How to Increase Milk Supply: Easy Tips for Breastfeeding Moms

Hey Mama – if you’re wondering how to increase milk supply, you’re certainly not alone. Many breastfeeding moms encounter challenges in the early days, but the good news is: with the right approach, you can boost your supply and build confidence in your nursing journey. In this article, we’ll share practical, evidence-based strategies as well as helpful lifestyle tips to support your body, your baby, and your breastfeeding goals.

1. Nurse Frequently and On Demand

Breastfeeding operates on a “supply and demand” basis: the more you effectively empty the breast, the stronger the signal your body receives to produce more milk.

• Offer the breast whenever your baby shows feeding cues (rooting, hand-to-mouth, alertness) — even if this feels very frequent in the early days.

• Try to let your baby nurse long enough to empty the breast (so the fuller milk transitions and the later milk is accessible) — this emptying supports increased production.

• If baby falls asleep early, consider offering the other breast, or gently waking/encouraging them to continue feeding.

2. Fuel Your Body with Nutrient-Rich Foods (and a Few Cookies 😉)

Your milk supply depends on what you feed yourself. A tired, hungry mama can only do so much — so fueling well is key.

• Stay hydrated: Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water a day (keep a big bottle near your nursing chair).

• Eat a variety of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and veggies.

• Add lactogenic (milk-boosting) foods like oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast — the same powerhouse ingredients found in our Miracle Milkookies.

3. Pump Between Feedings (“Power Pumping”)

Power pumping mimics a cluster feeding session and can help increase supply by signalling your body for extra production. Here's how:

• Use your breast pump for ~20 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, then pump again for ~10 minutes.

• Do this once a day for about a week, and monitor how your body responds.

• Store any extra milk you collect—it builds your freezer stash and helps keep supply going strong.

Pro tip: Keep a stash of Milkookies next to your pump. A cookie + a full bottle = a win-win.

4. Prioritize Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin (also called “kangaroo care”) is more than sweet cuddling—it’s an effective way to trigger oxytocin, a hormone that plays a key role in milk ejection and let-down.

• Spend time with your baby undressed (or lightly dressed) on your chest, especially in the first hour(s) after birth and whenever you can in the early weeks.

• Hold your baby skin-to-skin prior to nursing sessions to increase bonding and prompt feeding cues.

5. Make Sure to Use Both Breasts in Each Feeding

Ensuring both breasts are used during your feeding sessions helps stimulate production evenly and prevents one side from being under-used.

• Alternate which breast you start with each feeding session.

• After baby finishes the first breast (or slows significantly), offer the second breast to ensure both sides are getting emptied and stimulated.

6. Get Rest (Yes, Even When It Feels Impossible)

We know—sleep and rest can feel like a luxury with a newborn. Yet stress and exhaustion do impact milk supply because fatigue can interfere with hormone regulation and overall body function.

• Accept help (from partner, family, friends) so you can nap, do light activities, or simply rest your body and mind.

• Even short rest bursts (20-30 minutes) add up and support your lactation journey.

7. Monitor and Pump After Feedings If Needed

If your baby doesn’t fully empty the breast—maybe because they fall asleep, or feed shorter sessions—it’s helpful to pump for a few minutes after the feeding to ensure complete stimulation of the breast.

• This extra stimulation helps maintain—or increase—the signal your body receives to produce milk.

• Any extra milk you collect can be stored (labelled with date and time) and used later—building your freezer stash is a bonus.

8. When to Seek Extra Support

If after trying these strategies your supply still feels low or your baby doesn’t seem to be getting enough milk (slow weight gain, fewer wet/dirty diapers, or baby seems very sleepy at feeds), it’s time to reach out for professional help.

• Contact a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) or your healthcare provider—they can check for issues like latch problems, tongue tie, low supply causes, or other concerns.

• Sometimes underlying issues (maternal health, baby’s anatomy, hormone imbalances) can interfere with supply and need an individualized plan.

Final Encouragement

Boosting your milk supply takes time, consistency, and self-care. Every mom’s breastfeeding journey is unique — what worked for one may not work the same for another — but with patience and the right support, you’ve absolutely got this, mama.

You’re doing an amazing job. Your baby is lucky to have you. 💛

xx, Whitney