Increasing or maintaining milk supply remains possible even at six months. Lactation operates on a principle of supply and demand, meaning production correlates directly with the frequency and efficiency of milk removal. Concerns about a dip in supply at this stage are common but manageable by adjusting strategies that signal the body to produce more milk. Understanding the current phase of infant development is the foundation for successfully boosting production. Breast milk continues to provide the majority of necessary nutrients and immunological components well past the first half-year of life.
Supply Dynamics When Solids Start
The six-month milestone coincides with the introduction of complementary solid foods, which is the primary reason supply concerns arise. Solids are meant to be an exploration of tastes and textures, not a replacement for milk, which remains the primary source of nutrition until 12 months. As the baby consumes solids, the frequency and duration of nursing sessions may decrease, signaling the breasts that less milk is needed. This reduction in demand can lead to a biological drop in supply.
Mothers often experience “perceived low supply,” where the breasts no longer feel full or the let-down reflex is less noticeable. This is often a normal physiological shift as the body regulates production more efficiently. True low supply is confirmed only when the infant shows signs of poor weight gain or insufficient output, such as fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours.
Actionable Nursing and Pumping Techniques
Nursing Techniques
The most direct way to increase milk supply is to increase the frequency and effectiveness of milk removal. This requires ensuring the baby is nursing effectively or employing specific pumping strategies to mimic high demand. Offer the breast more often, particularly when the baby is sleepier, such as overnight or first thing in the morning. “Switch nursing,” where you move the baby back and forth between breasts multiple times during a single feeding, helps expose the breast to repeated stimulation and encourages more complete drainage.
Power Pumping
For mothers who rely on a pump, implementing a “power pumping” session once a day simulates the cluster feeding behavior of a growing infant. This concentrated hour of on-and-off stimulation aims to elevate prolactin levels, the hormone responsible for milk production. Consistency is important, with results typically appearing after three to seven consecutive days. A common power pumping schedule involves:
- Pumping for 20 minutes.
- Resting for 10 minutes.
- Pumping for 10 minutes.
- Resting for 10 minutes.
- Finishing with a final 10 minutes of pumping.
Hands-On Pumping
Maximizing the yield during each pumping session can be achieved through “hands-on pumping,” a technique combining massage and compression with mechanical expression. Begin by massaging the breasts before and during the session, using a hands-free bra. As the milk flow slows, use breast compressions, squeezing the breast tissue from the chest wall toward the nipple to empty the milk ducts more completely. This technique can increase milk yield by nearly 50% and raise the fat content of the expressed milk.
Lifestyle Factors and Galactagogues
Lifestyle Support
Supportive factors such as maternal well-being, rest, and proper nutrition are important for optimal production, though secondary to milk removal. Maintaining proper hydration is necessary, as breast milk is mostly water; drink water to thirst to support overall milk volume. Lactation requires significant caloric expenditure, so consuming a nutrient-dense diet with sufficient calories provides the energy needed to produce milk.
Stress management and rest are significant factors, as high levels of stress hormones like cortisol can interfere with the production and release of oxytocin, which is responsible for the milk ejection reflex. Finding moments for relaxation and prioritizing sleep can help promote a more efficient let-down.
Galactagogues
Galactagogues are substances, including herbs and medications, that may help increase milk supply by influencing lactation hormones. Common herbal options include fenugreek and blessed thistle, though evidence on their efficacy is mixed, and they should be used after consultation with a healthcare provider. Pharmaceutical options, such as Domperidone, are sometimes prescribed off-label to increase milk production by raising prolactin levels, requiring a prescription and medical oversight. These supplements are most effective when coupled with a plan for frequent and complete milk removal.
When Professional Assessment is Needed
While many supply concerns can be addressed with the techniques mentioned, seeking help from a specialist is sometimes necessary. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the appropriate professional for a comprehensive assessment. An IBCLC can perform a weighted feed to measure the amount of milk the baby is transferring and assess for underlying mechanical issues, such as a subtle latch problem or an infant oral restriction.
Immediate professional intervention is necessary if the baby displays signs of failure to thrive or severe dehydration. Red flags include insufficient weight gain, a significant drop across growth percentiles, or fewer than four stools in 24 hours for a baby over one month old. Maternal factors, such as a history of breast surgery, hormonal imbalances, or persistent pain during nursing, also warrant a medical assessment. An IBCLC can create a customized care plan addressing the specific cause of the supply challenge.