What should I do if I cannot produce enough milk?

Watch SCIRE’s video highlighting Nicole’s breastfeeding experience.

Many mothers worry about low breastmilk supply and that their baby will not get enough milk.  If you have low milk supply, there are a few different options you could consider. You may wish to supplement your baby with breast milk (your own or donated), or formula by bottle or by using supplementary nursing system (SNS). This system works by placing one end of a very thin flexible tube into a formula bottle, taping the tube to your breast, and slipping the other end of the tube into the baby’s mouth once they have latched.

Refer to the Sikana Health video covering “How to use a Supplemental Nursing System” for more information.

Recommendations:

Talk to your health care providers, including lactation consultant and paediatrician about the most safe and effective options for feeding your baby, as well as medications for you and your baby.

If you have enough hand function, you can express milk directly into your baby’s mouth. Additionally, a breast pump can be used to express the milk into a bottle and then to feed your baby.

If you have low milk supply, you can start by feeding your baby from your breast then switching to a bottle after a specific amount of time or once the milk is gone from the breast.

You can feed your baby at the breast with additional formula by using a supplementary nursing system.