Breast milk production operates on a dynamic principle of supply and demand: the volume of milk removed directly influences the amount the body produces. A reduction in milk volume indicates a disruption in this feedback loop. Restoring or increasing milk production, sometimes called relactation, is achievable by signaling a heightened demand for milk. This process requires a focused, multi-pronged approach addressing both physical breast stimulation and the parent’s overall health.
Identifying Why Supply Decreased
Addressing a drop in milk supply begins with identifying the underlying cause, which often relates to a change in the frequency or efficiency of milk removal. The most common reason for reduced output is insufficient breast drainage, typically due to missed feeding or pumping sessions. If the breasts are not emptied regularly, the body signals production to slow.
Changes in the infant’s feeding pattern, such as introducing formula or solid foods too early, can lead to fewer breastfeeds and a dip in supply. Hormonal shifts also play a role; the return of menstruation or the use of certain hormonal birth control methods may temporarily lower milk volume.
Maternal health factors, including illness, chronic stress, or certain medications, can also negatively affect lactation. Stress hormones like cortisol may interfere with prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk synthesis. Medications, such as those containing pseudoephedrine found in some cold remedies, are known to limit milk supply and should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Maximizing Physical Stimulation
The most effective method for increasing breast milk production is maximizing the frequency and efficiency of milk removal, which triggers the body’s hormonal response. The goal is to stimulate the breast at least eight to twelve times within a 24-hour period, mimicking a newborn’s needs. This high-frequency removal signals the body that a greater volume of milk is required.
If an infant is nursing, ensuring a proper latch and positioning is necessary for effective milk transfer. An inefficient latch means the breast is not fully drained, failing to send the necessary “make more milk” signal. For parents who are pumping, using a high-quality, double electric pump with correctly sized flanges helps maximize stimulation and milk output.
A specific technique called “power pumping” simulates cluster feeding, where infants feed very frequently to boost supply. This involves dedicating an hour each day to an intermittent pattern, such as pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, pumping for 10 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and a final 10 minutes of pumping. This stimulation is designed to increase prolactin levels and overall milk volume over three to seven days.
Hands-on pumping, which incorporates gentle breast massage and compression before and during a pumping session, increases both the volume and the fat content of the milk expressed. Skin-to-skin contact, often called kangaroo care, is a powerful method that helps boost oxytocin release, the hormone responsible for the milk ejection reflex (let-down). Engaging in these physical techniques consistently is the primary strategy for rebuilding supply.
Nutritional and Herbal Support
Supportive strategies involving nutrition and select herbs work best alongside mechanical stimulation methods. Maintaining adequate hydration is fundamental, as breast milk is largely water; parents should drink to thirst, aiming for pale yellow urine. Caloric intake also matters, with an additional 330 to 400 calories per day generally recommended for milk production.
Certain foods, herbs, and medications are classified as galactagogues, substances believed to promote lactation. Traditional herbal galactagogues often include fenugreek and blessed thistle, which may influence hormonal pathways or work through a placebo effect. Other herbs like stinging nettle and goat’s rue are frequently used.
Because the potency and standardization of herbal products vary, consultation with a healthcare provider or lactation specialist before use is recommended. For more significant supply challenges, prescription galactagogues like Domperidone may be considered. These require direct oversight from a physician due to potential side effects and the need for a prescription. These supplements are secondary to effective and frequent milk removal.
Realistic Expectations and Professional Help
Parents should manage expectations, as an increase in milk supply is rarely immediate and often takes several days to a week to become noticeable. The body needs time to respond to the increased demand, requiring consistent effort before a measurable change is seen. For those attempting full relactation after stopping breastfeeding, the process can take longer, potentially six weeks or more, depending on the duration of the pause.
If supply remains low despite consistent efforts, or if the infant shows signs of inadequate weight gain, seeking professional help is necessary. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional specializing in the clinical management of lactation. They can provide a personalized assessment, check the infant’s latch, and create a comprehensive feeding plan.
A physician should also be consulted to rule out underlying medical conditions, such as a thyroid imbalance or retained placental fragments, that could be suppressing milk production. Physicians are the only professionals who can prescribe pharmaceutical galactagogues if necessary. Working with both an IBCLC and a physician ensures all potential causes and solutions are addressed in a coordinated, evidence-based manner.