The human body is an incredible, intricate machine, especially when it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Many new mothers ask questions like, “How is breast milk made?” or “How does my body know how much breastmilk to produce for my baby?” Many factors signal your body to create enough, or more than enough breastmilk for your baby. Let’s explore the biology, hormones, and cues that help regulate breastmilk supply.
The Basics of Milk Production and Milk Supply
Your body begins preparing for milk production throughout pregnancy and once your baby arrives (and particular the release of the placenta), production kicks into high gear. Breast milk is made in the mammary glands, which contain clusters of tiny sacs called alveoli. These alveoli produce milk using nutrients from the bloodstream, triggered by the hormone prolactin. When a baby nurses, the hormone oxytocin causes the alveoli to contract, pushing milk through a network of milk ducts to the nipple. It’s a beautifully coordinated system.
First Milk: Colostrum
The first milk you produce is called colostrum. Colostrum is packed with antibodies, immune cells, and proteins essential for a newborn’s health. While small in volume, it perfectly meets a newborn’s early needs and helps stimulate the baby’s digestive system. Colostrum also plays a key role in initiating milk production by signaling the body to transition into producing mature milk, typically around days 2 to 5 postpartum. This shift, known as lactogenesis II, marks the increase in milk volume and composition changes to meet the growing infant’s nutritional needs.
Supply and Demand in Action
Supply and demand greatly impacts the amount of milk you produce. The more milk you remove, emptying the breasts signals your body to create more milk. The science is pretty simple, empty breasts tell your body to make more milk, while full breasts indicate to slow milk production. Remember, if you pull out too much milk you can actually create an oversupply!
When baby leads your body listens
It is important to understand how a baby’s feeding impacts breastmilk supply. If your baby is not feeding frequently or efficiently (due to latch issues or other functional issues) your body may not create an adequate supply. It is crucial to seek help from a Lactation Consultant if your baby is experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding.
Now, let’s address cluster feeding. Cluster feeding can feel exhausting while going through the trenches of the newborn phase. Although this phase is challenging, it’s physiologically normal and one of your baby’s way of increasing your milk supply. Here’s how:
- Increased demand = increased production: Every time your baby nurses, your body gets the message to make more milk. Cluster feeding signals to your body that more milk is needed soon.
- Stimulates prolactin release: Frequent nursing boosts prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.
- Prepares for growth spurts: Babies often cluster feed just before a big developmental leap or growth spurt, so your body can “stock up” on milk in advance.
It is important to feed your baby on demand, rather than watching the clock. Of course, if your baby is not feeding enough, you should wake your baby every two to three hours to nurse until they reach their birth weight. If your baby is cueing to feed more frequently, nurse your baby! Once the baby is sleeping longer stretches, you should continue to empty the breasts frequently to keep your supply up by pumping.
Common Disruptions in Milk Regulation
There are many reasons you could notice a temporary drop in milk supply. One of the leading causes of a temporary dip in milk supply is when a woman’s cycle returns. The hormones associated with your cycle can cause your milk supply to drop, but it should return to normal once your period concludes.
Another common disruption in supply: Supplementing! Although supplementing may be necessary in certain situations, doing this too early or too often can disrupt milk production. If advised by your pediatrician to supplement for any reason, it is crucial to seek additional guidance from a lactation consultant. In most instances, there are other solutions to continue exclusively breastfeeding. If supplementing is deemed necessary by interprofessional collaboration of your pediatrician and lactation consultant, continue pumping in addition to or in place of feedings or try a supplemental nursing system.
A few other common disruptions:
- Stress
- Illness
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Pregnancy
- Certain herbs/ supplements
Natural ways to support milk production
- Skin to skin
- Frequent nursing or pumping
- Staying hydrated and nourished
- Rest and stress management
In closing, remember to continue to feed on demand so your brilliant body understands how much milk it needs to keep up with your baby’s nutritional needs. Trust your body, Supply usually meets demand. If you suspect otherwise, consult with your Local Board Certified Lactation Consultant for care tailored to you and your little ones needs.
💛 You Deserve Support on Your Breastfeeding Journey
Breastfeeding is beautiful, but can also be overwhelming, emotional, and full of questions. We’re here to walk beside you with understanding, evidence-based care, and a calm voice of reassurance.
Whether you prefer the comfort of virtual support or the warmth of in-person guidance, we’ll meet you where you are—with compassion. 🫶 You’re not alone. If you’re feeling unsure, are experiencing pain, or simply need someone to listen and guide you, reach out today. Your body is capable, and we customize your care specifically to you.📞 Let’s take the next step together. We’re here when you’re ready.
If you’re still pregnant, check out the breastfeeding basics course which will equip you for breastfeeding!
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