Health Library

Breast Milk Supply, How to Increase

Empty Breasts Frequently

• Breastfeed your baby more often, at least eight or more times in 24 hours.
• Offer both breasts at each feeding.
• Massage breasts while baby is nursing.
• Ensure the baby is completely emptying your breasts at each feeding.
• Avoid use of bottles without also expressing your milk to maintain supply.

Use a Breast Pump

• Pump eight or more times per day. Use a hospital-grade pump with a double kit. Ask your lactation consultant for help in obtaining a pump.
• Pump for two minutes after your milk stops flowing to build a good milk supply.
• Hand express some drops of breast milk before and after pumping to start the flow of milk and fully drain the breast when pumping. View video: Hand Expression of Breast Milk: Exactly How to Perform This Technique, by Sarah Trinajstich.
• Pump both breasts at the same time to increase milk supply and save time.
• Ensure proper fit of pump flange. Meet with lactation staff if you need help.
• Avoid long times (more than five hours) between pumping sessions.

Pumping will usually take about 15-20 minutes. Some mothers find it helpful to keep a written log of time spent pumping and volume of pumped milk. Talk to your lactation consultant about what your milk volumes should be in 24 hours.

Help Let-Down Reflex

• Listen to relaxing music. This can help milk supply and fat content of milk.
• Look at a picture of your baby or have a piece of your baby’s clothing or blanket that has your baby’s scent on it close by, or pump where you can see your baby.
• Hold your baby skin to skin and pump right after. This lowers the stress for both you and your baby and can increase milk supply.
• Apply warmth to your breasts and use breast massage before and during pumping to increase milk production and the calories in your milk. View video: Maximizing Milk Production with Hands-On Pumping. How to Use Your Hands When You Pump, by Dr. Jane Morton.
• Use a hands-free pumping bra to free your hands to perform breast massage while pumping to maximize your milk supply.

Practice Self-Care

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with a variety of foods. Keep a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water.
• Check with your doctor before taking any medicines or galactogogues (medicines or herbs to increase milk supply), as some medicines can affect milk supply.
• Use relaxation or do slow, deep, relaxed breathing and relax your shoulders. Get a back massage.
• Reduce stress and activity as much as possible, get help from friends, family or your community.
• Limit alcohol, caffeine and smoking. Avoid severe weight loss diets.

With time and effort you will likely see an improvement within a few days. Your baby will be glad you did! Check with your doctor for any medical concerns.