BREAST MILK INADEQUATE

If  the  milk  supply  appears  to  be  inadequate,  increasing  the  frequency  of  feeds  will  increase  the  breast
stimulation, and the reflex between the breast and the pituitary gland under the brain is also stimulated. This gland
then  increases  the  supply  of  hormones  that  cause  the  production  of  milk.  Sometimes,  medications  (eg.
domperidone, metoclopramide) that stimulate the pituitary gland can be used to increase milk production, or even
induce milk production in mothers who adopt a baby.
A mother who is tense and anxious about her new baby may have trouble breastfeeding. The mother should be
allowed plenty of time for feeding and relaxation so that she becomes more relaxed and never feels rushed. A lack
of privacy can sometimes be a hindrance  to successful breastfeeding. Lots of  reassurance, support  from  family,
and advice  from doctors, health centre nurses or associations  that support nursing mothers can help her  through
this difficult time.
The best way to determine if the baby is receiving adequate milk is regular weighing at a child welfare clinic or
doctor's surgery. Provided the weight is steadily increasing, there is no need for concern. If the weight gain is very
slight, or static, and increasing the frequency of feeds fails to improve the breast milk supply, then as a last resort
supplementation of the breast feeds may be required. It is best to offer the breast first, and once they appear to be
empty of milk, a bottle of suitable formula can be given to finish the feed.