Is low milk supply really the problem?
- Katie Small
- Sep 4
- 5 min read
What to do when your baby feeds every hour
If you're googling "how to increase milk supply" at 2am, this might help...
It's 2am. Your baby fed just an hour ago, but they're rooting around frantically, crying like they haven't eaten in days. Your phone screen glows in the darkness as you type "how to increase milk supply" into the search bar - again.
You remember that class you took that said that babies should feed every 3 hours. Your auntie mentioned you might be "overfeeding." Your boobs feel empty. And you're starting to think you don't have enough milk.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Low milk supply concerns affect up to 35% of breastfeeding parents, but a lot of the time it's not actually a supply issue.
Signs your milk supply is actually fine
Before you start researching milk-boosting herbs and medications, or working out whether you need to start pumping, let's talk about the real indicators of adequate milk supply:
Physical signs your baby is getting enough milk:
Wet nappies. How many wet nappies your baby has is one of the most important indicators as to how much milk they're getting - if there's wee coming out then there's milk going in! How many wet nappies they have depends on their age, but as a general rule up to six days old their age (in days) should match their nappy output (so a three day-old baby would have around three) until they're six days old, and then you would expect on average at least six wet nappies.
Dirty nappies. Another key indicator. Up to six weeks of age most babies will have a least two dirty nappies a day - after this it may be a bit less regular
Weight gain - if your baby is gaining weight steadily, roughly corresponding to their centile line (which factors in a small amount of weight loss after birth) then that's a good sign that they are getting enough milk
Other possible signs of low milk supply
How feeding feels to you is important as well. If feeding is painful (over and above a bit of tenderness in the first few days) and your nipple are sore or damaged, then that could be an indicator that your baby's positioning (how they're positioned in relation to the breast) and their attachment (their latch) might benefit from some tweaks. Sometimes an adjustment could help make sure your baby is getting as much milk from the breast as possible - and the more milk that is removed, the more that will be produced.
You might also get asked how your baby is between feeds, and how frequently they're feeding. This could be relevant - if your baby is very very unsettled a lot of the time, or they're feeding significantly more than 12 times in a 24 hour period then it may be worth getting some support to make sure they are no underlying factors - but these signs aren't always as reliable. Babies are unsettled in the early weeks for a lot of reasons (imagine being safe in the womb, surrounded by water and given nutrients on tap 24/7 to experiencing hunger, cold, and the person you rely on for EVERYTHING putting you down in a cot and leaving you by yourself) so it doesn't always mean there's a problem.
But my baby wants to feed all the time - especially in the evenings
Cluster feeding - when babies feed frequently (or sometimes constantly) for several hours - is one of the most common reasons parents worry about milk supply. This typically happens:
In the evenings
During growth spurts (around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months)
When babies are overtired or overstimulated
Cluster feeding is really normal. HARD, but normal. It's your baby's way of increasing your milk supply when they're going through periods of needing a bit more, getting comfort when they feel overwhelmed (breastfeeding is a key way to regulate themselves, and to stock up before a longer sleep period.
It's also worth remembering that newborn stomachs are tiny (about the size of a marble at birth), and breastmilk digests quickly. Feeding every 1-2 hours ore more is often completely normal, especially in the first few weeks.
When should I be concerned about my milk supply?
The following may mean that it's worth reaching out for some support:
Inadequate weight gain (if your baby loses more than 10% of their birth weight, or if they're starting to drop centiles)
Fewer than six (heavy) wet nappies a day after day 5
Dark yellow or orange wee
Infrequent or very small bowel movements after the first month
Signs of dehydration in your baby
When to seek out breastfeeding support
If you notice any of the above in your baby, there could be a whole host of reasons why. Perhaps your positioning and attachment could do with some adjusting. Perhaps your baby is falling asleep quickly at the breast and so isn't feeding as efficiently as they could be. Perhaps they could do with feeding a bit more frequently.
It's rare for someone to be biologically unable to make enough milk for their baby - most cases of low milk supply are fixable with a bit of effort and the right support.
Seeking support from someone who can look at the whole picture, perhaps watch a feed, and spend as much time as possible with you while you work out what might be going on and then help you to develop a personalised, manageable plan for you to meet your breastfeeding goals is one of the best ways of dealing with breastfeeding issues.
If you're in doubt - always seek support!
Your midwife or health visitor might be able to put you in touch with the local infant feeding team, there may be breastfeeding groups/cafes locally, and the National Breastfeeding Helpline is open 24/7 and is a great resource for families.
OR check out my breastfeeding support offers - bespoke, curated support in your home or in your pocket. Have someone in your corner who really gets it.
Katie x
P.S. If you're in Dorset or Hampshire, my bespoke postnatal doula packages combine this kind of breastfeeding expertise with hands-on practical support, so you can focus on feeding and bonding while everything else gets taken care of. Contact me here if you'd like to know more.
Katie Small | Rewrite your Postpartum
Doula and breastfeeding support in Dorset, Hampshire and online
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