10 Tips To Increase Milk Supply From A Lactation Counselor
If you are, or plan to, breastfeed or exclusively pump then breast milk supply is top of mind. Between the polarizing views of what parents should and shouldn’t do, the pressure we put on ourselves, and the outside voices that are more than happy to share well-intentioned but ill-timed or even worse, inaccurate advice, it’s hard to know where to turn. As parents, we want what’s best for our babies. It’s no wonder so many people are looking for ways to increase breast milk supply. That’s why we’re here to break it down for you and offer tips from our team of certified lactation counselors.
With a little planning and some focused intention, you can create a pumping routine
that supports your breastfeeding goals and your mental health.
Understanding Your Milk Supply
One of the most important things to understand about output is that breast milk is made on a supply and demand system. The more signals your body gets to produce milk, the more milk it will make.
Conversely, any signals that are given to reduce milk supply can result in fewer ounces during pump sessions. Consistent milk removal is one of the best ways to maintain milk supply over time.
Signs Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
- Baby is gaining weight
- Plenty of wet diapers
- Regular stools appropriate for baby’s age
- You can hear or see swallowing during feeds
- Baby appears satisfied or full
What Are Signs Of Low Milk Supply?
When you are exclusively pumping, it’s easier to see how much you are pumping compared to what your baby is eating. If you are breastfeeding without pumping, which may happen at the beginning of your journey, there are certain signs you can look for that show a possible low supply.
- Poor weight gain
- Fewer wet diapers
- Signs baby may still be hungry after feeding
- A delay with mature milk
- Pumping output is consistently low and baby is not thriving
It’s important to keep in mind that things like cluster feeding, comfort nursing, breasts no longer leaking, breasts not feeling full, and lower output in the evening are not necessarily indicators of low milk supply. A lactation professional can help you determine if you have a low milk supply.
What Are The Common Causes of Low Milk Supply?
While many people who are pumping are concerned about the amount of milk they are removing, many times there isn’t a milk supply issue. Moms and parents put an incredible amount of pressure on themselves. When that happens, doubt often creeps in. Couple that with unrealistic expectations set by social media, and it’s easy to see why someone might question the amount of milk they are producing. This doubt can impact your journey. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist ( ACOG) suggests that a common reason for undesired weaning is “perceived” low milk supply. If you are producing as much milk as your baby needs, then you are producing enough! Anything more than that is considered an oversupply.
However, if you find yourself in a position where you are not producing the amount of milk your baby needs, it can be incredibly stressful. In these cases, it’s always recommended to meet with a lactation professional who can assess the situation and develop a plan specific to your needs. There could be a variety of reasons for low milk supply.
- Infrequent or ineffective milk removal
- Incorrect breast shield/flange size
- Pump issues (worn valves are the #1 cause of suction issues!)
- Supplementing without replacing stimulation
- Hormonal or medical factors
- Early feeding challenges
- Stress
10 Ways to Boost Milk Supply While Pumping
Many parents look for ways to increase breast milk supply when pumping output drops. If you’re unhappy with your output, there are ways to increase milk supply! With a little planning and some focused intention, you can create a pumping routine that supports your breastfeeding goals and your mental health. These tips can help boost milk supply naturally by improving stimulation and milk removal.
Tip 1: Proper Breast Shield Sizing is a Must
Incorrect breast shield size is one of the top reasons for pumping issues. A noticeable side effect is milk removal issues or low output. When the breast shield or flange size is incorrect, it can cause pain and discomfort when pumping, which can lead to tissue damage. All of these can decrease oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk letdown. which ultimately reduces milk output.
The correct size can improve comfort, milk removal, and increase pumping output. The first thing to check if you’re unhappy with your output when pumping is flange size. If you have a Cimilre breast pump, we can help you out with sizing through our Get the Right Fit program and Virtual Sizing Consults.
Tip 2: Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin is magical with amazing benefits for mom and baby, including impacting milk supply. There’s a reason baby friendly hospitals that promote breastfeeding encourage skin-to-skin contact with baby the first hour after birth (and more!) Having baby directly against your skin regulates body temperature and hormones. Hormones, specifically oxytocin, are the behind the scenes forces that impact milk supply, including letdown, when milk starts flowing during pumping or breastfeeding. Snuggling with baby skin to skin signals to your brain that baby needs you, and milk. It’s also one of the sweetest ways to enhance milk supply.
The correct size can improve comfort, milk removal, and increase pumping output. The first thing to check if you’re unhappy with your output when pumping is flange size. If you have a Cimilre breast pump, we can help you out with sizing through our Get the Right Fit program and Virtual Sizing Consults.
Tip 3: Use a Primary Pump
Choosing the right breast pump for low milk supply can make a significant difference in milk removal and comfort. There is no substitute for a primary pump, which is designed to establish milk supply in the early weeks and maintain it throughout your pumping journey.
While certain portable and wearable breast pump options offer convenience, they may trade it for effectiveness. Primary pumps have larger, often stronger motors. Look for one that has adjustable settings, like the S6 Adjustable Series with GentleFlow Technology ™, so you can personalize your pump sessions to what works and feels right for your body.
Many primary pumps are also rechargeable, so you don’t have to give up portability for reliable performance . If you got a breast pump through insurance and it’s not working the way you hoped, our Second Chance Pump Program can help you get a primary breast pump with a discount.
Tip 4: Seek Help From A Lactation Expert Early
Getting help from a lactation professional as soon as you think there may be a problem is incredibly important. IBCLCs, CLCs, and CBSs are able to observe breastfeeding and pumping to determine what, if anything, is an issue. Then they can put a plan in place to help you meet your goals. Insurance plans often cover lactation visits. If yours does, take advantage of it!
