Navigating Low Milk Supply: Causes, Signs, and Solutions

Low milk supply is one of the most stressful challenges new parents face — and one of the top reasons breastfeeding journeys end sooner than planned. In fact, research shows that up to 60% of mothers don’t meet their breastfeeding goals, with supply concerns playing a huge role in that decision.

The good news? With the right information, support, and strategies, you can navigate the ups and downs of breastfeeding more confidently. Whether you’re pregnant and preparing, currently nursing, or reflecting on a past feeding journey, this guide is for you.

💡 Pro tip: Knowledge really is power. The more you know about supply, the easier it is to advocate for yourself, your goals, and the care you deserve from your providers.

👉 Download my free Baby-Led Latching Guide

What is Low Milk Supply?

Low milk supply means your body isn’t producing enough breast milk for your baby to grow and thrive. Between 1–6 months of age, most babies need 24–30 ounces of breast milk per day.

If you suspect you’re not making enough milk, your first step should be to reach out to your baby’s medical provider and an experienced IBCLC. Early support makes all the difference.

How Common Is Low Milk Supply?

Low supply is more common than most parents realize. According to research by Shannon L. Kelleher, 10–15% of women may experience true low milk supply. That’s not rare at all — and it highlights why resources like the Low Supply Foundation and support communities such as the IGT Mamas Facebook Group are so important.

Signs of Low Milk Supply

Not sure if what you’re experiencing is “normal”? Here are some possible red flags:

1. Poor weight gain — babies should gain about an ounce per day after day 4 of life.
2. No swallows at the breast — you don’t hear gulping or swallowing while feeding.
3. Too few pees/poops — output should look like:
   • Day 1: 1 pee, 1 poop
   • Day 2: 2–3 pees, 2 poops
   • Day 3: 4 pees, 2 poops
   • Day 4: 5 pees, 3 poops
   • Day 5+: 6+ pees, 4+ poops daily
4. No breast changes during pregnancy or postpartum.
5. Baby never seems satisfied after feeds.
6. Baby is very sleepy and not feeding well.

👉 For an extended checklist, see my full post on signs of a tongue tie in babies, which can also affect milk transfer.

7) For our full list of possible signs check out this blog post here.

When will your milk typically come in?

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Causes of Low Milk Supply

Low milk supply usually falls into two categories:

Primary Low Supply (medical/anatomical causes)

These are pre-existing factors in the parent that can interfere with milk production:

• Insufficient glandular tissue (IGT)
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Diabetes or insulin resistance
• Hypothyroidism
• Obesity or hypertension
• Previous breast surgery
• Postpartum hemorrhage
• Luteal phase defect

These conditions may affect breast development, hormone pathways, or the amount of glandular tissue available for milk-making. Having one risk factor doesn’t guarantee low supply, but it increases the chance.

💡 If you know you have one of these conditions, meet with an IBCLC during pregnancy to create a proactive feeding plan.

Secondary Low Supply (milk removal issues)

This is actually the most common cause of low milk supply. It happens when milk isn’t removed frequently or effectively, so your body doesn’t get the signal to make more.

Contributing factors include:

• Delayed initiation of breastfeeding or pumping
• Infrequent feeds/pumping sessions
• Separation from baby after birth
• Oral ties (tongue tie, lip tie) interfering with milk transfer
• Shallow latch or poor positioning
• Supplementing with formula without breast stimulation
• Inefficient pumping

Most parents with low supply fall into this category — and many experience both primary and secondary causes at once. Example: a parent with PCOS and a baby with a tongue tie.

How to Increase Milk Supply

Treatment depends on the cause — but for most parents, the focus is on stimulating supply through frequent, effective milk removal.

Options include:

• Adding extra pumping sessions
• Parallel pumping: nurse on one side, pump the other
• Hand expression after feeds
• Power pumping (pump/rest cycles over an hour)

⏳ Expect it to take 5–7 days before seeing an increase. Not everyone reaches a full supply — especially if baby is over 6 weeks — but remember: every drop counts.

You can continue breastfeeding even without a full supply by combo feeding with formula or donor milk, or by using a supplemental nursing system (SNS) at the breast.

👉 Watch Kaia Lacy, CLC (@lowsupplymom), demo an SNS

Meeting with an IBCLC, who can evaluate infants' suck and ability to transfer milk from the breast, is KEY! We want to make sure that when the baby is at the breast they are doing a good job removing available milk. 

When to Investigate Primary Causes

If secondary fixes don’t resolve the issue, lab work can help uncover hormonal or endocrine factors:

• Prolactin levels (baseline and post-feed)
• Thyroid panel
• Blood sugar/diabetes markers

Based on results, your provider may recommend medications or supplements. While we can’t change how your breast tissue developed during puberty, we can maximize what you have.

Will I Ever Make a Full Milk Supply?

Not everyone does — and that’s okay. A “full” supply isn’t the only goal. Your breast milk is valuable no matter the amount.

The real goal is to feel supported, empowered, and proud of the feeding journey you do have. Whether that includes exclusive breastfeeding, combo feeding, or using donor milk — it’s still valid, beneficial, and worth celebrating.

Can I Breastfeed With Low Supply?

Absolutely. Many parents continue to breastfeed while supplementing. Options include:

• Combo feeding with formula
• Donor milk
• Supplemental nursing systems

There is no one “right way” to feed your baby — only the way that works for your family.

Final Thoughts

Low milk supply can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. The right support, guidance, and strategies can make a huge difference.

✨ Want more? Boob School has an entire module on low supply that goes deeper, plus live support groups led by amazing providers like Kaia Lacy, CLC (@lowsupplymom).

Resources

• Low Supply Mom
• Low Supply Foundation
• IGT Mamas Facebook Group

Cheering you on, always 💕
Kelly
RN, IBCLC & Founder of Boob School

❤️ Next Steps

• Subscribe to weekly breastfeeding tips
• Explore Boob School classes
• Book a one-on-one lactation consult

👉 Found this blog helpful? Share it with a friend — we’re all in this together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Milk Supply

Can stress cause low milk supply?

Yes — stress alone usually doesn’t “turn off” your milk supply, but it can make let-down harder and reduce how much milk you see during pumping or nursing. Chronic stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety can indirectly affect supply by interfering with hormones like oxytocin. Support, rest, and relaxation techniques can help.

Does pumping increase milk supply?

Absolutely. Milk supply works on a supply-and-demand system. The more often and effectively you remove milk — whether by nursing or pumping — the more your body gets the signal to make. Adding pumping sessions, especially in the early weeks, can help build or boost supply.

What foods or supplements increase breast milk?

Despite what the internet says, there’s no magic cookie, tea, or herb that works for everyone. Some parents see benefits from galactagogues like fenugreek, goat’s rue, or moringa, but the evidence is mixed. The most reliable “milk booster” is still frequent and effective milk removal. A balanced diet, hydration, and rest support overall health, which also helps milk production.

How long does it take to fix low supply?

If supply issues are caused by milk removal problems (like infrequent feeding or poor latch), you might see improvement in 5–7 days with consistent pumping, hand expression, and better latch. If low supply has primary medical causes, the process may take longer — and a full supply may not be possible. Remember: every drop counts.

Is it possible to relactate after low supply?

Yes — relactation is possible, though it requires patience and support. Frequent pumping, nursing, and sometimes medications can help restart milk production. Even partial relactation is valuable and can allow you to combo-feed while still providing breast milk.

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