Concerns about a decrease in breast milk supply are common around the three-month postpartum period. This anxiety often stems from a noticeable shift in how the breasts feel and how the baby feeds. This timing, sometimes called the “three-month slump,” frequently causes alarm because the initial, hormone-driven overproduction phase is ending. While often a normal adjustment, this change can sometimes signal a true drop in production that requires attention.
Differentiating a Change from a True Decrease
The perception of a supply drop often occurs between 10 and 14 weeks postpartum when the body transitions from an endocrine-driven to an autocrine-driven milk production system. In the early weeks, high levels of the hormone prolactin drive production, resulting in the feeling of full, heavy breasts and frequent leaking. After this period, prolactin levels stabilize, and production becomes primarily regulated by the demand for milk removal.
This shift to a regulated supply means your breasts are becoming more efficient at making milk “just-in-time” for the baby, which is why they feel softer and less engorged. The disappearance of leaking and the reduction in pumped volume are typically signs of this normal regulation, not a supply failure. Your body is making what the baby needs, rather than excess milk.
Signs that your supply is likely adequate include consistent weight gain by the baby and an appropriate number of wet and dirty diapers. A well-fed baby should have at least six to eight wet diapers a day and continue to gain weight along their growth curve. A true decrease is more likely if the baby’s weight gain slows significantly or stops, if the number of wet diapers drops dramatically, or if the baby seems frustrated and hungry after a full feeding session. A sudden, sustained drop in pump output by more than half can also be a red flag.
Lifestyle and Routine Factors Contributing to Decreased Supply
Changes in daily routine are one of the most common reasons for a functional dip in milk volume around three months. The principle of supply and demand dictates that the more frequently and effectively milk is removed, the more milk the body will make. Longer stretches between milk removal, whether due to the baby sleeping longer or a change in pumping schedule, signal the body to slow production. Returning to work is a frequent trigger, as mothers may miss or shorten pumping sessions, disrupting the necessary frequency of milk removal.
For mothers who pump, it is recommended to avoid stretches longer than five to six hours without milk removal for the first four to six months. Improper latch technique or using the wrong size breast pump flange can also lead to ineffective milk removal, suppressing supply.
Maternal health and habits also play a role in maintaining a robust supply. High levels of stress and chronic sleep deprivation cause the body to release cortisol, which can interfere with the milk-making hormones prolactin and oxytocin. Inadequate hydration and insufficient caloric intake can affect milk volume, as the body requires additional energy and fluids to synthesize milk. Supplementing with formula or starting solids too early also reduces the baby’s hunger for breast milk, leading to fewer feeds and less breast stimulation, which down-regulates supply.
Underlying Physiological Causes at Three Months
Beyond routine and lifestyle adjustments, internal physiological changes can also cause a decrease in milk volume. One common hormonal fluctuation is the return of the menstrual cycle, often observed between three and six months postpartum. The shift in hormones, specifically the increase in progesterone just before or at the start of the period, can temporarily reduce milk supply.
The introduction of hormonal birth control, especially those containing estrogen, can significantly impact milk production. Estrogen is known to interfere with the necessary hormonal balance for lactation. While progestin-only methods are generally considered safer for supply, some individuals still notice a decrease. Certain medications, such as decongestants and antihistamines containing pseudoephedrine, are also known to cause a sudden dip in production.
Less common are underlying maternal medical conditions that may surface or become more noticeable. Thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism, can directly impact milk synthesis and may require medical intervention. Chronic conditions, or issues like retained placental fragments, can affect the endocrine system and disrupt milk production. Consulting a healthcare provider is necessary to investigate these internal causes, especially if the supply drop is sudden.
Actionable Steps for Restoring Milk Volume
Restoring milk volume centers on increasing the frequency and efficiency of milk removal to signal higher demand to the body. A primary strategy is maximizing breast stimulation through techniques like power pumping, which mimics a baby’s natural cluster feeding pattern. Power pumping involves short, alternating periods of pumping and rest over about an hour, ideally done once a day for several days to weeks.
For mothers who nurse, increasing the frequency of feeds and offering both breasts at each session helps stimulate production. Skin-to-skin contact before or during feeding is beneficial, as it encourages the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the milk ejection reflex. Ensuring your pump equipment is optimal is important, which means regularly checking pump parts and verifying that the flange size fits correctly for maximum milk extraction.
During pumping or nursing, using hands-on techniques such as breast massage can help drain the breast more fully, signaling increased future production. Massaging the breasts before and during the session encourages milk flow and improves overall output. Some mothers consider galactagogues, which are substances that may promote lactation, such as certain herbs or prescription medications. Before beginning any herbal or pharmaceutical galactagogue, consult with a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant to ensure safety and effectiveness.