Q: Why do some women produce more milk than others?
Answered by: Dr Tan Niap Hong, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, & Clinical Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Service at Prince Court Medical Centre
The many reasons behind a reduction in breast milk production include:
- Waiting too long to initiate breastfeeding – it is preferably initiated within one hour after delivery
- Inadequate breastfeeding frequency – it should ideally be done 8 – 12 times a day or every 2 – 3 hours even through the night
- Regular bottle feeding – occasional bottle feeding should not affect long-term milk production
- Ineffective latching onto the nipple
- A previous breast surgery
- Maternal anxiety
- Early introduction of the pacifier – introducing it in the first 3 – 4 weeks is too early as the newborn may get tired from sucking the pacifier and may not have the energy to suckle the breasts
- Premature delivery
- Medications such as certain contraceptive pills and pseudoephedrine
- Smoking and consumption of alcohol
- Certain hormonal disorders – such as diabetes and thyroid disorders
It is also important to recognise that a small number of mothers may have primary lactation failure despite adopting all the correct methods. They may have insufficient glandular tissues due to hormonal disorders or a previous breast surgery.
