It is possible to rebuild a reduced breast milk supply. Milk production operates on a supply-and-demand mechanism, meaning the amount of milk removed directly influences the amount that is subsequently made. Increasing the frequency and efficiency of milk removal sends a powerful message to the body to upregulate production. However, attempting to increase supply requires consistent effort, patience, and often a multi-faceted approach to address the underlying cause of the drop.
Determining Why Supply Dropped
Restoring production begins with identifying the reason for the decrease, as the approach depends on this diagnosis. The most common factor is ineffective milk removal, which occurs when the baby does not drain the breast well or when nursing and pumping sessions are spaced too far apart. If a baby has a poor latch or a physical issue like a tongue tie, they may not be able to transfer milk efficiently, which fails to signal the body to maintain the current supply.
A reduction in the frequency of breast emptying, such as with a baby who begins to sleep longer stretches overnight, can also lead the body to naturally downregulate milk production. Maternal health and hormonal shifts are common contributors. Conditions like thyroid disorders, the return of the menstrual cycle, or the use of certain medications, including some hormonal birth control, can interfere with the hormones responsible for milk synthesis.
High levels of stress, exhaustion, or acute illness can reduce the flow of milk by inhibiting the let-down reflex. Identifying whether the issue is mechanical (removal), hormonal, or related to overall maternal health will guide the most effective strategy for increasing production.
Mechanical Strategies for Increasing Milk Removal
The most direct way to rebuild supply is through mechanical stimulation, which involves frequently and completely emptying the breasts. The body interprets this action as a sudden increase in demand, prompting the mammary gland cells to accelerate milk synthesis. For most mothers attempting to increase supply, this means aiming for a minimum of eight to twelve milk removals within a twenty-four-hour period.
High frequency is necessary because it ensures the breast is drained often, which drives increased production. For those relying on a pump, using a high-quality electric breast pump for double pumping—expressing from both breasts simultaneously—is recommended. Double pumping not only halves the time spent expressing but also results in a higher prolactin response, the hormone responsible for milk creation, compared to single pumping.
A targeted technique known as power pumping is often used to mimic the natural cluster feeding pattern of a baby during a growth spurt. This involves cycling between short periods of pumping and rest over a sixty-minute block, such as pumping for twenty minutes, resting for ten, pumping for ten minutes, resting for ten, and a final ten-minute pump. This intermittent stimulation is designed to hyper-stimulate the pituitary gland, sending an intense signal to increase the supply.
Physical contact and a relaxed environment facilitate the let-down reflex, or milk ejection reflex. When a baby suckles or the nipple is stimulated, the pituitary gland releases the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the tiny myoepithelial cells surrounding the milk-producing alveoli to contract, pushing the milk down the ducts. Skin-to-skin contact with the baby or using a warm compress can promote relaxation and the release of oxytocin.
Supportive Aids and Professional Guidance
While mechanical strategies are the foundation, supportive aids and professional guidance complement these efforts. Simple self-care measures, such as maintaining adequate hydration and consuming a sufficient number of calories, support the body’s overall ability to produce milk. Dehydration or severe caloric restriction can negatively impact milk volume, so consistently drinking water and eating a nutritious diet are foundational components.
Some individuals may consider using galactagogues—foods, herbs, or medications thought to increase milk supply by elevating prolactin levels. Herbal galactagogues include common substances like fenugreek, while pharmaceutical options involve prescription drugs such as domperidone or metoclopramide. It is important to understand that these aids are secondary to mechanical removal, and evidence for their effectiveness is mixed and often lacks high-quality clinical trials.
Any decision to use pharmaceutical galactagogues should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider due to potential side effects and contraindications. If mechanical efforts do not yield results within a week, or if there is a suspected physical issue with the baby’s ability to transfer milk, consulting an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is advisable. An IBCLC can assess the latch, check for anatomical issues, and create a personalized plan.