Why is there less milk during the day but more at night?

Under normal circumstances, lower milk production during the day and increased milk supply at night may be related to poor mood, inadequate sleep, insufficient nutrition, infrequent breastfeeding, hormonal changes, and other factors. It is recommended that patients follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Mood

If a woman remains in a state of tension, anxiety, or depression for a prolonged period during lactation, it can easily affect milk secretion, leading to gradually reduced milk supply. In such cases, maintaining a positive mindset and staying cheerful each day can help improve low milk production.

2. Inadequate Sleep

Chronic late-night habits during breastfeeding can lead to sleep deprivation, which negatively impacts both milk production and milk quality. However, better sleep can be achieved at night, resulting in increased milk volume—this is a normal phenomenon and does not require special treatment.

3. Insufficient Nutrition

Lactation requires substantial nutritional support. Long-term nutritional deficiencies may lead to depletion of essential nutrients in the body, affecting milk production and potentially causing less milk during the day and more at night. It is recommended that individuals pay attention to dietary adjustments, consuming more fruits and foods high in protein.

4. Infrequent Breastfeeding

Frequent breastfeeding during the day may result in insufficient milk supply. At night, when feeding frequency decreases, breast fullness and increased milk accumulation may occur. It is advisable to use a breast pump at night to express excess milk and store it in the refrigerator.

5. Hormonal Secretion

At night, women's bodies secrete higher levels of prolactin, a hormone that promotes mammary gland activity, thereby increasing milk production during nighttime hours. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require specific intervention.

In addition, this pattern may also be associated with factors such as weak infant sucking ability or heightened vagal nerve activity. If individuals experience any discomfort, prompt medical consultation is recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.