5 Medical Conditions That Affect Milk Supply
Worrying about whether you’ll have enough milk for your baby is a common concern for many new parents-to-be. The good news is that most parents produce plenty of milk, and this concern often fades over time.
However, some parents may face challenges with milk supply, either in the early days or throughout their feeding journey. While it’s impossible to predict who will experience milk supply issues, there are several red flags that can indicate a higher risk.
If any of these apply to you, it’s important to get help early on so you can create a plan to monitor your baby’s feeding progress and adjust as needed.
#1: Breast Surgery and Milk Supply
If you’ve had breast surgery, it could impact your milk supply. The type of surgery you’ve had plays a key role in how much milk you can produce.
- Less invasive surgeries, like a lump removal, might not affect your milk supply at all, or only affect one side.
- More invasive surgeries such as breast reductions, lifts, or augmentations can have a larger impact. These procedures may remove milk-producing tissue or damage the nerves that send signals from the nipple to the brain, which are critical for milk production.
Reminder: Many women with breast surgery still breastfeed successfully. If you’ve had surgery, be sure to work with a lactation consultant to monitor your milk production during the first month, just to be sure.
#2: Infertility and Hormonal Imbalances
If you’ve had difficulty conceiving due to hormonal imbalances, you might be at a higher risk for lower milk production. The hormones that help with conception also play a role in milk production, so any imbalances can impact your supply.
Reminder: Many women who undergo IVF, IUI, or take medications to stimulate ovulation produce plenty of milk. Keep this in mind, and make sure to connect with a lactation consultant before your baby arrives, so you’re ready for support if needed.
#3: PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Milk Production
PCOS is a common cause of infertility, and it disrupts the endocrine system, which regulates the hormones needed for milk production. If you have PCOS, your milk supply might be affected, but many women with PCOS experience no issues.
Reminder: Don’t panic if you’re pregnant and have PCOS. Just be aware and prepared, and work with a lactation consultant who can help guide you through the feeding process.
#4: Thyroid Concerns and Milk Supply
Studies show that thyroid problems can impact milk production. The hormone TSH (related to thyroid function) is passed into breast milk, so if your thyroid isn’t producing enough of it, it can affect your supply.
The good news is that thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism, can often be treated with thyroid replacement hormones, and once treated, your milk supply can improve.
Reminder: Thyroid levels can change significantly after birth. If you have a thyroid condition like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease, make sure to check your thyroid levels a few weeks postpartum.
Helpful Tip: If you’ve had thyroid concerns but your doctor’s tests came back normal, don’t ignore your symptoms. Many women experience thyroid issues that aren’t picked up by standard tests, so it’s worth seeking out a specialist who can provide a more thorough evaluation.
#5: Gestational Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you likely have some level of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when your body doesn’t effectively use the insulin it produces, and it can interfere with milk production.
Reminder: If you have gestational diabetes, you’re at a higher risk for milk supply issues, especially during the transition to mature milk. But the good news is that you can support your insulin resistance by continuing to focus on the healthy eating habits you followed during pregnancy.
Helpful Tip: Research shows that your height-to-waist ratio can indicate your risk for metabolic conditions like insulin resistance. You can calculate this by dividing your waist size by your height. If your ratio is over 50%, you might be at a higher risk. But don’t worry—this is just one piece of the puzzle.
To Recap: Your Next Steps for Milk Supply
While it’s easy to worry about milk supply during pregnancy, just remember that not everyone who has these red flags will face issues with milk production. Many women, like myself, breastfed successfully despite having breast surgery and insulin resistance.
The key is to get your body in the best shape possible before your baby arrives so it can function well after birth. If you have any of these red flags, the best thing you can do is connect with a lactation consultant who has experience with low supply. This way, you can create a plan to monitor you and your baby’s feeding and avoid unnecessary stress once baby arrives.
Need More Help?
If you think you might have a low supply, or if you’re worried about any of these red flags, check out my Understanding Low Supply Webinar to learn more about how to support your milk production and feed your baby with confidence.
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