Breastfeeding can be an incredible experience, but let’s be real—it can also come with questions, doubts, and a fair amount of worry. One of the most common concerns? Low milk supply. If you’re feeling like your body might not be producing enough milk for your baby, you’re not alone. The good news: there are real ways to figure out what’s going on and steps you can take to boost your supply.
Let’s walk through the causes, the signs that actually matter, and the most effective ways to increase your breast milk production.
What Does “Low Milk Supply” Actually Mean?
First, it helps to clear up what “low supply” really is. There are three main categories:
True Low Milk Supply (physiological)
Rare, but happens when your body physically can’t make enough milk due to things like hormonal imbalances, certain medical conditions, or not enough milk-making tissue.
Secondary Low Milk Supply
Much more common. This happens when milk production drops because of things like infrequent breastfeeding, poor latch, supplementing too much with formula, or stress.
Perceived Low Milk Supply
Super common! This is when everything is actually fine, but you feel like you’re not making enough because your baby feeds often or your breasts feel soft.
- Important! Read the signs that baby is getting enough milk at the breast.
It’s important to know which category you’re dealing with because the solutions will look different.
Common Causes of Low Milk Supply
Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons milk supply might be low:
Infrequent or Ineffective Milk Removal
Milk production works on supply and demand. If milk isn’t being removed often or effectively (either by baby or pump), your body gets the message to slow down production.
Poor Latch or Sucking Issues
If your baby has a shallow latch or a condition like tongue-tie, they might not be transferring milk well, which signals your body to make less.
Supplementing with Formula Too Early
When formula is introduced early or often, baby might nurse less, which reduces stimulation and slows down your supply.
Medical or Hormonal Conditions
Conditions like thyroid disorders, PCOS, insulin resistance, diabetes, or a history of breast surgery can interfere with your ability to produce milk. Retained placenta and Sheehan’s Syndrome can also disrupt milk production.
Breast and Nipple Shape or Surgery
Tubular/hypoplastic breasts, flat/inverted nipples, or prior breast augmentation/reduction surgery can affect supply. Not always, but sometimes.
Stress, Sleep Deprivation, and Poor Nutrition
New parenthood is exhausting. But high stress, lack of rest, and not eating well can all impact your milk production.
Edema After Birth can Cause a Low Milk Supply
If you received lots of IV fluids during labor, it could cause swelling (edema), which may delay the onset of milk production.
Certain Medications or Hormonal Birth Control
Some hormonal contraceptives (especially those with estrogen), decongestants, or even herbs like sage or mint can affect your supply.
Smoking and Other Lifestyle Factors
Smoking and excessive alcohol can interfere with lactation.
Signs Your Milk Supply Might Be Low
Let’s bust a few myths first. Soft breasts? Baby feeding often? No more leaking? These are all NORMAL and not signs of insufficient milk.
Here’s what you should actually look at:
- Weight gain: If your baby is gaining well on breast milk alone, they are getting enough milk.
- Diaper count: By day 5, your baby should have at least 5-6 wet diapers and 3-4 yellowish stools daily.
- Swallowing sounds: If your baby is swallowing during feeds, milk is going in!
- Baby’s behavior post-feed: Content and relaxed after nursing usually means they’re full.
Also, remember: newborns lose some weight after birth, but they typically regain it within 10-14 days.
If you’re unsure, check in with a lactation consultant. They can do a weighed feed to see how much milk your baby is getting.
How to Boost Your Milk Supply
Now for the part you came for: what you can do about it.
Nurse More Often
Breastfeed on demand, not on a strict schedule. More nursing = more milk. Night feeds matter too, since prolactin (the milk-making hormone) is higher at night.
Check the Latch
A good latch helps your baby remove milk efficiently. If something feels off, get help from a lactation consultant.
Try Breast Compressions and Massage
While nursing or pumping, gently compress and massage your breast to help with milk flow and removal.
Use Hands-On Pumping
Pumping after nursing (or in between feeds) helps empty your breasts and encourages more milk to be made. Use a hospital-grade electric pump if possible. Try power pumping sessions for 2-3 days (20 mins on, 10 off, repeat).
Do Skin-to-Skin Often
Snuggling your baby skin-to-skin helps with bonding and stimulates hormones that support milk production.
Cut Back on Formula (If Safe to Do)
If you’re supplementing, talk to your care team about how to balance it with more frequent nursing or pumping to protect your supply. A supplemental nursing system (SNS) may help.
Support Your Own Health
Drink plenty of water. Eat iron-rich and calorie-dense foods like oatmeal and quinoa. Rest when you can. Managing stress and sleep is just as important as feeding.
Try Galactagogues (With Guidance)
Some moms see results from herbs like fenugreek, blessed thistle, goat’s rue, fennel seed, and more. There are also teas like Mother’s Milk Tea and recipes like “Jungle Juice” that combine herbs and hydration. Always check with a doctor first, especially if you have allergies or health conditions.
Consider Medication for a Low Milk Supply
If other efforts don’t work, medications like domperidone (or Reglan) might be prescribed for a low milk supply. Be aware of side effects, especially with Reglan.
Will You Ever Make Enough Milk?
With time, support, and strategy, many moms with low supply in one breastfeeding journey go on to produce plenty the next time around.
With each pregnancy, your breasts typically undergo further development. The glandular tissue responsible for milk production increases with each pregnancy and breastfeeding experience. That means even if you struggled the first time, your body may be better equipped to produce more milk with your second or third child. Your milk-making system can literally grow stronger with each baby.
Even if you never make a full supply, partial breastfeeding still gives your baby amazing benefits. Every ounce counts. It’s not about perfection. It’s about connection.
When to Get Help
If your baby isn’t gaining weight, seems constantly fussy after feeds, or you’re worried something deeper might be going on (like a hormonal issue or low milk-making tissue), don’t hesitate to reach out. A lactation consultant, pediatrician, or maternal health specialist can be a game-changer.
Low Milk Supply Resources
- Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
- Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.
Quick FAQ
A: No! Size affects storage, not production. Small breasts can produce plenty of milk.
A: Yes! Every drop counts, and partial breastfeeding still offers your baby many benefits.
A: Listen for swallowing, watch for relaxed arms and hands, and monitor weight gain and diaper output.
References
- Psychosocial/behavioral/knowledge issues: Perceived insufficient milk supply (PIMS) is a frequent reason women stop breastfeeding early; maternal stress, malnutrition, cultural beliefs around breastfeeding/foods also play a role. PMC
- Medications/contraceptives/substances: Hormonal birth control (especially those containing estrogen), smoking, alcohol, some herbs and medicines can reduce supply. nationwidechildrens.org
- What aren’t signs: For example, breasts no longer leaking or feeling softer after early weeks does not necessarily mean low supply. UNICEF
- Breast massage, hand expression, “hands‑on pumping”: These techniques increase milk removal and thus signal the body to produce more. E.g., one blog summary: “breastfeeding parents expressed 48% more milk than those using a pump alone by using hands‑on pumping.” Nest Collaborative
- Feed often and on demand (including night feeds) because prolactin is higher at night. NCBI
