How to Make More Milk – Fix a Low Milk Supply

If you’ve been wondering whether your milk supply is insufficient or if your baby isn’t getting enough milk, you’re not alone. This is such a common concern. The good news? In most cases, there are ways to increase milk supply and keep your breastfeeding journey on track. Let’s walk through what low milk supply really means, what to look for, and gentle ways to encourage milk production.

What Is a Low Milk Supply?

When we say “low milk supply,” we’re talking about times when your body isn’t making enough milk to meet your baby’s needs. It might be a temporary dip, or it could last longer. Either way, it can feel stressful.

Low milk supply doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed. It just means your baby might not be fully satisfied after feeds, or they may not gain weight the way we’d expect. Inadequate milk supply can sometimes lead to fussiness, dehydration, or slow growth.

But here’s the important part: breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand system. The more milk that’s removed—whether by baby or by pumping—the more milk your body will make. If you’re struggling with milk supply, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means we need to look at what’s going on and find the right solution.

Signs of Low Milk Supply

Weight Gain

Babies normally lose a little weight right after birth, but by about two weeks, they should be back to birth weight. After that, they usually gain around 5–7 ounces (140g – 200g) a week. If your little one isn’t growing as expected, it could be a sign they’re not getting enough breast milk. Always check in with your pediatrician if you’re unsure.

Wet Diapers

Diapers tell us a lot. By the end of the first week, your baby should have at least six wet diapers every day (CDC, 2024). If it’s fewer, that might mean that your milk supply is low. A consistently dry diaper could even signal dehydration, which needs quick medical attention.

Fussiness After Feeds

If your baby seems upset, cries, or still looks hungry after nursing, it might mean they’re not satisfied with the milk they’re getting. Of course, babies can fuss for lots of reasons—gas, being tired, or just wanting comfort—but if it happens a lot, it’s worth looking into.

Falling Asleep Right Away at the Breast

Some babies latch on, suck for just a little bit, and then drift off. If this happens all the time, it may mean a low supply, or baby’s latch isn’t deep enough. A few tricks, like breast compressions or switching sides, can encourage milk flow and keep baby more engaged.

Frustration at the Breast

Does your baby pull off, root around, or act upset even though they’re hungry? Sometimes this happens when milk supply is low or when the let-down reflex is slow because of stress or fatigue. Babies in this situation often feed very often but still act hungry afterward.

Causes of Low Milk Supply

There are many causes of low milk supply. Some are medical. Some are related to breastfeeding technique.

Poor Latch and Low Milk Supply

Sometimes low milk supply is simply about how baby is latching. If the latch is too shallow, your baby might suck but not actually transfer much milk. That can leave your little one frustrated or even uninterested in breastfeeding. And because milk isn’t being removed well, your body may slowly respond by making less and less milk (La Leche League, 2023).

Tip: Watch your baby’s lips when they latch. They should be turned outward, like little fish lips, not tucked in. If you hear clicking sounds or see dimpling in the cheeks, that often means the latch needs adjusting. Don’t worry—this is such a common issue, and with the right tweaks it usually improves quickly. A lactation consultant can sit with you, check positioning, and guide you through adjustments that make a big difference in milk flow and comfort.

Hormonal Issues

Hormones are a big part of how your body makes milk. If you have hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), your milk-making hormones may slow down, which can lead to inadequate milk supply. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also throw hormone balance off, making it harder for your breasts to produce enough milk (ABM, 2022).

Tip: Having a thyroid condition or PCOS doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed. Many moms with these health challenges go on to have a healthy milk supply. The key is getting the right medical care and support. With treatment and guidance from your doctor or a lactation consultant, it’s absolutely possible to keep breastfeeding successfully.

Stress and Milk Supply

Can stress cause low milk supply? Yes, it can. When you’re stressed, your body makes more cortisol. High cortisol levels can interfere with oxytocin, the hormone that helps your milk let down (NIH, 2021). Stress doesn’t usually stop milk production completely, but it can definitely slow the flow and make you feel like your milk isn’t coming in the way it should.

