Why does milk supply drop at 3 months?

Understanding the Milk Supply Drop at Three Months
For many breastfeeding mothers, the three-month mark can bring about a surprising and often concerning change: a noticeable drop in milk supply. This phenomenon, while alarming, is a natural part of the breastfeeding journey and can be attributed to several physiological and behavioral factors.
Hormonal Changes and Regulation
One of the primary reasons for the decrease in milk supply around three months postpartum is hormonal shifts. After childbirth, a mother’s body undergoes significant hormonal changes. Initially, high levels of pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, support milk production. However, as the placenta is delivered, progesterone levels drop, allowing other hormones like prolactin to take over and regulate milk production. This transition typically leads to a more stable milk supply, but it can also result in fluctuations that some mothers interpret as a decrease.
The Shift to Autocrine Control
Around the three-month mark, milk production often shifts from a hormonal-driven process to one governed by supply and demand, known as autocrine control. This means that the body begins to produce milk based on how frequently and effectively the baby is breastfeeding. If the baby is not nursing as often or effectively, the mother’s milk supply may decrease. This change can be particularly noticeable if the baby starts to consume more solid foods, which naturally reduces their reliance on breast milk.
Behavioral Factors and Baby’s Development
As babies grow, their feeding patterns evolve. By three months, many infants begin to space out their feedings, which can lead to a perceived drop in milk supply. This is often a normal part of their development as they start to explore other food options. Additionally, if a mother is not breastfeeding or pumping frequently enough during this period, her body may respond by producing less milk, further contributing to the decline.
Stress and Other Influences
External factors such as stress, dehydration, and fatigue can also play a significant role in milk supply. The postpartum period can be overwhelming, and stress can inhibit the release of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Ensuring adequate hydration and managing stress levels are crucial for maintaining a healthy milk supply.
Conclusion
In summary, the drop in milk supply around three months postpartum is a multifaceted issue influenced by hormonal changes, the transition to autocrine control, the baby’s developmental milestones, and external stressors. Understanding these factors can help mothers navigate this phase with greater confidence and seek appropriate support if needed. It’s essential for breastfeeding mothers to remember that fluctuations in milk supply are common and often manageable with the right strategies and support.

Is it normal for milk supply to decrease at 3 months?

Dropping feedings/pumping sessions
Another common reason milk supply changes at 3 months is a decrease in the number of feedings or pumping sessions, which can happen for a variety of reasons. By 3 months babies who initially nursed 10-12 times per day (or more) may be feeding fewer than 8 times per day.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
3. Dehydration.

Why is my 3 month old not producing enough milk?

Things that can affect your milk supply
Poor attachment and positioning. Not feeding your baby often enough. Drinking alcohol and smoking while breastfeeding – these can both interfere with your milk production.

Does milk supply drop at 3 months?

Many mothers notice that their milk supply appears to be decreasing at 3 months and may wonder if you can increase milk supply at 3 months. To answer the first part of that question, no, milk supply level does not decrease in the traditional sense – that is, you’re not making less milk.

Why is my 3 month old suddenly not drinking milk?

Your baby isn’t hungry enough to want feeding. Your baby is feeling sick, colicky, or otherwise unwell enough to feed. Your baby is being held in an uncomfortable position. Your baby doesn’t like the temperature, flavor, or texture of the milk.

What is the 3 month milk crisis?

1. At around 3 months, milk production stabilizes and you stop storing milk in your breasts, and you start producing milk only when the there is demand, which means that the mom starts to notice a decrease in breast size (“fullness”), and they don’t get full before the feeding anymore.

Do babies start drinking less milk at 3 months?

Whether their nourishment comes from breast milk alone, or from formula, or from some combination of the two, most babies this age are able to consume more milk at each feeding than they were able to in the previous two months (now five to six ounces on average), so their feedings are less frequent (perhaps six to …

Why is my 3 month old suddenly drinking less milk?

Reasons for baby not drinking enough
Baby is too tired to feed effectively. Baby has poor appetite. Baby is prevented from effectively accessing the food (something is making it difficult for her to drink enough). Baby has impaired ability to suck.

How can I increase my milk supply after 3 months?

Feed your baby from your breast whenever you can. Get plenty of sleep, and eat a healthy diet. Pump or express your milk. Pumping or expressing milk frequently between nursing sessions, and consistently when you’re away from your baby, can help build your milk supply.

Why is my baby’s milk drying up at 3 months?

It is completely normal that your breasts feel soft now. After three months, your body now gets the hang of making milk and adjusts milk production to your baby’s needs. This does not mean that you have no more milk, just that your milk supply will adjust and respond better to your baby’s demands.