How to increase your milk supply?

After a difficult pregnancy, a caesarean birth, a premature birth or separation from your baby immediately after birth, it can be difficult to establish breastfeeding and a steady milk supply.

Don’t hesitate to seek help from an IBCLC lactation consultant. She can support you by sharing tried-and-tested strategies, including power pumping with a breast pump.

Here are some tips that many mums find helpful:

–  Increase the frequency of feeds (sometimes you may double or even triple the number)
–   Compress your breast while your baby feeds to help transfer more milk
–   Drain your breasts more fully by using a breast pump after feeding
– Eat foods that support milk production. See our article on galactagogue(s)

Fanny, Jolly Mama customer

 “My milk supply dropped after a week when I was quite ill. I was due to return to work and was feeling very stressed and tired. These supplements helped me, alongside expressing more regularly to stimulate milk production.”

A closer look: Power pumping to increase the amount you express

If you use an electric breast pump (Examples of models: Medela, Symphony or Freestyle), you can try power pumping. This expressing technique involves alternating pumping and rest periods over an hour (20 min pumping / 10 min rest / 10 min pumping / 10 min rest / 10 min pumping). By mimicking a baby’s cluster feeding during a growth spurt, you send your body a strong signal to increase milk production over 48h to 72h.

For some mothers who are separated from their baby (because of studies or work), maintaining milk production can also be difficult. This is mainly because they are not expressing as often as their individual needs require. Mothers are too often advised to breastfeed only in the morning and evening when they return to work. This simplistic approach generally leads to engorgement at first, followed by a decline in milk production.

One of the best ways to maintain your milk supply at the level you want is to give yourself as many opportunities to drain your breasts as you normally would when you are with your baby. If your baby feeds 11 times in a 24h period, aim to keep those 11 opportunities to stimulate your breasts. For example, if 4 feeds would take place while you are apart from your baby, you can make up for them by expressing 4 times at work. 

Marie, co-founder of Jolly Mama:
"I tried power pumping for three days after retained placenta, as well as taking a moringa supplement on the advice of my IBCLC lactation consultant. On the second day, I noticed I was expressing more milk. On the third day, I noticed my daughter was swallowing for longer. Within four days, my milk supply had increased considerably!"

The more effectively your baby breastfeeds, the more milk your body will produce.  

If your baby's breast milk needs are not being met, they will naturally want to breastfeed more frequently and for longer. This is why it's important to offer the breast on demand at all times, both to establish and to maintain your milk supply at the right level. As the weeks go by, your baby gradually becomes more efficient and naturally regulates their own demand without you needing to impose a schedule. Milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis. Your body will adapt to your baby's needs. If you don't breastfeed regularly or reduce the frequency of feeds, milk production will automatically adjust — and your body may then produce less milk.

Could it be a "growth spurt"? 

"Marathon" feeding sessions during which your baby may ask for the breast almost every hour are perfectly normal. They contribute to maintaining a high milk supply. They typically occur around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months and 6 months. You may feel that your breasts seem almost empty at these times, which can understandably cause doubt. Don't worry — by responding spontaneously to your baby's increased demand, there's a good chance you'll feel them full again within just a few days. 

Carole Hervé, IBCLC lactation consultant

"This phenomenon reflects the natural workings of lactation: the more the baby breastfeeds, the more the mammary gland is stimulated, which helps to maintain or increase milk production according to demand. Researchers, including Davanzo and Baldassarre (2024) (1), highlight that there is no robust evidence demonstrating regular, biologically triggered growth spurts in the first year of life. 

Many infant behaviours — crying, very frequent feeding, restlessness — are commonly attributed to "growth spurts", implying that the baby is growing and therefore needs more milk. In reality, these behaviours most often correspond to stages of neurological and psychomotor development. A baby who feeds very frequently is not necessarily consuming more milk; they are simply taking small amounts more often to stimulate production and ensure they receive what they need over a 24-hour period.

The perception of a low milk supply can also arise when feeding frequency increases but objective indicators — steady weight gain, wet and dirty nappies, audible swallowing during feeds — remain normal. In these circumstances, the notion of a "growth spurt" is premature and can even be dangerous if it leads to introducing formula too early or to altering the breastfeeding pattern. 

