10 Breastfeeding Mistakes That Reduce Milk Supply — And How to Fix Them

Dr. Sandip Gupta

Many mothers come to the clinic saying their milk supply is low and the baby cries a lot. This video covers the common mistakes mothers make that reduce breast milk, and how to fix each one. Mistake 1 — Assuming breastfeeding needs no learning. Breastfeeding is natural, but both mother and baby still need to learn it — the mother needs to learn correct positioning (there are four common positions; learning two or three well is enough) and the baby needs to learn to suck. Latching matters most: it's a common mistake for only the nipple to go into the baby's mouth — the darker area around it, the areola, should also be in the baby's mouth for the baby to draw milk properly. Learn this hands-on from a gynaecologist or a lactation consultant. Poor latching means the baby doesn't extract milk well, which in turn reduces milk production. Mistake 2 — Not giving colostrum, or thinking it's not enough. The thick yellow milk in the first 2–4 days, colostrum, is very valuable — rich in protein and immunity factors/antibodies that boost the baby's immunity. The baby drinks only a little at this stage, so this amount is sufficient; don't assume milk supply is low. Supply increases gradually over the following days as the baby feeds more. Mistake 3 — Starting formula milk too early, assuming milk is low. Starting formula further reduces breast milk production. Instead, try to increase supply: feed the baby frequently (this releases oxytocin and prolactin, which increase milk production), use correct technique, drink at least 2 litres of water and keep a glass nearby during every feed, eat well (juices, fruits, fresh vegetables), sleep 6–8 hours, take pain medicine correctly if needed (from a doctor), and take any iron or calcium supplements prescribed. If formula is genuinely needed because the baby isn't satisfied, always breastfeed first at every feed, then top up with formula — over 8–10 feeds a day, breast milk supply will gradually increase and formula can eventually be phased out. Mistake 4 — Stopping breastfeeding when the mother is mildly unwell. Family members often advise stopping breastfeeding during a mild cold, cough or fever, "until you recover" — this interrupts feeding and reduces supply. Don't do this for minor illness. Breast milk rarely transmits illness to the baby; if you have a mild cold, wear a mask while feeding so sneezing doesn't pass it on. Importantly, when the mother is sick, her body makes antibodies that pass through breast milk and protect the baby. Discuss any medicine with your doctor to check it's safe during breastfeeding, but treat the illness without stopping feeding. Mistake 5 — Believing exercise changes milk taste. This is a myth — light walking, normal exercise, physiotherapy if needed, yoga or mobility exercises can be resumed a few days after delivery with your doctor's permission, and these help the body recover from pregnancy changes. Mistake 6 — Excessive food restrictions. Many mothers are told not to eat sour, sweet, fruits, or non-veg — this is wrong. A breastfeeding mother can eat almost anything as part of a balanced diet (carbohydrate, protein, fat, natural food); only caffeinated drinks (chocolate, coffee, tea) should be reduced or avoided. Home-cooked normal food is fine, in moderate quantities of everything. Don't over-restrict, and don't diet excessively either — some mothers diet too much and end up with nutritional deficiency. A breastfeeding mother needs about 500 extra calories a day to produce milk. Mistake 7 — Not prioritising the mother's rest. Excessive worry about the baby, without enough attention to the mother's sleep and rest, harms the mother's health and reduces milk supply. Mothers need 6–8 hours of sleep; rest whenever the baby sleeps, and let other family members handle household chores and baby care tasks like bathing, massage and diaper changes, so the mother gets adequate rest. Mistake 8 — Feeding in a hunched-over position. Always use back support (a pillow behind your back) rather than bending forward; use a feeding pillow to support the baby at breast level, so correct positioning helps the baby feed well. Mistake 9 — Stopping breast milk entirely at 6 months for working mothers. You can breastfeed up to 2 years, and should try to continue for at least 1 year. If you need to be away for 6–8 hours for work, express and store breast milk with a pump: room temperature up to 4 hours, top shelf of the fridge up to 24 hours, and deep freezer up to 1 month. (A separate detailed video on storage guidelines and reheating technique is referenced.) Mistake 10 — Stopping feeding out of fear when nipples are sore or breasts are painful. Get sore nipples checked by a doctor — nipple shields can help, and applying your own breast milk can help with cracked nipples. For breast engorgement, use a breast pump to empty the breast rather than stopping feeding, since engorgement itself reduces milk supply if untreated. If direct feeding isn't possible, express milk instead so the breast keeps emptying and milk keeps being produced. Bonus — no need to wash nipples before every feed. The good bacteria present in the milk residue on the nipple provides the baby some immunity, and its smell helps attract the baby to feed. A daily bath is enough; no need to wash before every single feed. Questions this video addresses: Why does breast milk supply reduce; what are the most common breastfeeding mistakes mothers make; do latching and positioning really matter, and how do you learn them; should colostrum be given in the first few days; does starting formula reduce breast milk; should a mother stop breastfeeding when she's sick; does exercise change breast milk taste; what foods should a breastfeeding mother avoid, if any; how does lack of rest affect milk supply; how should a mother position herself while feeding; can breastfeeding continue after returning to work; how should breast milk be expressed and stored; what should be done for sore nipples or breast engorgement; and is it necessary to wash the nipple before every feed. Relevant for: mothers experiencing low milk supply and a fussy or crying baby; new mothers unsure about correct latching and feeding positions; mothers who assume colostrum isn't enough milk; mothers considering formula because they think their supply is low; mothers advised to stop breastfeeding while mildly sick; mothers told not to exercise or restrict their diet while breastfeeding; mothers struggling to prioritise their own rest; working mothers planning to continue breastfeeding after returning to work; and mothers dealing with sore nipples, cracked nipples, or breast engorgement. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every mother and baby is different — please consult your gynaecologist, lactation consultant, or pediatrician for hands-on latching and positioning guidance, and before taking any medicine, supplement, or making changes to breastfeeding during illness.