If you are breastfeeding, it is completely natural to worry about your milk supply, especially if your baby’s feeding habits or behaviour begin to change. Many mothers experience natural ups and downs in milk production, and these changes are often a normal part of breastfeeding.
At times, though, you may start to wonder whether your baby is getting enough milk. Learning the signs of decreasing milk supply can help you better understand what your body and your baby are telling you. It can also guide you understand when small adjustments may help and when extra support may be useful.
How does milk production work?
To understand your milk supply, it helps to know how your body produces breast milk, a process called lactation. Breast milk production is a supply and demand process, meaning the more milk is removed from the breast, the more your body makes.
Supply and demand (from birth onwards):
Removing milk effectively and regularly signals your body to keep making more breast milk.
When milk sits in the breast for longer, your body naturally slows production.
Early milk increase (around days 2 to 5 after birth):
Milk volume increases as hormone levels shift after delivery.
Your breasts may feel fuller, warmer, or heavier.
Regular feeding or expressing during this time helps support ongoing milk production.
Feedback inhibitor of lactation (FIL) (ongoing after milk comes in):
FIL is a protein found in breast milk that helps regulate milk production.
When your breasts feel full, this protein builds up and signals your body to slow milk production.
Full drainage (most important in the first 6 to 8 weeks):
Feeding or expressing often helps empty your breast, which tells your body to increase milk production.
Mature milk (around 2 to 4 weeks after birth):
After about 2 to 4 weeks, your milk changes from thick, golden colostrum to mature milk.
Your breasts may feel softer, which is common and does not mean your supply is low.
Understanding how milk production works can help you better interpret changes in your body and feeding routine. Feeding or expressing regularly signals your body to continue producing milk. Over time, these steady patterns help support a healthy breast milk supply for your baby.
What are the signs of low milk supply?
When you are worried about your milk supply, it is important to focus on reliable signs rather than short-term changes in your baby’s behaviour.
There are only a few clear signs that may suggest a true low milk supply that requires attention:
Weight gain:
Slow or poor weight gain is the most reliable sign that your baby may not be getting enough milk.
Wet diapers:
Your baby may have fewer heavy, wet diapers (nappies) each day.
Dehydration signs:
Dark urine or a sunken soft spot on the head can indicate that your baby is not taking in enough milk.
Once you notice these signs, it is important to contact a healthcare provider such as a health visitor or lactation consultant. They can help you assess the situation and create a plan to protect your baby’s growth while supporting your breastfeeding goals.
If you have concerns about your milk supply or your baby’s feeding, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. You may schedule an appointment with a doctor or lactation support team at Thomson ParentCraft Centre for further assessment.
Common false alarms
Many parents worry about their milk supply when they notice changes in their baby or their own body. It is easy to assume that a fussy baby or softer breasts is a sign that your milk is running low, but these changes are often a normal part of breastfeeding. In many cases, they reflect how your baby and your body are adjusting over time.
Here are some common false alarms:
Growth spurt:
Babies go through periods of rapid growth when they need more milk.
During these times, they may feed more often to signal your body to produce more milk.
Cluster feeding:
This refers to periods when your baby wants to eat constantly for a few hours.
Common in the early months and does not necessarily mean your milk supply is low.
Softening breasts:
As your supply becomes more regulated, your breasts will feel less full or firm.
This is a normal sign that your body has adjusted to your baby’s needs.
Nursing pads:
You may notice your nursing pads staying dry as your body becomes better at holding milk between feeds.
These changes are usually temporary or simply signs that your body is adapting. Recognising that cluster feeding and softer breasts are normal can save you from unnecessary worry and help you continue feeding on demand with confidence.
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What may cause a decrease in milk supply?
True low milk supply is less common, but certain situations can temporarily affect how much milk your body makes. When you notice a change, looking for the underlying cause can help you take the right steps to improve production.
In many cases, supply increases again once the trigger is addressed.
Here are some potential triggers that make your milk supply decrease:
Hormonal changes:
When your period returns, your supply may dip briefly.
Becoming pregnant again can also affect milk production.
Medical conditions:
Thyroid disorders can make it harder for your body to produce milk.
Retained placental tissue (small pieces of placenta remaining after birth) can also interfere with supply.
Medications:
Some oral contraceptive pills that contain oestrogen may reduce your supply.
Certain cold/flu tablets with pseudoephedrine can have a similar effect.
Postpartum stress:
Ongoing stress can affect the let-down reflex, which is the release of milk from the breast, making it harder for milk to flow.
Sleep and feeding patterns:
You may notice a drop in supply when you don’t get enough rest.
When feeds become less frequent or tightly scheduled, your body may start making less milk.
If any of these factors sound familiar, speaking with a breastfeeding specialist can be helpful. They can review medications, suggest ways to manage stress, and offer practical strategies to support your milk supply while also looking after your own wellbeing.
How to increase your supply
If you feel that your milk supply needs a lift, small changes can often make a real difference. Many of these approaches may work by encouraging more frequent feeding and helping milk flow more easily.
Here are some steps your doctor may recommend to raise your supply:
Spend time skin-to-skin with your baby to boost oxytocin, a hormone that supports milk flow and feeding
Feed on demand, responding to your baby’s hunger cues rather than sticking to a strict schedule
Add pumping sessions after or between feeds to increase demand
Massage your breasts while pumping to help empty them more effectively.
Use a hands-free pumping bra to stay comfortable and allow breast massage while pumping
Using a hospital-grade double electric breast pump or a good-quality electric pump can make pumping more efficient. When feeding or pumping happens more often, many mothers start to see an increase in milk volume within a few days.
When to seek professional help
You do not have to navigate these challenges alone. If you are worried about your baby’s intake or your own health, reaching out for professional support can make a real difference.
Consult your doctor if:
You are experiencing pain or your baby is not latching deeply
Your baby is not meeting expected weight gain milestones
You suspect a medical condition may be affecting your milk supply
Getting timely advice can help prevent small concerns from becoming bigger problems. Whether you need temporary formula supplementation or simply reassurance that things are on track, the right support can help you feel more confident and supported in reaching your personal feeding goals.
If any of these concerns apply to you, a consultation may be helpful. You may consider scheduling an appointment at Thomson ParentCraft Centre to discuss your feeding concerns and next steps.
FAQ
Can stress affect my milk?
Yes, stress can play a role. It usually does not make milk disappear, but it can slow let-down. The milk is still there; it just takes longer to flow. Taking a few deep breaths, dimming the lights, or cuddling your baby before feeding can help by calming your nervous system and supporting the release of oxytocin, the hormone that triggers milk let-down.
Is my pump actually working for me?
If pumping feels unproductive, the fit may be off. Flanges that are too big or too small can limit output and feel uncomfortable. Measuring your nipple size can help you find a better fit. Milk collection shells may also catch let-down between feeds.
Do herbal remedies help increase supply?
Some parents notice a boost from lactation teas or herbal blends. Others do not. These tend to work best when paired with regular feeding or pumping. Always check with a healthcare professional before trying supplements.
How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?
Watch for swallows and listen for soft “cah” sounds during feeds. Wet and dirty nappies are the clearest sign. If your baby seems alert, feeds regularly, and settles afterwards, you are likely on track.
Can missing feeds affect my supply?
Yes, it can. Milk supply responds to demand. When feeds or pumping sessions are skipped, your body may get the message to make less. Feeding or expressing more often helps maintain supply.
When will I notice an increase in milk?
Some parents see changes within a few days. For others, it may take a week or more. Progress can feel slow at first, so focus on consistency rather than quick results.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.