Dear Mr. Srinivasa Reddy,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
Being short on mother's milk is a common misconception among most mothers. They are anxious that their milk output may not match the baby's requirements, which is more often than not wrong.
Before I can advise any further, you need to provide me the basic details regarding the mother and the baby.
Age of the baby, Cause of decreased milk output (if you have already discussed it with the obstetrician, mode of delivery, any maternal health issues, mode of feeding till date, etc
Regards
Dr. Saptharishi L G
Dr. Saptharishi L G

Dear Mr. Srinivasa Reddy,
I strongly believe that no baby should be deprived of breast milk as any alternative is WAY INFERIOR to breast milk. Problems with breastfeeding are common in all primigravidae (first time mothers). These are usually due to incorrect technique of holding the baby or inappropriate attachment/latching at the breast. Sometimes (very rarely), there are minor problems with the mother's breast. The nipples may be inverted or anatomically inappropriate for the baby to latch on to. Even in this situation, with the help of a breastfeeding counsellor/ pediatrician/ obstetrician, the problem can be overcome and breastfeeding can be continued.
If you stop breastfeeding now and switch to animal milk or formula feeds, the following things are likely to happen:
1. Mother's milk would gradually dry up and after a couple of weeks, even if the mother wants to feed, she would not be able to. On the opposite end, some mothers have severe breast engorgement due to accumulation of milk in the breasts leading on to breast abscess/ mastitis, etc
2. The baby would be deprived of all immunological and non-nutritive benefits
3. Will affect the long-term bonding between mother and baby
4. Likely to increase the risk of infections to your baby, especially if you use a feeding bottle. Seven times increased chance of pneumonia and diarrhea in such babies.
5. Numerous other benefits would be lost (I do not want to burden you with any additional information)
So my advice is this:
1. Visit the nearest obstetrician/pediatrician and seek help for the problem. Get your wife physically examined for any correctable factors. Plan a session where the healthcare workers can correct the technique of holding as well as latching
2. If after all medical attention, you are unable to establish normal lactation, then drugs can be used to improve mother's milk output
3. If everything fails, then you may use formula feeds
MOST IMPORTANT - Emotionally support the mother, reassure her that her milk output would improve with time and make her feel comfortable.
Regards.