How to Increase Your Milk Supply When Breastfeeding

If you're reading this because you're worried about your milk supply, first take a long, deep breath. The fact that you're concerned shows how much you care about your little one's wellbeing. Worrying about milk supply is incredibly common, and there's often so much conflicting advice out there that it's hard to know what to believe. 

How can I tell if my milk supply is actually low?

Many mums worry about their milk supply in those early weeks, but here's some reassurance: most women do produce enough milk for their babies. Frequent feeding (8-12 times daily) and fussiness between feeds is completely normal. 

"The most important signs of a low milk supply are if your baby is not gaining weight, and if there's a decrease in wet and dirty nappies," says breastfeeding specialist and GP Dr Kavita Krishnan. 

Watch for these specific signs:

• Your bub not gaining weight adequately (less than 150-200g per week in the first 12 weeks) 

• Fewer wet nappies (less than 4-6 per day) 
• Reduced dirty nappies (less than 3 per day within the first 4-6 weeks) 

What affects milk supply?

Your milk supply works on a beautifully simple demand system - the more your baby takes, the more your body makes. 

"The most common cause of perceived low supply is a lack of knowledge around breastfeeding mechanics," says Dr Krishnan. "Understanding how breastfeeding works and making sure you have the techniques mastered can often resolve any concerns." 

How to increase your milk supply

Feed more frequently: This is the most effective approach. "One of the most common issues I see is people simply not knowing that babies need to be fed every three hours in those first two to four weeks," says Dr Krishnan. 

Check the latch: A good latch means efficient milk transfer and better stimulation for production. Don't struggle alone - get help with this. 

Stay hydrated: Your body needs fluids to make milk. Keep a water bottle handy and drink when you're thirsty. 

Feed from both breasts: This stimulates even milk production and gives your bub access to all available milk. 

Skin-to-skin contact: Those lovely snuggle sessions aren't just bonding time - they actually help with milk production too. 

Manage stress: Easier said than done with a new baby, but try gentle relaxation when you can. Even a few deep breaths can help. 

Do I need to express milk?

"You absolutely do not need to express to create a supply," says Dr Krishnan. "Direct breastfeeding is the most effective way to establish a supply." 

Expressing can be helpful for specific situations - if your bub has latch issues, medical problems, or is in intensive care. But don't feel like you need to add pumping to your already full routine unless there's a specific reason. 

Getting support

If you're concerned about your little one's wellbeing, reach out for professional help: 

• Your child health nurse
• GP or lactation consultant
• Contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association

 

"Remind yourself that it takes time to get to know your baby, so be kind to yourself," says Dr Krishnan. "You wouldn't expect to do a cartwheel with no practice, and breastfeeding is no different. I encourage parents to make decisions that work best for them and their babies, and always remember, you're amazing!" 

The Final Word

Breastfeeding challenges don't reflect your worth as a parent or your body's capabilities. Every mother and baby pair learns together, and sometimes that journey has bumps along the way. Trust yourself, seek support when you need it, and remember that however you feed your little one, you're doing an incredible job.