Can Retained Placenta Cause Low Milk Supply?
Posted on April 01, 2026
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Role of the Placenta in Lactation
- What Is Retained Placenta?
- How Retained Placenta Impacts Your Milk Supply
- Common Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
- Other Delivery Factors That Affect Supply
- What to Do if You Suspect Retained Placenta
- Boosting Supply After Treatment
- Supportive Nutrition and Lactation Care
- Finding Support and Advocacy
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
The days following your baby’s birth are often a whirlwind of emotions, snuggles, and the steep learning curve of breastfeeding. For many parents, there is an expectant wait for that moment when their milk "comes in," transitioning from the golden, concentrated colostrum to a more plentiful volume of mature milk. However, when that transition feels delayed or the volume stays lower than expected despite frequent feedings, it can feel incredibly discouraging. While there are many reasons why milk supply might start slow, one biological factor that isn't always at the top of the conversation is the role of the placenta.
At Milky Mama, we believe that understanding the "why" behind your breastfeeding journey is the first step toward feeling empowered and supported. Our team, led by clinical lactation expertise, knows that while breastfeeding is a natural process, it doesn't always feel like it comes naturally—especially when there are physical hurdles in the way. In this article, we will explore the connection between retained placental fragments and milk production, identify the signs to look for, and discuss how you can advocate for your health while protecting your breastfeeding goals. Retained placenta is a valid, clinical cause for low milk supply that requires medical attention but can often be successfully managed with the right support.
Understanding the Role of the Placenta in Lactation
To understand how a retained placenta affects your milk, we first have to look at the incredible hormonal shift that happens during birth. During pregnancy, your placenta is much more than a life-support system for your baby; it is also a powerful endocrine organ. It produces high levels of progesterone, a hormone that is essential for maintaining the pregnancy.
While progesterone is vital for your baby's growth, it actually acts as a "braking system" for your milk production. It prevents your breasts from making large volumes of milk while you are still pregnant. You are already making milk—colostrum—as early as the second trimester, but the high levels of progesterone keep the "floodgates" closed.
The moment your baby is born and the placenta is delivered, your body receives a massive hormonal signal. Progesterone levels plummer rapidly. This drop is the biological green light for prolactin, the primary milk-making hormone, to take over. This shift is what triggers Lactogenesis II, which is the clinical term for the onset of copious milk secretion, or what most people call the milk "coming in." If even a small piece of that placenta remains inside the uterus, the progesterone levels may stay high enough to keep those floodgates partially or fully closed.
What Is Retained Placenta?
When we talk about a retained placenta in the context of breastfeeding, we are usually referring to retained placental fragments (RPF). In a typical birth, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and is delivered as one complete organ shortly after the baby. However, sometimes the separation is incomplete.
Small pieces of the placental tissue can remain attached to the uterine wall. This can happen for several reasons, such as the shape of the placenta, how it was attached, or conditions like placenta accreta, where the placenta grows more deeply into the uterine wall than usual.
Even a fragment the size of a small coin can be enough to confuse the body’s hormonal feedback loop. Because that tissue is still technically "connected," the body may behave as if the pregnancy hasn't fully ended. This means the progesterone "brake" stays on, and the prolactin "gas pedal" can’t do its job effectively.
Key Takeaway: The delivery of the placenta is the chemical "starting gun" for mature milk production. If fragments remain, the hormonal signal to start making more milk may be muffled or missed entirely.
How Retained Placenta Impacts Your Milk Supply
The primary way a retained placenta impacts your supply is by causing a failure or a significant delay in Lactogenesis II. For most parents, the transition from colostrum to mature milk happens between day two and day five after birth. You might notice your breasts feeling heavier, warmer, or fuller. For additional guidance, read Milky Mama’s guide to understanding and managing low milk supply.
If you have retained fragments, you might notice:
- Your milk volume doesn't increase by day five.
- Your breasts never feel that "full" sensation associated with the milk coming in.
- You are pumping or hand-expressing but only seeing tiny drops of colostrum well past the first week.
It is important to remember that this is not a reflection of your ability to mother or your body’s "failure." It is a mechanical and hormonal roadblock. The good news is that once the fragments are removed, the hormonal shift usually happens very quickly, and many parents see their milk supply increase significantly within days of treatment.
The Progesterone-Prolactin Balance
Prolactin is the hormone responsible for telling the milk-making cells (lactocytes) to get to work. During pregnancy, progesterone binds to the prolactin receptors, effectively blocking them. Think of it like a key stuck in a lock; as long as the progesterone "key" is in the lock, the prolactin "key" can't get in to turn on the milk production machine. Removing the retained tissue removes that progesterone, finally clearing the way for prolactin to do its job.
