If you’re struggling with milk supply despite doing “all the right things,” you may be dealing with insufficient glandular tissue (IGT), also known as mammary hypoplasia. Let’s discuss what this means, how to identify it, and most importantly – how to move forward with feeding your baby.
What is IGT?
Insufficient glandular tissue means there isn’t enough milk-making tissue in the breasts to produce a full milk supply. This is not about breast size – it’s about the amount of functional tissue present.
Signs and Characteristics:
Physical Indicators:
- Wide spacing between breasts (>1.5 inches)
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Tubular breast shape
- Limited breast changes during pregnancy
- Minimal veining in breasts
- Little to no breast growth during puberty
Pregnancy/Postpartum Signs:
- No breast tenderness during pregnancy
- Limited breast changes postpartum
- Minimal engorgement when milk “comes in”
- Consistently low milk supply despite interventions
Important Note: Not all of these signs need to be present for IGT to exist, and having some of these characteristics doesn’t automatically mean you have IGT.
Emotional Support First
Before diving into management strategies, let’s acknowledge something important: Learning you have IGT can be emotionally challenging. You may feel:
- Grief
- Disappointment
- Anger
- Guilt
- Frustration
These feelings are valid. Remember:
- This is not your fault
- You didn’t cause this
- You are not less of a parent
- Your worth isn’t measured in ounces
Moving Forward: Creating Your Feeding Plan
- Set Realistic Goals
- Any amount of breast milk has benefits
- Combination feeding is perfectly okay
- Fed and healthy baby is the priority
- Maximize What You Can Produce
- Frequent feeding/pumping
- Proper latch and positioning
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Regular breast drainage
- Supplementation Strategies
- Work with professionals to determine needs
- Choose supplementation method that works for you
- Learn paced bottle feeding techniques
Supporting Milk Production:
While IGT means you may not achieve full supply, these strategies can help maximize what you produce:
- Frequent Stimulation
- Feed/pump every 2-3 hours
- Include night feeds
- Use compression during feeds
- Consider power pumping
- Equipment Check
- Proper flange sizes
- Well-functioning pump
- Correct pump settings
- Regular part replacement
- Body Support
- Stay hydrated
- Eat regularly
- Rest when possible
- Manage stress
Mental Health Support:
Creating a Support System:
- Work with a lactation consultant
- Join IGT support groups
- Connect with other parents
- Consider counseling
- Include partner in planning
The Bottom Line:
Living with IGT means:
- Your journey may look different
- You can still bond with your baby
- You have feeding options
- You deserve support
- You are not alone
Success Looks Different for Everyone:
- Some parents exclusively formula feed
- Others combine feeding methods
- All approaches are valid
Need More Support?
Our resident lactation consultant, Sabrina Barber, is here to help you navigate any challenges you encounter. Attend our monthly Breast & Bottle Feeding membership events OR book a virtual consult with her here.