Tip 5: Add More Pump Sessions
Breast milk is a supply and demand system. The more milk you try to remove, the more milk your body will produce. If you are nursing, your body is doing this without you even noticing based on baby’s needs. When pumping, it’s a lot easier to notice fluctuations in supply. Adding another pump session is similar to your baby asking to nurse again. It signals to your body that more milk is needed.
Tip 9: Take Advantage of Letdowns on Each Side
Dedicating a full hour per day for a week to power pumping is another way to signal more breast milk is needed and enhance supply. Similar to your baby cluster feeding, where baby will nurse for what seems like hours on end between actually nursing, comfort nursing, and napping, power pumping may help enhance milk supply by mimicking cluster feeding. Typically, it looks like this,
- 20 minutes pumping
- 10 minute break
- 10 minutes pumping
- 10 minute break
- 10 minutes pumping
Add a power pumping session one time per day for 5-7 days, then reassess where your output is at.
Tip 7: Hands-On Pumping
Hands-on pumping is one of the most effective, least known ways to pump more breast milk during a session. Some studies suggest that it can increase output by up to 45%!
To hands-on pump, start by massaging your breast. After letdown with pumping, massage using a “c” with your thumb and fingers, moving them down towards the breast shield without breaking the seal. Then move around the breast, focusing on areas that feel fuller or where you notice increased milk flow. Stanford Medicine’s video tutorial is helpful for learning how to get started.
Tip 8: Pump After Nursing
If you are both chest feeding/nursing in addition to pumping, add a pump session after baby nurses. This allows your baby to get what they need in a feeding session while still signaling to your body that more breast milk is needed.
Tip 9: Take Advantage of Letdowns on Each Side
Letdowns happen on both sides. That’s why you may notice leaking on the side you aren’t nursing. You can use this to your advantage. When you nurse on one side, use a silicone milk catcher or an electric breast pump to make the most of the letdown on the side you aren’t nursing on.
Tip 10: Don’t Skip The Middle Of The Night
Sleep deprivation is very real with a baby around, so it’s tempting to hit the snooze for the middle of the night pump sessions. But don’t do it! Those MOTN sessions are incredibly important for your milk supply.
Many people experience some of the biggest pump sessions during the early morning hours. That doesn’t mean you have to live out your days with no sleep. There are ways you can balance feeding your little one in the middle of the night while still taking care of you.
Quick Note About Supplements
The advice for what supplements can help with milk supply are all over the place. When it comes to your specific situation, proceed with caution. What works for one person may not work for another. In fact, some popular supplements like fenugreek have been known to decrease supply for some people. If you work with a lactation professional, this is a great topic to discuss with them.
Do Lactation Foods Increase Milk Supply?
Brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, and oatmeal have long been hailed, anecdotally, as nature’s food to enhance breast milk supply. Some people swear by them! While these foods are certainly healthy, it’s important to keep in mind there isn’t research that specifically supports the claim they increase milk supply yet. Here’s what we say; if you want to whip up a delicious smoothie or some overnight oats with what some call the magic trio, then go for it! It will provide a nutritional punch, but don’t rely on them to increase your milk supply.
What Is The Best Breast Pump For Low Milk Supply?
Primary pumps, that are designed to establish and maintain breast milk supply, are the best pumps for low milk supply. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for everyone, there are some important factors to consider when looking for a breast pump to increase breast milk supply:
- Adjustable cycle speeds – Adjustable strength is good. Adjustable cycle speeds (how fast) are even better because it can help you find a rhythm that is closer to how your baby feeds.
- Personalized settings – Some parents respond better to different speeds or strength. Having full control over the settings you use, like adjusting both speed and strength at the same time, empower you to find the magic combination.
- Dual motor – Having the ability to adjust suction for each side independently allows you to fine tune pump sessions based on what works and feels best for your body.
- Sizing – Sizing is the number one cause of milk issues. Be sure to use a pump that will work with the breast shield size you need.
- Comfort – Discomfort creates stress and can potentially cause damage. These in turn impact letdown and pump session overall. Pumping shouldn’t be uncomfortable. That’s why we love GentleFlow Technology™!
When choosing a breast pump for low milk supply, look for adjustable settings, proper sizing options, reliable suction, and a design intended to establish and maintain milk supply.
Next Steps & When to Seek Additional Support
Each situation is unique. No two journeys look the same. Feeding journeys can even vary child to child. Give yourself grace and allow for flexibility with your feeding plans. If you are looking to increase milk supply, these tips are a good starting point. Nothing can take the place of a full consultation with a lactation professional.
If at any point you feel pain, something needs to change. Pumping should not hurt. Meeting with a lactation professional can help you determine what’s causing it, develop a plan that works for you, and build your support network of people in your corner. Thankfully, there is a support system available to you when you need it.
Looking for more lactation tips and support? Connect with our community and join the conversation on Reddit and Instagram.
FAQs About Low Milk Supply and Pumping
Why is my milk supply low when pumping? There could be many factors but the first thing to check is breast shield/flange size as this is often the number one culprit.
How long does it take to increase milk supply? Results vary depending on the method. Using a new breast shield size or hands-on pumping? You’ll see results immediately. Power pumping can take a few days to about a week.
Does power pumping really work? Yes! It’s often recommended as a viable way to increase milk supply.
Can flange size affect milk supply? YES! Breast shield and flange sizing are one of the most common causes of milk supply issues when pumping.
Do oats and brewer's yeast increase milk supply? It depends on who you ask. While many people mention they see a difference anecdotally, there isn’t any research to support this as fact. But they are delicious!
What is the best breast pump for low milk supply? Using a primary pump with adjustable settings [SV1] and the right size breast shield is important to establish, increase, and maintain breast milk supply.
How can I increase milk supply when pumping? Proper breast shield size, power pumping, hands on pumping, and using a primary pump can all help increase your milk output.