Frequent stimulation of the breasts, by breastfeeding or pumping during the first few days and weeks after birth, is very important to establish a good milk supply.
Try the following suggestions to increase your milk supply:
Empty breasts frequently
- Breastfeed your baby more often, at least 8 or more times in 24 hours.
- Offer both breasts at each feeding.
- Massage breasts while baby is nursing.
- Assure 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.
- Pumping will usually take about 15-20 minutes. 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.
- 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.
- Avoid long times (more than five hours) between pumping sessions.
Help Your 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.
Self-Care
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with a variety of foods. Keep a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water.
- Some medicines can affect milk supply. Check with your doctor before taking any medicines or galactogogues (medicines or herbs to increase milk supply).
- Use relaxation or do slow, deep, relaxed breathing and relax your shoulders. Get a back massage.
- Reduce stress and activity 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.