retained placental fragments low milk supply

Normally, the early suckling of a feeding child will stimulate the release of oxytocin, which triggers milk ejection.

Mothers who give birth before 37 weeks gestation may experience a delay in their milk ‘coming in’. Mothers of premature or high-risk infants are at particular risk of experiencing issues with their milk supply. This reduces natural milk supply and thus, the cycle continues, often resulting in the mother switching to formula. The other issue with inefficient feeding is that on-going milk production is affected because the breasts are not being regularly emptied. If the baby is not feeding well, he or she is likely to become unsettled due to hunger, this can increase the mother’s stress, exacerbating the problem further. Many women will find the process difficult, challenging and even painful, and often there is insufficient support in place to overcome these issues. There is no rule that states that all women will find breastfeeding easy, simple and enjoyable.

Ideally, via breastfeeding of the infant, but milk can also be removed using a breast pump. Once the baby is born, prolactin and oxytocin are both involved in establishing milk supply, but the main factor that contributes to having a constant supply is consistent and regular emptying of the breasts. The hormones oestrogen, insulin, cortisol, progesterone and prolactin are all involved in controlling the stimulation and production of milk. Milk production starts before the baby is even born, whilst the mother is still midway through her pregnancy. However, there are factors that can result in a reduced milk supply and if this happens it is important to consider why and tackle the issue, so that successful breastfeeding can continue. In fact, provided the baby is gaining weight and producing plenty of wet and soiled nappies, it is highly probable that the mother’s milk supply is entirely adequate. One of the most common concerns raised by breastfeeding mothers is that they are not producing enough milk for their baby.

Retained placental fragments low milk supply