Are you breastfeeding and struggling with low milk supply?

Hi Jen! Community plays such an important role in our parenting and breastfeeding journey! For breastfeeding support, you may like to check out HLC's very own Instagram profile - @hegenlactationcentre. You may also want to search for Breastfeeding Mother's Support Group for more information!

Hi Jen, thank you for your question! Yes, it is possible that baby's weight gain can be affected by low milk supply. Without getting sufficient milk from the breasts, baby will not have the calories to gain weight. That said, it is often the case that mothers view themselves as having low milk supply, but the issue can be quickly resolved by either correcting the latch and/or breastfeeding positioning OR getting the right pump parts. Low milk supply can be improved! Talk to a trusted IBCLC and get more personal guidance to help you turn the situation around. All the best!

Hi there! The best way to get your partner involved is to COMMUNICATE well! Communication is truly key, and this becomes apparent during early postpartum. - First, let your partner know that you need all the help you can get to breastfeed! - Attend a lactation consultation and/or antenatal class together to prepare for baby and breastfeeding - Plan out your roles, expectations and duties - Last but not least, be on the same page on how you both view breastfeeding! Share your frustrations honestly and kindly, and believe you both are better together. All the best!

Hi Laura, congratulations! Having multiples may feel stressful at first, but they do bring so much joy as well! It takes a village to raise a child, and this saying cannot be more true for parents with multiples. The support and encouragement from your immediate family, especially your spouse, is crucial to your breastfeeding success. We will also recommend: - Going for antenatal classes to thoroughly prepare for birth and breastfeeding - Plan and communicate with your spouse on roles and expectations as parents - Request for extra helping hands and support in the early postpartum days Being a breastfeeding supermum of multiples means the first 8 weeks postpartum should be a "nursing vacation" as you focus on your recovery and providing the best nutrition for your babies. Trust the help you'd get from your husband to cover the chores and errands! I hope this helps!

Hi there! Thank you for sharing this question. Yes - hydration plays a key role in our breast milk production AND overall maternal wellness! Do you know that 88% of breast milk is actually water? Drinking sufficient water and staying hydrated has a direct impact on your milk supply and influence your breastfeeding journey. So, drink up and drink according to your thirst!

Hi there! Tongue tie and lip tie can impact breastfeeding. Depending on the extent of these conditions, the baby may face a challenge breastfeeding effectively, leading to: - Inefficient removal of milk from breasts which causes low milk supply in the long run - Very frequent nursing as the baby isn't able to have a full feed - Being fussy at the breasts or during feeding times - Poor weight gain To assess if the baby has tongue or lip tie, it is best to consult an IBCLC or a paediatric dentist. With the right support and intervention, breastfeeding can still continue successfully. Hope this helps!

Hi Jessica, thank you for sharing this question. Yes, hormonal imbalances which result in conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and thyroid disorder may have a negative impact on milk supply. That said, breastfeeding can still happen! The "demand and supply" concept of breastfeeding i.e. the more frequently milk is removed from the breasts, the more milk the body makes, is still relevant. Just that the breastfeeding mum may require more lactation support and regular intake of milk boosters to build and maintain the milk supply. If hormonal imbalance is a concern, do speak with a IBCLC and get the guidance and plan you'd need to have a more positive breastfeeding journey. All the best!

Hi HF, you are an amazing mum for even considering relactation! We truly believe when there's a will, there's a way. Some factors that may determine how quick relactation can happen are: - The breastfeeding history and experience of the mother-child dyad - Medical / surgical history - Baby's existing feeding methods - Baby's age at the point of relactation - Baby's medical and health conditions Relactation can feel like an uphill challenge, but we have seen deteremined mothers succeed! With the right lactation support and perseverance, relactation is possible. If you are keen to discuss further, make an appointment with us via www.lactationcentre.com! We'd be most happy to help! All the best, mama!