What does low milk supply feel like with retained placenta?

After birth, the placenta's complete delivery helps the body shift toward sustained milk production. Placental tissue left in the uterus can disrupt that transition. Low milk supply alone cannot identify the cause: latch difficulty, infrequent milk removal, illness, exhaustion, and other postpartum factors may also contribute. A clinician may use your history, examination, and imaging to assess retained tissue.

Contact your maternity team about a persistent supply concern, especially if bleeding has not eased or is increasing. Continue offering feeds and obtain lactation support for positioning and milk removal while the cause is assessed. Keep track of bleeding, pain, temperature, feeds, and your baby's wet nappies. Do not self-treat suspected retained placenta with medicines or supplements.

Seek urgent care for heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding, faintness, severe weakness, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fever with feeling unwell, or foul-smelling discharge. These signs can indicate postpartum complications that need examination and treatment. If your baby is feeding poorly or has fewer wet nappies, contact the baby's clinician promptly as well.

Ask whether your bleeding and examination suggest retained placental tissue, whether imaging is needed, and which treatment options are appropriate. Ask how treatment may affect breastfeeding, how your baby's intake will be supported, and when your symptoms should be reassessed.