Tip: Little things can make a big difference. Try resting when you can, even short naps. Take a few slow, deep breaths before feeding. Skin-to-skin time with your baby is also powerful—it helps calm both of you and can gently encourage milk flow. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. Looking after yourself helps your milk supply too.

Medical Conditions Affecting Milk Supply

Sometimes health conditions can make breastfeeding a little harder. Things like diabetes, anemia, or high blood pressure can affect your energy and hormones, which may lower milk supply. With diabetes, it’s common for milk to come in a little later than usual (CDC, 2024). And if you’re anemic, low iron can leave you feeling tired and make it tougher for your body to keep up with milk production.

Tip: The good news is that treating the underlying condition often helps. Managing your blood sugar, taking iron if you’re low, or following your doctor’s plan for high blood pressure can all support a healthier milk supply. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about safe treatments while breastfeeding—you don’t have to choose between your health and feeding your baby.

Medications That Affect Milk Supply

Some medications are known to decrease milk supply. These include:

• Hormonal birth control pills (especially those with estrogen)
• Certain antidepressants
• Decongestants (like pseudoephedrine, found in some cold medicines) (ABM, 2022)

These medications may interfere with prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production.

Tip: Always ask your doctor if a prescribed medicine is safe for breastfeeding. Sometimes alternatives are available that won’t lower milk supply.

Past Breast Surgery

If you’ve had breast surgery in the past—like a reduction, implants, or even a biopsy—it can sometimes affect milk supply. Surgery may impact the milk ducts or the nerves that help trigger let-down. The effect really depends on the type of surgery and where the incisions were made. For example, breast reduction surgery usually carries a higher risk of lower milk supply than implants do (La Leche League, 2023).

Tip: Having breast surgery doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed. Many moms go on to nurse successfully. Sometimes you may need to supplement or pump to help maintain your milk supply, and that’s perfectly okay. With the right support, you and your baby can still have a positive breastfeeding experience.

How to Increase Milk Supply

There are many natural ways to boost milk supply. Try these:

Breastfeed Often

Breastfeeding really is all about supply and demand. The more milk that’s taken out, the more your body will make (CDC, 2024). That’s why feeding every 2–3 hours—including those middle-of-the-night sessions—is so important. Each time your baby nurses, it tells your body, “Keep making more!”

If feeds are skipped or spaced too far apart, your body may think the milk isn’t needed and start slowing down production. An easy way to picture it is to think of your breasts as a little milk factory: the more often the orders come in, the more product gets made. Regular orders keep everything running smoothly.

Check Latch & Positioning to Encourage Milk Flow

One of the biggest reasons moms struggle with low milk supply is a shallow latch. If your baby isn’t latched deeply, they may suck and suck but not actually get much milk. That can leave your little one fussy and frustrated—and it also tells your body to slow down production.

Use Skin-to-Skin Contact to Stimulate Milk Flow

Skin-to-skin time is such a simple but powerful way to help with breastfeeding. When you hold your baby against your bare chest, your body releases oxytocin—often called the “love hormone.” This hormone helps trigger your let-down reflex, which makes milk flow more easily (La Leche League, 2023).

The best part? It doesn’t just help with milk. Skin-to-skin also calms both you and your baby. It lowers stress, which is important because stress can sometimes lower milk supply. Try doing skin-to-skin before a feed or even during one, especially if your baby seems sleepy or uninterested in breastfeeding. It can be a gentle nudge to get things moving.

Try Breast Compressions During Feeds

Breast compressions are a simple trick that can really help when milk seems slow. All you do is gently squeeze or massage your breast while your baby is nursing. This little bit of pressure helps push milk forward, making it easier for baby to drink more.

