Introduction: Human lactation should be taken into account as an important issue for the international agenda. Despite advances in lactation information and knowledge, insufficient milk production is still a concern for mothers and health practitioners, including International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and others. Primary hypogalactia, or insufficient milk production is uncommon, but should be considered when there is poor weight gain and decreased urine output in infants despite good latch-on and suckling, or anatomic differences in the physical exam of the lactating breast.
Main issue: This case series presents three cases illustrating insufficient milk production resulting in infants who experienced significant dehydration and poor weight gain.
Management: Primary hypoplasia was diagnosed by means of a thorough interview and physical examination that entailed a consultation with a physician who was also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
Conclusion: Awareness of an infant's feeding needs and proper evaluation of a child's health status is paramount if health care providers are to identify the important factors contributing to breastfeeding problems. In some instances, breastfeeding goals cannot be achieved, and then the provider's role becomes support in coming to terms with persistent insufficient milk production, and coordinating appropriate supplementation to meet each baby's nutritional needs.
Keywords: Mexico; breast hypoplasia; breastfeeding; breastfeeding problems; case study; failure of lactation; insufficient milk supply; lactation; lactation consultant; lactogenesis; primary hypogalactia; thyroid problems.