Why Does Chronic Low Milk Supply Matter?

Breast milk is widely considered the ideal form of nutrition for infants. Yet in the United States, only 13 percent of mothers meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to exclusively breastfeed infants up to six months and to provide breast milk to at least one year of age.

It is estimated that between 5 and 15 percent of lactating parents experience chronic low supply. These parents are physically incapable of producing adequate breast milk to support healthy weight gain in their children, even when following all best practices. Despite the prevalence of this issue, no standard diagnostic or treatment plan exists for insufficient lactation. Evidence shows that underlying health conditions like thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome can impact breast milk production. Combined with the recognized importance of hormones such as insulin in the lactation process, this suggests that, similar to erectile dysfunction in men, lactation insufficiency may be an early sign of endocrine dysfunction. Rather than having their concerns dismissed, women experiencing insufficient lactation should be screened for conditions that may be impacting both lactation and their future health.

Chronic low milk supply carries an outsize importance, because each case affects not one patient, but two. The benefits of breast milk to the infant microbiome are well-established, as well as the health benefits of breastfeeding for the lactating parent, such as a decreased risk of developing cancer and other chronic health conditions. To increase positive outcomes, we must give parents the tools and support they need to succeed.