It is therefore more helpful to speak of peak days or developmental peaks — moments when the baby adjusts their behaviour to meet their needs for comfort, security, and lactation stimulation, without there necessarily being any physical growth increase. Closely observing objective signs and responding to the baby's cues not only helps to maintain milk production, but also reassures you and helps you navigate these periods more calmly."

These days probably feel never-ending, and you barely have time to sit down and take care of yourself or meet your own nutritional needs. We've thought ahead for you and created delicious snacks that can satisfy your hunger. The cherry on top: we've selected specific ingredients that may give your lactation a little boost: fenugreek supplement, moringa, brewer's yeast — enjoy! 

Beyond the hormonal mechanism, the emotional aspect plays a key role: self-doubt about one's ability to feed one's baby creates a tension that blocks oxytocin. Rebuilding trust in your body and surrounding yourself with a supportive environment is just as crucial as physical stimulation. Skin-to-skin contact, by releasing feel-good hormones, is often the best psychological remedy for getting things going again.

Carole Hervé, IBCLC lactation consultant

"Two hormones are heavily involved in breastfeeding: prolactin, which produces milk, and oxytocin, which makes it flow. Stress raises the levels of two other hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, which can inhibit oxytocin. In other words, stress does not actually stop milk production as such, but it creates a sensation of empty breasts. It is easy to conclude there has been a complete dry-up when, in fact, a few repeated actions are all it takes to get oxytocin flowing again.

To help manage this, it can be useful to take a few minutes to breathe deeply before and during feeds, to settle in a calm environment, to encourage closeness with your baby (skin-to-skin or clothed) and, if needed, to gently massage your breasts evenly to help with let-down. Remember that the milk is there and that the block is temporary — this will help you ease the pressure. You can also visualise happy moments.

Your baby may well be restless because the milk is taking longer to come than they would like. If your baby does not stay latched on long enough to trigger the let-down reflex, use a breast pump alongside feeding to compensate.

Remember that as long as the breast is stimulated, the body continues to produce milk. This situation is generally temporary.

If stress becomes frequent or overwhelming, speaking to a healthcare professional can be beneficial."

Most mothers have no issues with milk production, provided they offer the breast whilst maintaining frequent and effective feeds.

Some suggest that drinking a certain amount of fluid (water or herbal tea) or resting and eating particular foods will boost your milk supply. Science does not support these approaches. For your body to produce more milk, it needs to receive the signal to do so — and that comes through feeds as frequently as possible, or additional expressing sessions. You will naturally feel increased thirst, partly because you are producing around 800 ml of milk per day, but forcing yourself to drink 3 litres of water is not only counterproductive — it can needlessly put strain on your kidneys.

Establishing lactation during the weeks following birth is an important step for successful long-term breastfeeding. You can prepare as well as possible for breastfeeding from pregnancy onwards, by learning about the subject and getting in touch with an IBCLC lactation consultant. They will provide you with reliable guidance to help you assess that everything is getting off to a good start.

When can moringa supplementation become relevant?

In certain situations, moringa supplementation (Moringa oleifera) can become relevant when stimulation is already optimised but production remains objectively limited. Concretely, this means that the baby is feeding effectively, swallowing is audible, feeds are frequent (particularly at night), the breasts are being properly drained, and yet weight gain remains fragile or below expectations. In this situation, moringa may act as a support. Some clinical studies conducted mainly in South-East Asia suggest a modest increase in milk volume in mothers who consumed it, possibly linked to an indirect effect on prolactin or to an improvement in overall nutritional status — moringa being considered a superfood. 

Moringa is most commonly used when certain factors are likely to affect lactation: diabetes, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, significant excess weight, a caesarean section with delayed skin-to-skin contact, or early mother-baby separation. These factors can influence the establishment or maintenance of milk production. 

