Many lactation experts believe that almost all women can breastfeed. Truth is, that’s easier said than done! Some women look deep into their genes and assume that their breastfeeding problems might be hereditary. Think that your mother’s history with breastfeeding has anything to do with your own breast milk supply? In this article, we dive into the latest research on the link between breastfeeding and genetics and find out how your genes may have something to do with your milk supply.
Story Time
When I was pregnant with Samuel I would hear so many other moms mention “I couldn’t breastfeed because women in my family are bad milk producers”. Breastfeeding doesn’t work that way and there is no such thing as good producers and bad producers.
I assumed that because my mom had natural big breasts and was able to breastfeed without issues then that I would ace at breastfeeding. Well, I was wrong, and I did have lots of issues with breastfeeding in the beginning. But, it didn’t have anything to do with genetics. It was just the fact that I hadn’t prepared to set off on a successful breastfeeding journey.
In A Nutshell…
- A new study done on animals showed a link between breastfeeding and genetics. However, it’s too soon to say that your genes are responsible for your low milk supply.
- Diabetes, PCOS, and thyroid problems are genetically predisposed health conditions that have shown to lower milk supply in some women.
- It’s important to be prepared and to know precautionary measures to take if you are experiencing any of the mentioned conditions.
- Consult with your doctors, ask the help of a lactation consultant, take care of your health, and keep on breastfeeding to improve your milk supply.
The Latest Research On The Link Breastfeeding and Genetics
It has long been assumed that once breastfeeding has successfully started, the regulation of milk supply would rely on the baby’s demand. And to increase the amount of milk you can express, you just need to educate yourself better on breastfeeding and get the early lactation support you need.
However, emerging studies have found internal and hereditary factors that may contribute to the mother’s low milk supply. One animal research, in particular, has noted that zinc abnormalities which may have been passed down by genetics can affect the amount of milk you are able to produce.
Zinc is an important mineral that can be found in the cells throughout the body and is needed for immunity, cellular health, and metabolic breakdown. For women, It also plays a role in the structure and function of normal breast tissue. The animal research conducted on mice showed that mutations in a zinc transporter protein called ZnT2 could halt proper breast development, and eventually result in the mother not being able to produce adequate milk for their baby.
Although researches such as these may give us more insights into the underlying factors of breast milk supply, relying on animal studies alone will not be enough evidence to show that this simply is true. At the least, it’s still too soon to say that breastfeeding issues are hereditary.
Genetic Issues That May Cause Low Milk Supply
On the other hand, there are certain genetically-linked health problems that can influence your breastfeeding journey. These health conditions may have developed before you were pregnant, which should be addressed before and during your breastfeeding. The genetic issues that can cause your low milk supply are the following:
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that causes your blood sugar levels to be high. There is a special type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy called gestational diabetes. This happens due to your body’s inability to produce enough insulin to meet the extra needs while you are pregnant. However, after giving birth to your baby, your blood sugar should normalize over time.
Genetics puts you at greater risk for gestational diabetes. If one of your parents or siblings has any type of diabetes, there’s a greater chance that you may have diabetes during pregnancy. In addition to your family history, you also have an increased risk if you have the following:
- Obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30
- Gave birth to a large for gestational age (LGA) baby who weighed 4.5kg (10lbs) at birth
- Being South Asian, Chinese, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern
Type II Diabetes is another common form of diabetes, especially among adults. With Type II Diabetes, the insulin which breaks down the sugar in your body becomes insensitive as you grow older. One big factor which predisposes you to this type of diabetes is your genealogy. Having just one diabetic parent puts you at 40% more chance of being diabetic as well.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Milk Supply?
Recent studies have shown a relationship between insulin and breast milk supply. For a while, insulin was not thought to be associated with regulating milk production since glucose isn’t needed to produce milk in the breast. The new research showed that insulin has the ability to switch up its role from breaking down glucose to becoming a manufacturer of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to produce breast milk.
