To increase breast milk supply quickly, consider the following expert-backed strategies:
Frequent Milk Removal
- Breastfeed or pump milk 8 to 12 times per day, including at least one session at night when prolactin levels are highest. Frequent removal of milk signals your body to produce more
- Use double pumping to express more milk in less time and better drain the breasts, which helps increase supply
- Pump immediately after breastfeeding or about an hour later to "order" more milk for the next day, even if you initially express only small amounts
Optimize Breastfeeding Technique
- Ensure your baby is well positioned and latched correctly to feed effectively
- Offer both breasts at each feeding and switch sides to stimulate milk production in both breasts
- Use breast compressions and massage before and during feeding or pumping to improve milk flow and empty the breasts more completely
- Hold your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible to encourage feeding and increase milk supply
Supplementary Measures
- Stay well hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet with frequent snacks, especially high-protein and high-fat foods like nuts
- Consider lactation supplements such as fenugreek or brewer’s yeast, which some mothers find helpful to boost supply within days
- Try "power pumping"—pumping for 2 minutes every 15 minutes over an hour—to stimulate increased milk production
- Consult a lactation specialist if concerns persist; they can assess feeding and recommend personalized strategies or medications like domperidone if appropriate
By combining frequent and effective milk removal with proper breastfeeding techniques, hydration, nutrition, and support, many mothers see a significant increase in milk supply within a few days