Carole Hervé, IBCLC lactation consultant

"I would like to stress that no galactagogue (herb, medication or food supplement) replaces effective breast drainage. Milk production depends primarily on the frequency and effectiveness of feeds (or expressing). If stimulation is not optimal, moringa will not address the underlying issue. No herb, however well regarded, can sustainably compensate for insufficient stimulation or ineffective suckling." 
 

1. Breastfeeding your baby to a fixed schedule 

Feeding on demand has no restrictions, and there is no point at which the approach expires. Breastfeeding your baby to a fixed schedule makes no sense, nor is it helpful to time feeds. Some babies finish feeding in just a few minutes, while others need to take their time. One sign of a good feed is that your baby comes off the breast on their own, looking content. When you let babies set the pace, they become more efficient each day and gradually reduce the length and frequency of feeds themselves. It’s fine to follow their lead. 

2. Giving your baby formula top-ups

One of the most common mistakes is to top up feeds with formula without also using a breast pump to drain your breasts. If it is considered appropriate to give your baby infant formula top-ups for a period of time, encourage your body to produce an equivalent amount of milk. The more your baby feeds at the breast, the more milk you will produce. When your baby does not feed at the breast, a breast pump can do the job. 

3. Overlooking your comfort during feeds 

Since you’ll be spending some of your time breastfeeding, it makes sense to find a position that’s comfortable for you from the outset. To help you, read our articles “breastfeeding positions” and “How to breastfeed effectively”.

4. Using nipple shields

Nipple shields are becoming increasingly commonplace, but they are not essential and should only be used for a short time. They create a barrier between you and your baby. Your baby can become so used to the silicone shield that they refuse to feed without it. Nipple shields can also affect how well your breasts drain, leading to engorgement, lower milk production and, in worse cases, blocked ducts. Your baby may then spend hours at the breast with disappointing results: fewer wet nappies and too little weight gain, as assessed by the doctor caring for them. If you use nipple shields, whatever the reason, the way to address this is to drain your breasts with a breast pump for at least the first month. If you have chosen to use them because you have cracked nipples, you should also seek help from a specialist promptly to identify the cause and find a lasting solution. (See our article on cracked nipples during breastfeeding).

5. Offering only one breast 

Studies (2) have shown that some babies always feed from one breast per feed, others consistently feed from both, and still others feed from one or both breasts, or ask to return to the first. There’s no way to know which pattern your baby will follow. Offering only one breast can considerably slow milk production for some mothers. Follow your baby’s lead: if they want to feed from four breasts, well, let them have four breasts!

6. Assuming your baby is getting enough because they are calm

If your baby is very settled and sleeps a lot, especially in the first few days after birth, you may be reluctant to disturb them. After all, the saying goes, “never wake a sleeping baby”. Yet the reflex movements you may notice beneath your baby’s closed eyelids can be wonderful opportunities to offer them the breast. You might be surprised to find that they start feeding even though they seem to be asleep. They may even feed very effectively at these times.

Several signs will tell you that your baby is receiving enough breast milk.

• Your baby is wetting enough nappies

– Before the milk comes in, which can happen 2 to 4 days after birth, you should see 1 to 2 wet nappies and stools that are green and slightly sticky, containing meconium.

– From day 3, your baby should be wetting 3 disposable nappies (slightly more if you use cloth nappies) and producing 2 to 3 soft stools ranging from khaki green to yellow in colour within 24 hours.

– By the end of the first week, you should count 5–6 heavy wet nappies and at least 3 large stools per day.

- if your baby surprises you by producing very few stools, keep an eye on their wet nappies. Some healthy babies who are gaining weight well go through phases where they only produce one particularly full nappy every few days. These babies must be at least 3 weeks old, wetting 6 nappies per 24 hours, passing wind without effort, showing no signs of illness (no fever, baby is smiling), and have a soft tummy. If you can answer yes to all of these, rest assured your baby is not constipated — and expect a very full nappy when it does arrive. An exclusively breastfed baby is, in fact, never truly constipated. If in doubt, check with your paediatrician that your baby is not unwell.

If you notice that your baby is wetting fewer than 6 nappies in a 24-hour period, start by significantly increasing the number of feeds you offer. If the situation does not return to normal within 48 hours, seek advice from an IBCLC lactation consultant, who will assess your situation in detail.

