Many new parents expect breastfeeding to work smoothly with the right support and effort. But sometimes, even with frequent pumping and proper flange sizes, the milk supply stays low. This can be frustrating and confusing.

It often leads parents to wonder if something more is going on inside their bodies or with how their baby feeds. Milk supply issues are rarely caused by one simple thing. Health problems, hormone imbalances, or feeding challenges can all play a part.

Catherine Pelchat, a new mother, brought clear insight into this struggle. She appeared on the Those Lactation Lab podcast to share her experience. Catherine dealt with low milk supply, exclusive pumping, and a baby who couldn't transfer milk well. She looked into many possible causes, including thyroid issues, insulin resistance, and oral ties.

She worked with several lactation experts, tried different feeding methods, and considered body therapies and dental evaluations to help her baby feed better. She stayed active in finding answers, even without a medical background.

In this article, we'll look at what can cause milk supply issues when common fixes don't help. We'll explore thyroid function, key nutrients, insulin resistance, oral motor signs, and safe ways to support supply. These steps can guide parents who feel stuck and help them move forward with more clarity.

How Blood Tests Relate to Milk Supply Issues

Something deeper might be going on when milk stays low despite regular pumping and correct flange size. It helps to check for health issues that may block milk production. Hormone levels and key nutrients often play a big role here.

Thyroid Function and Testing

Many people only test TSH to check thyroid health, but that's not enough. TSH alone can't show how well the thyroid works. A full panel gives a clearer picture. It should include:

TSH
Free T3 and Free T4
Reverse T3
TPO antibodies

This helps spot problems that could affect the milk supply. Without these tests, it's easy to miss the real cause.

Nutrient Gaps That Cause Milk Supply Issues

Low iron, B12, magnesium, or ferritin can affect milk flow. After birth, blood loss can also make this worse. In this case, the mom lost 1200 mL of blood due to tearing. Her basic blood test showed low red blood cells and hemoglobin. However, no one has checked iron, ferritin, or B12, which are often linked to low supply.

Common Symptoms to Watch

Low thyroid or nutrients can cause:

Dry skin
Fatigue
Low appetite
Cold sensitivity
Hair loss
Muscle pain

Here, only dry skin and a low appetite showed up. Meals were often skipped, not from time pressure, but lack of hunger. Still, she didn't feel weak or lose more weight than expected.

Hormonal History

Her cycles were irregular before birth control. She also had endometriosis in her belly button, confirmed by biopsy. No signs of PCOS or infertility were present, but her cycle was still settling.

To move forward, a full thyroid and nutrient test would help find any hidden cause of low milk supply.

Can Insulin Resistance Trigger Milk Supply Issues

If the milk supply stays low even with regular pumping, there may be a deeper cause. Two common issues are insulin resistance and oral motor problems in the baby. Looking into both can help improve milk production over time.

Testing for Insulin Resistance and PCOS

Thyroid tests alone don't always show the full picture. Even with normal results, insulin resistance can still affect milk supply. It may also hint at PCOS. To check, ask for tests like A1C, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and a full metabolic and lipid panel. These tests can reveal hidden issues with blood sugar and hormone balance.

It's normal to feel uneasy about asking your provider for more tests. Many worry they'll seem like they're asking too much. In this case, a note from a lactation expert can help explain why these tests matter and make the request feel easier. Getting clear answers means you stop guessing and start targeting the real issue.

If insulin resistance is present, it may explain why the milk supply isn't improving despite good pumping habits. Once identified, it becomes easier to treat and support your body better.

Supplements That Support Milk Supply Issues

How it works: A supplement with moringa, Myo-inositol, d-chiro-inositol, and beta-glucans helps regulate insulin and balance hormones. It also supports milk-making cells and reduces inflammation.
Is it safe? Yes. It won't harm your supply, even if your insulin is normal. It's a safe option, unlike fenugreek, which may lower milk in some people.
What to expect: It's not a quick fix but may help over time. You might see gradual improvement without needing lab work first.

Checking for Oral Motor Dysfunction

Some babies struggle to feed well due to oral issues. Signs include open-mouth breathing, clicking while feeding, biting, or falling asleep during nursing.

