A perceived drop in milk supply around the three-month mark is a common concern for many parents. This period often coincides with the body’s shift from hormonal regulation of milk production to a system driven purely by demand and removal, meaning breasts may feel softer and less engorged. The baby also becomes much more efficient at milk transfer, often completing a feeding in less time, which can mistakenly be interpreted as the baby not getting enough milk. Understanding this shift is the first step in addressing concerns and implementing effective strategies.
How to Confirm If Your Supply Is Truly Low
The subjective feeling of having “less milk,” such as breasts no longer feeling rock-hard before a feed, is typically a sign of supply regulation, not a true decrease in volume. After the initial weeks, the body calibrates to the baby’s needs, and the milk-making process becomes more continuous rather than storage-dependent. Relying on objective data from the baby is far more accurate than relying on maternal sensation.
The most reliable indicators are consistent weight gain and adequate output. A 3-month-old should still be gaining an average of 5 to 8 ounces per week and should produce at least six heavy, pale-colored wet diapers within a 24-hour period. While the frequency of bowel movements often decreases in older infants, the baby should appear alert, active, and generally content after most feedings. If the baby is meeting these milestones, the milk supply is likely sufficient.
The Foundation: Maximizing Milk Removal
Milk production operates on a supply-and-demand feedback loop, where the degree of breast emptiness dictates the rate of new milk synthesis. The most direct method to increase output is to increase the frequency and efficiency with which milk is removed from the breast. Frequent stimulation signals the body to increase the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk synthesis.
Increasing the feeding or pumping frequency to 8 to 12 times in 24 hours can help boost supply, especially by adding a session during periods when prolactin levels are naturally higher, such as between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Power Pumping
One effective technique for pump users is power pumping, which mimics the cluster feeding behavior of an infant. This typically involves an hour-long session once a day with a pattern:
- Pumping for 20 minutes.
- Resting for 10 minutes.
- Pumping for 10 minutes.
- Resting for 10 minutes.
- Finishing with a final 10-minute pump.
To maximize milk removal efficiency, techniques like hands-on pumping or breast compression are highly recommended. Breast compression helps maintain a steady flow of high-fat hindmilk, encouraging greater removal. Ensuring the breast pump flange size is correct prevents discomfort and ensures optimal stimulation. Utilizing a high-quality double-electric pump promotes simultaneous stimulation, which can lead to higher prolactin levels and a greater overall milk volume.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Adjustments
While milk removal is the primary driver of supply, maternal health factors provide the necessary foundation for production. Hydration is important because breast milk is approximately 88% water, and a parent’s daily fluid loss through lactation is substantial. The goal should be to drink enough fluid to quench thirst, often guided by having a glass of water every time the baby nurses or the pump is used.
Adequate caloric intake is also important, as milk production requires approximately 330 to 400 extra calories per day in the first six months. A severe or rapid caloric deficit can signal the body to conserve energy, potentially reducing overall supply. Chronic maternal stress, which results in elevated cortisol levels, can inhibit the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the milk ejection reflex. Prioritizing rest and stress-reduction techniques helps to promote a smoother, more effective milk flow.
Understanding Medical and Herbal Galactagogues
Galactagogues are substances that may help increase milk supply, but they are generally considered secondary to optimizing milk removal and lifestyle factors.
Herbal Options
Herbal options like fenugreek, blessed thistle, and goat’s rue are commonly used, though scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is often limited and mixed. The lack of standardized dosing and the potential for side effects means that consultation with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant is necessary before beginning any herbal regimen.
Prescription Options
Prescription options, which include dopamine antagonists like Domperidone, work by blocking dopamine, which in turn allows prolactin levels to rise. While some studies suggest Domperidone can significantly increase milk volume, it is typically reserved for severe or persistent low supply and is often prescribed off-label. Due to potential health risks, including cardiac side effects, any use of prescription medication to boost milk supply must be closely monitored by a medical professional.