 

• Your baby is gaining enough weight

All babies lose weight after birth. A loss of less than 7–8% of their birth weight during the first four days is considered normal.

How much weight should a healthy baby gain?

– Just after the milk comes in, which can happen 2 to 4 days after birth, and up to the first 2 months, a breastfed baby girl is expected to gain an average of 200 g per week and a baby boy 250 g.

– After the first two months, an average gain of 150 g per week (give or take, depending on whether it is a girl or a boy) is a good sign of healthy progress.

You do not need to weigh your baby every day or have scales at home. Your baby's weight curve should be monitored by your paediatrician, who will also check that their height and head circumference are developing well together. A newborn loses between 5 and 10% of their birth weight during the first week and regains it within 2 weeks at most.

• Your baby is feeding enough

The number of feeds typically observed in healthy babies ranges from 6 to 18, with an average of 11. That is a far cry from the 5 meals your next-door neighbour recommends! Our little ones also tend to organise their feeds in their own way, randomly spread across 24 hours. What can you do about it? Not much, really. When someone suggests you fully empty one breast before offering the other, feel free to ignore it — it is unnecessary and practically impossible.

• Your baby swallows regularly 

Another sign of a good latch and adequate feeding is swallowing. You should expect to see your baby swallow with each suck. They then go through a few moments without swallowing while remaining attached to the breast, before swallowing again as a new wave of milk arrives in their mouth.

In any case, always trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to reach out to an IBCLC lactation consultant who can advise you on the best steps to take to boost your milk supply. 

Please note: situations involving relactation, breastfeeding an adopted child, or illness in mother or baby may require the use of galactagogues. These specific circumstances call for specialist support. 

Conversely, the following signs should be interpreted with caution.

1. Baby feeds too much 

Your baby feeds a lot and frequently: this does not necessarily mean they are not receiving enough milk. Babies naturally have a strong need for sucking and closeness, and their demands can seem excessive if you don't know what to expect! 

2. Baby feeds for less time

Your baby is feeding less or for shorter periods: they may simply be more efficient at latching than before. Keep an eye on their nappies — that's the key indicator.

3. They ask for the breast again shortly after a feed

Your baby seems hungry again shortly after feeds: breast milk is digested much more quickly than formula, so they may ask for the breast again 30 minutes to 1.5 hours after a feed. 

4. Your breasts are no longer leaking

Your breasts feel soft or are no longer leaking as they did at the start of your breastfeeding journey: again, this does not necessarily mean you have less milk. Over time, your body adapts to your baby's needs and produces exactly what they require, without engorgement. This is known as autocrine lactation: the gland responds to local stimulation — in other words, milk is produced on demand as your baby feeds.

5. You're not expressing enough milk

You're unable to express much milk: not all mothers are necessarily able to express milk from the start, so the results of pumping alone are not necessarily a reliable indicator of whether your baby is receiving enough milk.

In all cases, always trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to consult an IBCLC lactation consultant who will be able to advise you on what steps to take to support your milk supply. 

Please note: situations involving relactation, breastfeeding an adopted child, or illness in the mother or baby may require the use of galactagogues. These specific circumstances warrant specialist support. 

Marie, co-founder of Jolly Mama:

"Many mothers think they have a low milk supply when their production is actually normal. A breastfed baby can feed between 6 and 18 times in 24 hours — this is perfectly physiological. In the majority of cases, galactagogues are not essential. The key is stimulation: the more effectively your baby feeds, the more your body produces. Before taking any herb or supplement, I always recommend checking in with an IBCLC lactation consultant. Galactagogues can offer support, but they never replace stimulation. The best breastfeeding booster is the baby themselves." 

The most important thing is to take care of yourself and your health, and to trust yourself from pregnancy through your breastfeeding journey. If you feel you do not have enough milk, do not hesitate to seek help from an IBCLC breastfeeding consultant. They can help you review your breastfeeding approach if needed, and even help you restart breastfeeding if necessary.

In any case, the number one remedy for a drop in milk supply remains your baby themselves: more frequent and more effective feeds to stimulate good milk production!