Underproduction of Human Milk: How to Increase Your Supply

First published November 2022
Updated April 2026

How much is “enough” human milk? “Enough” is the volume needed to feed your baby. But what if you are breastfeeding, your baby is emptying your breasts and is still hungry afterwards? Or what if you are pumping, feeding your baby all your milk and your baby still wants more? What can you do to produce more milk?

The best way to increase your milk supply is to increase the frequency, stimulation, and emptying of your breasts.

If you are breastfeeding:

• Increase the number of breastfeeding sessions.
• Offer both breasts at every breastfeeding session.
• Hold your baby skin to skin, especially prior to breastfeeding.
• Consider pumping for several minutes immediately after breastfeeding. This is especially important if your baby is taking a bottle (human milk or formula) after breastfeeding.

If you are exclusively pumping:

• Increase the number of pumping sessions. You should be pumping at a minimum each time your baby takes a bottle. Each pumping session should last 15-20 minutes.
• Consider power pumping once a day for a few days in a row or per lactation guidance. This is the most beneficial first thing in the morning when lactation hormones are the highest. Power pumping consists of three 10-minute pumping sessions in one hour, so pump for 10 minutes then rest for 10 minutes. Repeat this 3 times.
• Hold your baby skin to skin, especially prior to pumping.
• Use a double electric pump at least a few times per day. Consider not relying on a hands-free pump as they vary in effectiveness. Your lactation consultant can provide pump recommendations.

Other things to consider:

• Talk to a certified lactation consultant. They are experts in breastfeeding and milk supply and can develop a plan specifically for you.
• Some medications, such as pseudoephedrine and some methods of birth control can decrease your milk supply. Consult your baby’s pediatrician or your OB with specific medication questions.
• Over-the-counter herbs and supplements are not recommended, because they have not been shown to increase milk supply in research studies and it is unclear if they are safe for premature or fragile infants, particularly since they are not regulated by the FDA.
• Drinking alcohol and/or smoking can decrease your milk supply.

If you are experiencing low milk supply, it is important to remember that your milk is highly beneficial for your baby regardless of how much or how little you produce and provide to your baby. There are many causes of low milk supply, such as premature birth, postpartum hemorrhage, infertility, history of breast surgery, and not enough glandular breast tissue that can cause low milk supply, none of which the providing parent can control. Remember that no matter how much milk you produce, you are doing an amazing job and working very hard for your baby and that makes you more than “enough."