Causes of Insufficient Breast Milk

After childbirth, the placenta is expelled, leading to a sharp decline in estrogen secretion and a corresponding increase in prolactin secretion. Combined with the stimulation of infant suckling at the nipple, breast milk begins to be produced continuously. When milk production is insufficient to meet the baby’s needs, it is termed “inadequate breast milk supply.” So, what are the causes of low milk supply? Below, we provide answers.

Causes of Low Milk Supply

1. Inadequate Breastfeeding Practices

Failure to initiate early suckling after birth, insufficient frequency or duration of breastfeeding sessions, and incorrect latching technique can all contribute to low milk supply. Additionally, bottle-feeding may cause “nipple confusion,” whereby the infant refuses to suckle directly at the breast, further reducing milk production.

2. Negative Emotional States

Postpartum depression is another major contributing factor. Hormonal fluctuations following delivery can significantly affect maternal mood—leading to symptoms such as sadness, irritability, and anxiety. These negative emotions may inhibit the pituitary gland’s secretion of prolactin, thereby reducing milk production.

3. Imbalanced Diet

Insufficient intake of dairy products—or an overreliance on meat while neglecting vegetables and fruits—may impair lactation. Furthermore, initiating high-protein, high-fat foods (e.g., pig trotter soup or crucian carp soup) immediately postpartum may render colostrum overly thick, impeding smooth milk ejection.

4. Use of Contraceptives

Since the postpartum period is not a safe time for natural contraception, some mothers resort to contraceptive medications. However, hormonal contraceptives are generally unsuitable during lactation, as they interfere with the pituitary gland’s regulation of prolactin secretion, ultimately diminishing milk output and causing insufficient breast milk.

Additional Information: Management Strategies

1. Enhance Infant Suckling

Research demonstrates that maternal blood prolactin levels rise significantly after infant suckling. This occurs because suckling stimulates the mother’s pituitary gland to secrete prolactin, thereby boosting milk production.

2. Maintain Dietary Balance

Provided no mammary duct obstruction exists, lactating mothers may consume certain galactagogue foods—including crucian carp soup, soybean and pig trotter soup, and pork rib and lotus root soup—to support milk production. Concurrently, they should also include ample vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes in their diet.

The above outlines the primary causes of low milk supply. We hope this information proves helpful.