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Low milk supply
Hi I am a mother of 6 months old baby and a from last 15 days my milk supply has suddenly dropped my baby feeds on demand and she is exclusively on breast feed. Most of the time my both breast gets empty and she starts crying for more especially at night she doesn't sleep without taking a feed I don't know what to do? I have started semi solids like fruits puree from last 1 week. Should I increase the meals or something else.. Please suggest!
Answers (10)
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Start formula feed lactogen 2
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A drop in milk supply at 6 months can be normal due to growth spurts, hormonal changes, or the start of solids. Night-time fussiness may be due to increased demand or comfort feeding.
Next Steps
1. Breastfeed more frequently, including night feeds.
2. Offer both breasts per feed and consider pumping after feeds.
3. Continue 1–2 meals of semi-solids and slowly increase as baby accepts.
4. Monitor baby’s weight and urine output.
Health Tips
1. Stay well-hydrated and eat nutritious meals.
2. Avoid formula unless advised, as it may reduce supply.
3. If baby remains fussy or not gaining well, then consult pediatrician and need evaluation.
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Hello
At 6 months, babies need more than just breast milk. This is the right time to begin complementary feeding while continuing breastfeeding. Breast milk alone is no longer enough to meet all your baby’s growing nutritional needs — especially for energy, iron, and other nutrients. Crying after feeds may be a sign of hunger or not feeling full.
Next Steps
Continue to breastfeed on demand — it’s still important.
Start with Simple Semi-Solids: Begin with soft, easily digestible foods like:
Rice cereal, ragi porridge
Mashed fruits (banana, apple)
Boiled and mashed vegetables (carrot, potato)
Moong dal water or mashed dal
Frequency & Quantity: Start with 1–2 small feeds a day, gradually increasing. Begin with a few teaspoons and increase slowly as the baby accepts.
One New Food at a Time: Introduce one new food every 3–5 days to check for any allergy or intolerance.
Hygiene Matters: Wash hands, use clean utensils, and ensure safe preparation.
Health Tips
If the baby continues to cry excessively, shows poor weight gain, or refuses to feed altogether, a pediatric review is advised.
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Since the baby has completed 6 months.It is time to start with complementary feeding.
Start with rice porridge.
Next Steps
Babies hunger in this age are generally not met by only mothers milk.
Health Tips
Take proper rest and have wholesome food .
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Rahul Kamble
Pediatrician
11 yrs exp
Bangalore
Weaning food Advise
1.Exclusive Breast feeding till six months of age.
2.Along with breast feeding start with complementary feeding - cereal based or pulses.
3.It should be liquids--semisolids-Solids in this order.
Strat with LIQUID- then semisolid paste like.
4.U can add pinch of salt or jaggery and Ghee to make palatable.
5.initiallly give small quantity then gradually increase it.
6.Avoid giving solid at night time.
7.Try one item at a time to test it for acceptance and allergy.
8 QUANTITY:
7 MONTH- 3-4 Spoon a day gradually increase every week.liquid- semisolid
8 MONTH-- 4-6 table spoon. Liquid to Semisolid .
9-10 MONTHS.- 1/2 to 3/4 katori 3 small meals one snak.
11-12 MONTHS : 1/2 to 3/4 katori 3 small meals two snaks.
By one child should eat family plate i.e all food items cooked at home.
9.U can mashed potatoes or banana or fruit puree or juice.
10.Dont give animal milk till one year -->After 1 year full milk not toned milk can be given.
11.Avoid refined sugar replace with jaggery.
12.Water- Initiated depending on weather conditions.
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Dr. Gopal Raut
Pediatrician
6 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Why milk supply may drop around 6 months:
1.Hormonal changes: Ovulation returning can temporarily reduce supply.
2.Stress or fatigue: Even mild sleep deprivation or anxiety can affect production.
3.Introduction of solids: Sometimes this alters the babyâs suckling pattern, which is the main stimulator of milk supply.
4.Growth spurts: At 6 months, babies often have a growth spurt and need more milk â this can make it feel like your supply has dropped, but your baby is just demanding more.
5.Infrequent or shortened feeds: If your baby is sleeping longer or distracted during the day, milk production may reduce slightly.
Next Steps
Consider supplementing if: Baby is not gaining weight adequately ⢠Very few wet diapers (
Health Tips
Lactation supplements: Shatavari, galact granules, or lactonic granules (safe under supervision) ⢠Fenugreek capsules (start low dose) ⢠Domperidone or metoclopramide: Prescription drugs to increase prolactin levels, used as a last resort only under medical supervision.
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Dr. Anjali Maini
Pediatrician
33 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Can start complementary feeds to the baby. Rice based cereals in milk are great to start with. Supplementing with formula feed is also a good option.
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Dr. Sachin Pariskar
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Pune
Kindly consult once for discussion
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Dr. Prathibha Reddy
Pediatrician
12 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Start formula feed lactogen 2 and semisolid diet .
Next Steps
Continue breast feeding till 2 yrs of age .
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