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Breastfeeding and Your Milk Supply

Table of Contents


Overview

A number of things affect how much milk your breasts make (your milk supply). The two most important things are how often you breastfeed and how well your breast is emptied. Breastfeeding stimulates the hormone that prepares your breasts to make milk (prolactin). So the more often you feed your baby and empty your breasts, the more milk your body makes.

Breast milk changes over time with a baby's nutritional needs.

Low milk supply

It's common to worry about not making enough milk. But low milk supply is rare. It may take time for your milk supply to get going. If you don't think your baby is getting enough milk, try breastfeeding more often. If this doesn't help, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. If you have a problem with your milk supply, they can help you solve it.

Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal remedies or medicines to increase your milk supply. The effects of herbal remedies and some medicines on milk supply haven't been well studied. They may have side effects.

Building your milk supply

Follow these tips to help build and maintain your milk supply.


Credits for Breastfeeding and Your Milk Supply

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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