Lactation insufficiency means that a mother is having difficulty producing enough breast milk to feed her baby.
Full definition
The image above, taken from the Markers
of Lactation Insufficiency paper by Huggins, Petok and Mierles shows the three different types of glandular insufficiency.
The woman's psychological state, especially if she is depressed or anxious about her ability to care for the infant she has given birth to, can contribute to
perceived lactation insufficiency (Dykes & Williams, 1999).
As we continue to identify risk factors
for lactation insufficiency (variations in infant oral anatomy, hypoplastic breast appearance or insufficient glandular development, high pre-pregnant body mass index, insulin resistance, other hormonal irregularities), it is extremely important that mothers, whether they believe they are «at risk» or not, identify appropriate breastfeeding support before their babies are born.
Through observation and study of over 1,000 mothers
with lactation insufficiency, as well as a review of the available literature about glandular development and lactation, it becomes evident that the hormone insulin is a key player in this drama.
Studies have found that many women with breast surgeries simply do not attempt to breastfeed due to a fear of
lactation insufficiency and complications.
Huggins, K., Petok, E., Mireles, O. Markers of
Lactation Insufficiency: A Study of 34 Mothers.
Markers of
lactation insufficiency: A study of 34 mothers.