What should a mother do if she experiences a dwindling milk supply?

• A. Switch to formula exclusively
• B. Take herbal supplements
• C. More frequent feedings
• D. Stop breastfeeding temporarily

Answer: (C)

Milk production follows a simple rule: the more milk the baby removes, the more milk your body makes. When supply seems low, the most effective first step is to increase how often milk is removed from the breasts. That means nursing more frequently and making sure the baby is latched well and draining the breast at each feeding. When milk is removed more often, the milk-making system gets a stronger signal to ramp up production, and supply often improves over the next several days.

Incorporating gentle aids like hand expression or using a breast pump between feeds can help maintain stimulation if the baby isn’t draining the breast fully at every nursing session. It’s generally better to focus on frequent, effective emptying rather than turning to formula or supplements as the initial solution, since those approaches reduce demand and can perpetuate a lower supply. If low supply persists despite more frequent, efficient nursing, consulting a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can help identify latch issues, medical factors, or other strategies.