Since in the US alone, 20% of women between 20 to 44 years old are prediabetic, statistics predict that up to 20% of new moms might be at risk for low milk supply because of insulin dysregulation.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a complex condition affecting a woman’s hormonal levels. This is becoming a common problem experienced by almost 27% of women, especially during their childbearing years. The hormonal imbalances can lead to a myriad of symptoms including:
- Irregular periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Excessive hair growth
- Overweight and obesity
- Hair loss
- Acne and oily skin
PCOS may develop in women from a combination of genetics, health, and lifestyle factors. Although PCOS doesn’t have a clear pattern of inheritance, it has been found to affect women who have close family members with the same condition. About 20 to 40 percent of women with PCOS also have an affected female in the family.
How Does PCOS Affect Your Milk Supply?
There have been a few studies done to assess the relationship between PCOS and breastfeeding. In one study, PCOS has been thought to possibly interfere with hormones needed for the breast to develop milk-producing tissues. Another study showed that the hormonal imbalances may have linked to lower breastfeeding rates in women with PCOS. However, many women with PCOS report having successful breastfeeding experiences despite their condition.
Thyroid Problems
The thyroid glands are responsible for many metabolic processes in the body through the hormones it produces. Problems with your thyroid gland involve abnormal hormone production. Hyperthyroidism means too much thyroid hormones are produced while hypothyroidism happens due to insufficient thyroid hormones.
A risk factor in developing thyroid disease relies on your genetics. If you have a parent or sibling with a thyroid problem, it may be likely for you to have hormonal problems related to your thyroid as well. Moreover, other risk factors include:
- Iodine deficiency
- Previous history of thyroid disease
- Gender: women are at greater risk than men
- Radiation exposure
How Do Thyroid Problems Affect Your Milk Supply?
The thyroid produces different hormones that are essential to normal breast development and milk production. In cases where a mother’s body isn’t able to make enough thyroid hormones, the amount of milk she can produce can also be affected. It has been noted that mothers, especially those with hypothyroidism, have issues producing enough breast milk for their babies.
So How Do You Address Your Breastfeeding Problems?
Give First Priority To Your Health
Any genetic predispositions can be manageable and preventable through a healthy lifestyle. Put good nutrition at top priority and watch out what you are eating. Include whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Avoid processed foods and those that are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat. Dedicate even 15 minutes a day to working out. Having enough sleep, quitting smoking, and minimizing your alcohol intake can also do wonders for your overall health.
Try Hand Expressing Your Breast Milk Even Before Giving Birth
In the last few weeks during your pregnancy, you may start producing some breast milk. You can start hand expressing the early milk or colostrum, especially if you have gestational diabetes, PCOS, or any other conditions where you anticipate not being able to breastfeed adequately. Giving colostrum to your baby can ensure that they’re getting the best nutrition, particularly during the early stages of their growth and development.
Consult With Your Doctors Regularly
Managing and treating your genetic conditions is important to ensure success in breastfeeding. Ask your doctors about the medications you are taking and if they have certain side effects in terms of your breastfeeding.
Get The Help of Lactation Consultant
Lactation consultants are trained experts who assist mothers in learning how to nurse their babies. They undergo training and examinations under the International Board of Lactation Examiners (IBCLE). Find a lactation consultant near you through the International Lactation Consultant Association’s website. You can also consult with a La Leche League leader or Breastfeeding USA counselor for a list of local IBCLC’s.
Keep Breastfeeding!
It’s undeniable that the more you breastfeed, the more you are able to increase your milk supply. It may difficult in the start, especially for diabetic mothers who may have a delay in their breast milk production. But the more persistent you are with breastfeeding, there is a higher chance to also improve your milk supply.
The Takeaway…
There are many reasons why you are experiencing low milk supply. Some women believe that this breastfeeding issue is hereditary. Although there are some emerging studies on animals that have proven some link between breastfeeding and genetics, it’s still not enough of an evidence to show that breastfeeding problems run in the family.
On the contrary, having a low milk supply is considered to be linked to other health problems that may have been genetically predisposed. Diabetes, PCOS, and thyroid problems are health conditions that regard genealogy as a risk factor which may affect a mother’s milk production. If you experiencing these, it’s best to be prepared with your breastfeeding journey ahead of time and take the needed precautions to make your breastfeeding successful.