Breast compressions can be especially useful if your baby tends to doze off at the breast or if your let-down is slow. It keeps milk flowing, keeps baby interested, and helps them get more during each feed. It’s an easy way to make every feeding session more effective without adding extra stress.

Consider Power Pumping to Increase Milk Supply

Power pumping is like giving your body a little reminder that more milk is needed. It copies what babies do during a growth spurt, when they feed more often to encourage your body to make extra milk.

Here’s how it works: instead of one long pumping session, you do shorter bursts—pump for about 20 minutes, rest for 10, pump again for 10, rest for 10, then pump one last time for 10. All together, it takes about an hour. Doing this once or twice a day for a few days can signal your body to increase milk supply (ABM, 2022).

It doesn’t always work overnight, but many moms notice a difference after a few days. And remember—consistency matters more than perfection. Even if you can’t fit in a full session, any extra stimulation can help.

Rest and Hydrate

Your body needs fuel and recovery time to keep up with breastfeeding. When you’re exhausted or running on empty, milk supply can sometimes take a dip. Stress plays a role too, since it can make your let-down slower.

Try to sneak in rest whenever you can—even short naps make a difference. Ask for help with chores so you can focus on feeding and recovery.

Staying hydrated is just as important. You don’t need to drown yourself in water, but sipping regularly throughout the day helps keep your body balanced. Eating nourishing foods—like oats, nuts, and leafy greens—also supports a healthy milk supply. Think of it this way: taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your baby.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, even when you’re doing all the right things, milk supply still doesn’t improve as much as you’d like. That’s when it’s a good idea to get some extra support.

A lactation consultant can sit with you, watch a feeding, and give you personalized tips. They can help with latch, positioning, and strategies to increase milk supply.

If your baby isn’t gaining weight, seems dehydrated, or is uninterested in breastfeeding, reach out to your pediatrician right away. These are signs that your baby may not be getting enough milk, and it’s always better to check sooner rather than later.

And don’t forget about yourself. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, please know that you’re not alone. Low milk supply can be tough emotionally. Talking to a support group, a trusted friend, or even a counselor can help lighten the load. Remember—you don’t have to go through this by yourself.

Emotional Impact of Low Milk Supply

Low milk supply isn’t just about feeding—it can stir up a lot of feelings too. Many moms tell me they feel guilty, frustrated, or even like they’ve failed. If you’ve felt that way, please know you’re not alone. These feelings are so common, and they don’t mean you’re a bad mom.

Society sometimes puts a lot of pressure on moms to breastfeed “perfectly.” But the truth is, breastfeeding can be hard, and needing help or facing challenges doesn’t make you any less of a mother.

Finding support can make a huge difference. Talking with other moms who’ve been through the same struggle, joining a breastfeeding group, or even connecting with a counselor can ease that heavy weight. And don’t forget about self-care—whether it’s resting, asking for help, or reminding yourself of all the love you’re already giving your baby.

You and your baby are on this journey together, and your bond is built on so much more than milk.

Conclusion

Every breastfeeding journey looks different. Some moms find it smooth, while others face challenges like low milk supply. If you’re struggling, please remember—you are not alone, and it doesn’t define your worth as a mom.

With the right support, many moms are able to boost milk supply, encourage milk flow, and continue breastfeeding in a way that feels good for them. And even if you choose to supplement or take a different path, you’re still giving your baby love, nourishment, and comfort—that’s what matters most.

Be patient with yourself, lean on the support around you, and trust that you and your baby are finding your own rhythm together. You’re doing an amazing job.

References

• CDC – Breastfeeding FAQs: Low Milk Supply (2024)
• La Leche League International – (2023)
• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) – Clinical Protocol #3: Supplementary Feedings in the Healthy Term Breastfed Neonate (2022)
• AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) – Breastfeeding recommendations (2022)
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – Fenugreek, fennel, and Galactagogues (2023)
• NIH – Studies on stress and milk supply, maternal mental health, and lactation (2021)