These could point to a tongue, lip, or cheek tie. Even a slight tie can affect feeding. If you see several of these signs, get a full check-up with a pediatric dentist.

Signs Oral Ties Cause Milk Supply Issues

Oral ties might be the reason why a baby struggles to feed or gain weight. These ties can affect how a baby latches, swallows, and pulls milk. Symptoms often give clearer answers even if things look fine during a quick check.

Feeding Patterns and Early Signs

Some signs show up early. Falling asleep just minutes into a feed is one. Wanting to feed again right after finishing is another. You might also notice lots of sucking but very few swallows, which could mean milk isn't flowing well.

Nipples that look misshapen after feeds or repeated clogged ducts may also suggest latch problems. Reflux, colic, or a white coating on the tongue are common signs, too. Some babies seem very strong and hold their heads up early, but that can point to body tension, not strength.

Why Oral Ties Are Missed in Milk Supply Issues

Even good providers can miss oral ties. A baby might look fine during a check but still struggle to move milk.

If the latch looks okay, but the baby isn't gaining or transferring milk well, it's worth digging deeper. Symptoms matter more than what's seen in the mouth.

What to Do Next

If you see several signs but no clear answers, a full check from a pediatric dentist helps. Do this after working with a lactation expert and a bodyworker. It shows that:

Milk supply has been supported
The latch has been checked and improved
No other clear cause is found
Oral tie treatment might help with feeding

This full approach helps you get the right support and move forward more confidently.

Steps to Resolve Stubborn Milk Supply Issues

When feeding stays hard and no clear reason shows up, it's easy to feel unsure or stuck. You may wonder what to try next or worry about doing the wrong thing. Small, steady steps can make the path forward clearer and less stressful.

Options to Consider for Feeding Support

If oral ties still seem possible, looking into more than one option at once is okay. You don't have to wait for one thing to fail before trying the next. Tackling it from different sides often gives better results.

Pediatric dentists can assess and treat oral ties. Some offer same-day treatment if a tie is found, but only if you're ready.
Early intervention offers in-home support. This free state-run program sends trained therapists to check feeding issues and offer ongoing help if needed.
Therapy options can work alongside evaluations. Massage, occupational therapy, or craniosacral care may ease body tension that makes feeding harder.
It's okay to do both at once. You can go for early intervention and see a dentist simultaneously to save time and effort.

Choosing a Clear Path Forward

While checking those options, also work on your milk supply. Try changing flange sizes, switch up pumping methods, or try a safe supplement. The more milk you make, the easier it is for your baby to get what they need.

Putting all these steps together gives a stronger chance of progress. You don't need to solve it all at once. Just keep going one step at a time. With the right support, feeding can become easier for you and your baby.

Conclusion

When milk supply stays low, even with good effort, there's often more going on than just technique. Health issues like thyroid imbalance, low nutrients, or insulin resistance can quietly affect how your body makes milk.

At the same time, your baby's feeding patterns may point to oral motor issues that make it harder to get milk. That's why it helps to look at both sides. Get proper lab tests for hormone and nutrient levels. Watch how your baby feeds.

Consider an oral evaluation if they show signs like clicking, falling asleep fast, or biting. These small signs often give big clues. You don't need to fix everything in one day.

Start with what feels doable. Ask for help from a lactation expert. Try a supplement if testing feels too much for now. Look into bodywork or early intervention. Each step you take gives you more answers and fewer doubts.

Milk supply issues feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. With the right checks and support, things can change. What matters is finding what works for your body and your baby. Keep going one step at a time.

FAQs

Can stress cause milk supply issues?

Yes, high stress can affect milk production. It disrupts the hormones that help you make and release milk.

Do sleep problems affect milk supply issues?

Poor sleep can reduce energy and hormone balance. Both matter for steady and healthy milk production.

Can certain medications lead to milk supply issues?

Yes. Some medications, like decongestants or birth control pills, may lower milk production in some people.

Do breast surgeries cause milk supply issues?

They can. Surgeries like reductions or implants may damage ducts or nerves needed for milk flow.

Can dehydration cause milk supply issues?

Not directly, but staying well-hydrated helps your body function better, which supports milk production.

Why Do Some Babies Trigger Milk Supply Issues