Common Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
While low milk supply can be a major clue, a retained placenta usually presents with other physical symptoms. It is vital to pay attention to your body in the weeks following birth. If you experience any of the following, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Abnormal Bleeding: While postpartum bleeding (lochia) is normal, bleeding that stays heavy or bright red after the first week is a red flag. If you are soaking through a pad in an hour or passing large clots (bigger than a golf ball), seek help.
- Foul-Smelling Discharge: Lochia should have a metallic scent, similar to a menstrual period. If the discharge smells foul or offensive, it could indicate an infection related to retained tissue.
- Fever and Chills: These are often signs of an infection (endometritis) caused by the retained fragments.
- Uterine Pain: While "afterpains" are normal as the uterus shrinks, severe or worsening abdominal pain can be a sign that something is wrong.
- Delayed Milk "Coming In": If it is day five or six and you have seen no change in milk volume or breast fullness, this is a valid reason to request an evaluation.
What to Do Next
- Monitor your bleeding and temperature daily.
- Track your baby’s wet and dirty diapers to ensure they are getting enough colostrum.
- Contact your OB-GYN or midwife and specifically mention your concerns about both supply and potential retained fragments.
Other Delivery Factors That Affect Supply
Sometimes, a retained placenta is part of a larger clinical picture. For example, retained fragments are a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding after birth). Significant blood loss can lead to other issues that impact lactation.
Anemia and Low Iron
Heavy bleeding can lead to anemia. When your iron levels are very low, your body may prioritize its own recovery and survival over milk production. Fatigue from anemia can also make it harder to breastfeed frequently, which further impacts supply.
Sheehan’s Syndrome
In rare cases of severe postpartum hemorrhage, the blood pressure can drop so low that it damages the pituitary gland. This gland is the control center for hormones like prolactin and oxytocin. If the pituitary gland is damaged (a condition called Sheehan’s Syndrome), it can cause a permanent or significant struggle with milk production. This is rare, but it highlights why medical management of birth complications is so important.
What to Do if You Suspect Retained Placenta
If you suspect you have retained fragments, the first step is a medical diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will likely use an ultrasound to look inside the uterus for any remaining tissue. In some cases, they may also order blood work to check your hormone levels (specifically progesterone) and your blood counts (to check for anemia).
The most common treatment for a retained placenta is a procedure called a D&C (dilation and curettage), where a doctor removes the remaining tissue from the uterus. While the idea of a procedure after just giving birth can be overwhelming, many parents feel an immediate sense of relief afterward.
Once the fragments are gone, your progesterone levels will finally drop to their proper postpartum levels. This is often the "reset" your body needs to start producing milk. You don't have to choose between medical treatment and breastfeeding; in fact, the treatment is often what saves the breastfeeding relationship.
Boosting Supply After Treatment
Once the medical hurdle of a retained placenta is cleared, your body will need some extra support to get the milk supply where it needs to be. Because your "milk coming in" was delayed, you may need to work on building your supply as if you were back in those very first days of life. Milky Mama’s milk supply troubleshooting guide offers additional ideas to consider.
Frequent Milk Removal
The most important thing you can do is remove milk from your breasts frequently. This follows the law of supply and demand. The more often your breasts are emptied, the more milk your body will make. Aim for at least 8 to 12 sessions in a 24-hour period, whether that is through nursing, pumping, or hand expression.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Spending time skin-to-skin with your baby isn't just for bonding; it’s a powerful biological tool. Skin-to-skin contact triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the milk ejection reflex (let-down). It also helps keep your baby close so you can catch early hunger cues.
Effective Latch and Drainage
Ensure your baby is latching deeply. If the latch is shallow, the baby won't be able to remove milk effectively, which tells your body to slow down production. Working with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can be incredibly helpful here. They can check for things like tongue ties or positioning issues that might be compounding the low supply.
Key Takeaway: Success is possible! Once the physical barrier is removed, your body can often play "catch up." Focus on frequent milk removal and plenty of snuggles.
Supportive Nutrition and Lactation Care
As your body recovers from the stress of a retained placenta and potential medical procedures, nutrition and hydration become your best friends. Your body needs calories and nutrients to repair tissue and create milk. Milky Mama’s breastfeeding nutrition guide offers more support for nourishing your body during this time.
At Milky Mama, we focus on providing parents with nourishing options that fit into their busy lives. When you are working to rebuild a supply after a delay, certain ingredients known as galactagogues (substances that may support milk supply) can be a helpful addition to your routine.
