Insufficient Breast Milk Production

Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis

nursing diagnosis provides the framework through which healthcare professionals develop nursing care plans. It helps nurses identify the precise patient health issues they need to address, and incorporate evidence-based practice into their decision-making processes. The NANDA list of approved diagnoses includes over 250 different diagnoses, including Insufficient Breast Milk Production.

Nursing Diagnosis Definition

Insufficient Breast Milk Production is defined as decreased lactation in a mother who is otherwise able and willing to breastfeed her child. It is usually due to not enough stimulation of the breasts, inadequate maternal nutrition, stress, or hormonal imbalance.

Defining Characteristics

Subjectives

• Expressed desire to breastfeed
• Previous successful breastfeeding experience
• Inability to produce sufficient quantities of breastmilk

Objectives

• Inadequate amount of visible letdown during a nursing session
• Breastfed infant crying while drinking
• Infected nipples

Related Factors

• Inadequate maternal nutrition
• Inappropriate medications or supplements
• Excessive stress
• Hormonal Imbalance

Explanation: Poor nutrition, inadequate rest, excess stress, and hormonal imbalances can all affect a mother's ability to successfully make milk while breastfeeding. In addition, taking certain medications, supplements, and herbs can decrease milk production, as can nipple injury or infection.

Risk Populations

• Women receiving inadequate prenatal care
• Women with a history of depression or postpartum depression
• Women who are malnourished

Explanation: Women who did not receive adequate prenatal care may not be aware of the important steps that need to be taken to ensure successful breastfeeding. Women with a history of depression or postpartum depression may have difficulty managing the stresses of breastfeeding and caring for a baby. Finally, women who are malnourished may not have the energy and nutrients necessary to produce sufficient breast milk.

Associated Problems

• Dehydration of the infant
• Malnutrition or developmental delays for the infant
• Postpartum depression for mothering

Explanation: If a baby does not get enough breast milk, it can become dehydrated, malnourished, or suffer from other developmental delays. The mother may also experience post-partum depression due to the stress of not being able to provide her infant with enough milk.

Suggested Use

• Provide support and education to pregnant mothers on proper nutrition and care needed for successful breastfeeding.
• Encourage mothers to breastfeed, even if there is a decrease in their milk supply.
• Provide educational material to mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding and expressing milk.

Explanation: Even if a woman's supply of milk is low, she should still be encouraged to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the mother and the baby, and many techniques can be used to help increase milk production such as frequent nursing, using a supplemental nursing system for newborns, or expressing milk to stimulate production. Educating mothers on the proper nutrition and practices needed for breastfeeding can help them have a successful breastfeeding experience.

Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis

• Knowledge Deficit related to Breastfeeding
• Risk for Injury related to Dehydration
• Ineffective Coping related to Postpartum Depression

Explanation: Knowledge Deficit related to Breastfeeding diagnosis can be used to evaluate lack of knowledge concerning breastfeeding technique, nutrition and safety concerns. Risk for Injury related to Dehydration diagnosis would be used to assess the risk of dehydration in an infant due to insufficient milk production. Ineffective Coping related to Postpartum Depression diagnosis can be used to assess the mother's risk of postpartum depression due to her inability to successfully breastfeed her infant.

Usage Tips

• Assess the mother's milk supply regularly, either by observing the volume of milk expressed or weighing the baby before and after the feeding.
• Evaluate the mother’s nutrition and stress levels by talking to her about her daily routine and diet.
• Encourage the mother to use good latching and positioning techniques during a feeding session.
• Support the mother by offering resources, like lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups.

NOC Results

• Initiation of Breastfeeding
• Successful Breastfeeding
• Breast Milk Production
• Infant Feeding Status

Explanation: Initiation of Breastfeeding measures the mother's ability to begin breastfeeding her baby in a timely and successful manner. Successful Breastfeeding evaluates the mother's skill, comfort, and confidence in breastfeeding her baby. Breast Milk Production evaluates the amount and quality of the mother's milk. Infant Feeding Status looks at the baby's hydration, weight gain, frequency of feeding and more to determine if they are getting sufficient nutrition.

NIC Interventions

• Infant Nutritional Management
• Lactation Education
• Non-pharmacologic Comfort Measure
• Skin-to-skin Care for Newborn

Explanation: Infant Nutritional Management involves providing infant feeding and nutrition counseling. Lactation Education provides the mother with education and support to encourage successful breastfeeding. Non-pharmacologic Comfort Measure assists the mother with teaching relaxation techniques and skin-to-skin contact helps the mother and infant bond.

Conclusion

Insufficient Breast Milk Production is a common issue when breastfeeding. Good nutrition and stress management for the mother, along with patience and perseverance, can help increase the mother's milk production. Healthcare professionals can use Nursing Diagnosis to identify this issue and provide the mother with the education, support, and interventions needed to ensure successful breastfeeding.

FAQ

Q: What is the definition of Insufficient Breast Milk Production?
A: Insufficient Breast Milk Production is defined as decreased lactation in a mother who is otherwise able and willing to breastfeed her child. It is usually due to not enough stimulation of the breasts, inadequate maternal nutrition, stress, or hormonal imbalance.