Why does retained placenta cause low milk supply?

After the placenta is delivered, pregnancy-related hormone levels change and this helps signal the breasts to make a fuller milk supply. If placental tissue remains, that transition may be incomplete. Milk may take longer to come in, and bleeding, pain, infection or exhaustion can make feeding more difficult too.

Low milk supply can have several causes, including infrequent milk removal, an ineffective latch, illness or some medicines. A lactation professional and maternity clinician can assess feeding, breast drainage and your recovery together.

Contact your maternity team if milk production remains low, especially if you also have ongoing bleeding, pelvic pain, fever or unusual discharge. Offer feeds frequently according to your baby’s cues, check positioning and latch, and consider expressing milk when a feed is missed if your clinician or lactation professional advises it.

Make sure your baby’s wet nappies, alertness and weight are being monitored. Supplementary feeding may be recommended temporarily when intake is not enough; seek individual guidance so feeding and milk production are supported together.

Get urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, a fast heartbeat or feeling suddenly unwell after birth. Seek prompt help if your baby is unusually sleepy, has noticeably fewer wet nappies or cannot feed effectively.

Ask: Could placental tissue remain? Do I need an examination or scan? Is my baby getting enough milk? Can someone observe a feed? What feeding plan supports my baby while the cause is treated?