Mr. Danzik,
        It is common for moms who breastfeed only every 3-4 hours in the
early weeks and months of breastfeeding to see a noticeable drop in breast
milk supply at around 4 months post-partum.  This is when production of
breast milk quantity is shifting from primarily endocrine control (prolactin
-- the more the baby nurses, the more hormone released systemically, the
more milk is produced) to autocrine control (local physical feedback -- the
emptier the breast from nursing, the more milk is produced).  It seems as
though for many women, frequent nursing in the early weeks and months --
what is termed "on cue" or "on demand," up to as often as several times an
hour -- establishes an ample milk supply that easily transitions from
endocrine to autocrine control.  For some women who nurse on a 3-4 hour
schedule in the early weeks and months -- what is termed "by the clock" or
"scheduled feedings" their milk supply is sufficient for the first few
months, but has been set "too low" (think of a thermostat) and does not
easily transition from endocrine to autocrine control.  Infrequent nursing
tells the breasts that you have an older baby, or one who doesn't need very
much milk.
        At this point, the best thing she can do is try to increase the
frequency of feedings, especially at night.  She should use her breasts to
comfort the baby as well as feed it.

Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Anthropology and Nutrition
Texas A&M University

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