if you can. Certain foods can affect the taste of your milk, so make sure to stay away from “sour” foods, like mint and parsley to make the milk more appetizing for your baby.

How can I increase my breastmilk production?

There are a couple of methods to your breastmilk flowing again. If your baby has trouble latching on, frequent pumping can trick your body into thinking the baby is eating, so it won’t slow down the production and be sure to avoid drinking and smoking.

Breastfeeding is very important for the proper brain development for your child as well as the building of their immune system, so breastfeed whenever possible.