For many moms, our Pumping Queen™ supplement or Pump Hero™ supplement provide herbal support that can help encourage milk production once the hormonal path is cleared. These are formulated with ingredients like Moringa and Alfalfa, which have been used for generations to support lactating parents. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial. Our lactation drink mixes can make it easier to get those necessary fluids while providing a tasty boost.
Remember, every drop counts. Even if you are currently supplementing while your supply builds, providing what you can is beneficial for your baby. Your well-being matters just as much as your milk volume, so be kind to yourself as you navigate this recovery.
Note: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Finding Support and Advocacy
Navigating a low milk supply due to medical complications can feel lonely, but you aren't alone. One of the biggest challenges parents face is having their concerns dismissed. If you feel like something is wrong—if your bleeding is too heavy or your milk isn't coming in—trust your gut. Milky Mama’s breastfeeding help and consultation services can provide an additional source of support.
Advocate for yourself in the doctor's office. You can say, "I am concerned about my low milk supply and my postpartum symptoms. I would like to be evaluated for retained placental fragments." If your provider is hesitant, you have the right to seek a second opinion or work with a private IBCLC who can help communicate with your medical team.
Representation and support matter. We know that for Black breastfeeding moms especially, maternal health concerns are sometimes overlooked. We are committed to ensuring that every parent has the information they need to demand the care they deserve. You are doing an amazing job navigating a difficult situation, and your resilience is a testament to your love for your baby.
Conclusion
A retained placenta is a challenging complication, but it doesn't have to be the end of your breastfeeding journey. By understanding how the placenta's hormones interact with your milk supply, you can identify the signs early and get the medical care you need to clear the path for lactation. Once the fragments are removed, focus on the basics: frequent milk removal, skin-to-skin contact, and nourishing your own body.
- Retained fragments keep progesterone high, which blocks the milk-making hormone prolactin.
- Symptoms include heavy bleeding, fever, and a lack of milk "coming in" by day five.
- Medical diagnosis via ultrasound and treatment via D&C are the standard paths to recovery.
- Supply can often be rebuilt after treatment with the help of frequent nursing, pumping, and supportive supplements.
"Breasts were literally created to feed human babies, but sometimes the process needs a little help to get started. You are doing an amazing job."
If you’re ready to support your supply as you recover, we invite you to explore our community and breastfeeding support services. Whether you need a virtual consultation with one of our experts or a bag of our Emergency Brownies to treat yourself, we are here for you every step of the way.
FAQ
How long does it take for milk to come in after the placenta is removed?
For many parents, the hormonal shift begins almost immediately after the remaining placental fragments are removed. You may notice an increase in breast fullness and milk volume within 24 to 72 hours of the procedure. To maximize this shift, it is helpful to nurse or pump frequently during this window.
Can a very small piece of placenta really stop milk from coming in?
Yes, even a small fragment of retained placental tissue can continue to produce enough progesterone to inhibit the transition to mature milk production. The size of the fragment doesn't always correlate to the level of hormonal disruption, so any amount of retained tissue is significant.
Will my milk supply ever be "normal" if I had a retained placenta?
Many parents are able to reach a full milk supply once the retained placenta is treated, especially if the issue is caught early. While it may take a few weeks of frequent milk removal and support to "catch up," your body is capable of increasing production once the hormonal roadblock is gone.
How do doctors check for retained placenta?
If a healthcare provider suspects retained fragments, they will typically perform a pelvic exam and an ultrasound (often a transvaginal ultrasound) to visualize the inside of the uterus. They may also check your blood levels for high progesterone or signs of infection and anemia to confirm the diagnosis.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Bestsellers
Emergency Lactation Brownies
Regular price
From $64.00 NZD
Regular price
Sale price
From $64.00 NZD
Unit price
per
$57.60 NZD
Subscribe & Save: 10% off
SHOP NOW
Lady Leche
Regular price
$49.00 NZD
Regular price
Sale price
$49.00 NZD
Unit price
per
$44.10 NZD
Subscribe & Save: 10% off
SHOP NOW
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies
Regular price
From $44.00 NZD
Regular price
Sale price
From $44.00 NZD
Unit price
per
$39.60 NZD
Subscribe & Save: 10% off
SHOP NOW
Bestseller Bundle
Regular price
$166.00 NZD
Regular price
Sale price
$166.00 NZD
Unit price
per
$149.40 NZD
Subscribe & Save: 10% off
SHOP NOW
