Beyond ‘Perceived Low Supply’: Listening Before We Fix - Ep 6
Low milk supply is one of the biggest trigger topics in breastfeeding — and in this episode, Katie and Johanna sit with the rage, grief and nuance that surround it.
Joh shares why she has avoided this topic for so long because low milk supply is her own story. Together they unpack how the phrase “perceived low milk supply” can humiliate mums, undermine instinct and become a barrier to help.
They explore how often a new mum has to justify her pain before anyone will support her — whether that’s in online groups, clinics, or emergency departments where unsettled babies are checked, labelled “well”, and the mother’s worry is dismissed.
They talk through what they actually look at when low supply is on the table: how the breasts feel between feeds, whether a mum ever feels full, what she notices during a feed, whether she hears swallows, and the story of when her milk came in. They bring nuance from later-postpartum mums around 9–10 weeks, who suddenly feel “empty”, stop leaking and stop feeling letdowns — even while their baby is swallowing happily. And as always they keep circling back to counselling skills: pausing, asking open questions, letting mums talk, watching a feed together and helping her see what’s really happening.
They discuss weight gain as a trend, nappy output as a key sign of intake, and why believing mums — rather than forcing them to defend themselves — is the foundation for any plan.
This is not a list of causes and fixes. It’s a deep dive into trust, listening, and the emotional reality of low supply for breastfeeding mums and the professionals who support them.
Takeaways
- Why the term “perceived low milk supply” can feel humiliating and dismissive to mums.
- How online forums and some services make women justify their pain before offering help.
- What we looks at when low supply is suspected: breast fullness patterns, swallows, history of milk coming in, and baby’s nappies and weight trend.
- Why many mums around 9–10 weeks panic that their milk has “disappeared” when breasts regulate and stop feeling full or leaky.
- How open questions, silence, and watching a feed together help mums rebuild trust in their own perception.
- Why partners’ emotional support and whole-family dynamics matter when low supply worry has been simmering for weeks.
Keywords low milk supply, perceived low milk supply, low supply anxiety, breastfeeding worry, new mum support, nappies and weight gain, breastfeeding consult, counselling skills, lactation consultant, IBCLC, emergency visit crying baby, nine weeks postpartum, breast fullness, leaking stopping, letdown sensations, partner support, believing mums
Want to go deeper? Head to The Latch Revolution to learn more about our course Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties.
Resources & Courses: katiejames.site
Instagram: @katiejameslactation
YouTube: The Latch Revolution
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Medical Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content.
