A dip in milk supply around the six-month mark is a common concern for many lactating parents. This perceived decrease can manifest in several ways, such as feeling that breasts are softer, seeing a lower output when pumping, or observing a baby acting fussy at the breast as if unsatisfied. This change is frequently a normal physiological shift rather than a true supply problem. Various factors converge around this developmental milestone, contributing to the perception or reality of a reduced milk flow.
Changes in Infant Demand
The primary reason for a decrease in supply at six months is a direct result of changes in the infant’s feeding patterns. The introduction of complementary foods, or solids, is generally recommended around this age. As the baby consumes purees or finger foods, their reliance on breast milk naturally lessens, reducing the frequency and volume of milk removal. This reduced demand signals the body to slow down production, following the basic supply-and-demand mechanism of lactation.
A baby’s developing ability to sleep for longer stretches at night also contributes to the perceived dip. Longer intervals without milk removal, especially overnight, mean fewer signaling opportunities for the body to produce milk. Furthermore, a six-month-old is significantly more efficient at nursing, often extracting a large volume of milk in a shorter period. A baby finishing a feed quickly can feel like a supply issue, even though they received the same amount of milk due to improved suckling coordination.
This increased efficiency and the baby’s growing curiosity also lead to more distractible feeds during the day. The baby may pop off the breast frequently to look around, resulting in less thorough drainage. When milk is not fully removed, a protein called Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) accumulates, which acts locally to slow down milk synthesis.
Maternal Hormonal and Physiological Shifts
Internal changes within the lactating parent’s body can also temporarily suppress milk production, independent of the baby’s behavior. The return of the menstrual cycle, which often occurs several months postpartum, is a significant hormonal factor. In the days immediately leading up to menstruation, the rise in progesterone can temporarily inhibit milk synthesis. This hormonal fluctuation causes a short-term dip in supply that typically rebounds once the menstrual flow begins.
The introduction of hormonal contraception is another factor that can impact supply, particularly if it contains estrogen. While progesterone-only pills or intrauterine devices are often considered safer, any new hormonal birth control started around this time may affect production levels. A less common, yet impactful, physiological shift is a new pregnancy, where the surge in pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen can drastically reduce milk output.
Environmental and Lifestyle Influences
Milk production is sensitive to external and behavioral factors that can interfere with the body’s ability to synthesize and release milk. High levels of stress are disruptive, as the stress hormone cortisol can interfere with the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the milk ejection reflex, or “let-down.” A poor or incomplete let-down means milk is not efficiently removed, which reduces the overall supply over time.
Inadequate maternal self-care, such as dehydration or chronic lack of sleep, also negatively impacts the body’s ability to maintain supply. Dehydration reduces blood volume, making it more difficult for the body to produce milk, which is over 80% water. Certain medications, including decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or high doses of antihistamines, are known to reduce milk production and should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
For parents who pump, changes in routine or equipment can mimic a supply drop. This includes dropping a pumping session at work, using worn-out pump parts that reduce suction, or using an incorrect flange size that prevents proper breast drainage. These external factors are often acute, and identifying the change allows for a quick correction to restore the previous supply.
Actionable Steps to Restore Supply
The most effective strategy to restore supply is increasing milk removal frequency and completeness. This can be achieved by adding one or two extra nursing or pumping sessions per day, which sends a strong signal to the body to increase production. A technique called “power pumping,” which mimics a baby’s cluster feeding pattern (e.g., pumping 10-20 minutes, resting 10 minutes, repeating for an hour), is especially effective at stimulating milk synthesis.
To counter the effect of solids, always offer the breast first before introducing complementary food, ensuring milk remains the primary source of nutrition. Hydration should be prioritized by aiming to drink water every time the baby nurses or immediately after a pumping session.
Stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing or relaxation, can help improve the let-down reflex. Parents who pump should ensure their equipment is functioning optimally by regularly replacing duckbill valves and membranes.
If the supply dip is related to the menstrual cycle, temporarily increasing calcium and magnesium intake in the days leading up to the period can help mitigate the hormonal impact. If these self-correction methods do not result in a rebound within a week, or if there is concern about the baby’s weight gain, consulting an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is advisable to rule out underlying issues and create a personalized plan.