When you have Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT), well-meaning advice like “just nurse more” or “drink this tea” can feel incredibly isolating. It implies that your body just needs a “nudge,” when in reality, the “original blueprints” were simply built differently.

If you are tired of explaining your body to everyone around you, send them this post. Or better yet, copy and paste these bite-sized paragraphs into your family group chat.

The Biological Reality (The “Why”)

“I want to share a bit about my breastfeeding journey so we’re all on the same page. I have a condition called IGT. This means that my body didn’t develop the full amount of milk-producing tissue during pregnancy. It’s a biological/structural reality, similar to how some people are born with different physical traits. It isn’t caused by anything I did or didn’t do, and it can’t be ‘fixed’ by lifestyle changes.”

Why the “Cures” Don’t Work

“You might see ads for lactation cookies, teas, or ‘magic’ supplements. While these work for some people with a temporary dip in supply, they don’t work for IGT. Because I have a limited amount of milk-making ‘machinery,’ adding more fuel (like oatmeal or tea) won’t increase the output. I’ve consulted with specialists, and we are focusing on the most effective path for us: a combination of nursing and supplementation.”

The Role of Formula

“For us, formula isn’t a ‘backup plan’ or a sign of failure, it’s a vital tool. It’s the bridge that ensures our baby is healthy, fed, and thriving while allowing me to enjoy the nursing bond without the stress of the ‘ounce count.’ We are so grateful for the nutrition it provides!”

How to Truly Help

“The best way to support me right now isn’t with feeding advice, but with practical help! If you want to lend a hand, help with the laundry, bring a high-protein snack, or just come over to hold the baby while I nap. Those things make a world of difference for my mental health and our family’s recovery.”

A NOTE FOR THE VILLAGE
If you’re reading this because a mother shared it with you: Thank you. The most important thing you can give a mother with chronic low supply is validation. Acknowledge her hard work, celebrate her baby’s growth, and leave the clinical advice to her care team.

P.S. If you’re navigating the complex emotions of low supply today, please know that you are sufficient. I’ve put together a 46-page workbook to help mothers like us heal the emotional side of this journey. Click here to purchase Sufficient: Healing the Heart of the Low Supply Mother