1. Lack of stimulation. Premature babies are usually kept under observation in the hospital.

Thus, for mothers, there is no stimulation by the baby's sucking, especially during the first two weeks, to produce the hormone prolactin that stimulates milk production.

2. Inadequate removal of milk. Even herbal supplements and medicinal soups will not help if there's no proper removal of milk.

Breast milk production works via demand and supply.

The more milk is removed, the more milk is produced by the body to replace it.

3. Stress and fatigue. When a mother is relaxed, milk production increases.

When a mother is very tired, the level of hormone prolactin drops, said private lactation consultant Betty Lee.

*Although the majority of new mothers are able to breastfeed, about two per cent of all women can't produce enough milk, regardless of their physical or emotional condition.

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