Breastfeeding can be one of the most beautiful parts of motherhood, but it can also come with its fair share of worries. Something most mamas question at some point in their motherhood journey is if their baby is eating enough and if not, how to increase their milk supply.
Whether you’re a brand new mom or a few months into your nursing journey, it’s completely normal to question if you’re making enough milk. The good news is there are several natural, effective ways to boost your milk production and feel more confident in your breastfeeding journey!
In this post, I’m sharing ten trusted tips to help increase breastmilk supply — plus how to know if your baby is truly getting enough.
Need to increase your milk supply quickly? Grab your free printable Power Pumping Schedule to give your supply a boost in as little as a couple days! 👇
How to Tell If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breastmilk
Before diving into milk supply tips, let’s talk about what “enough” actually looks like. Many moms think they might have low milk supply, when in reality their baby is getting exactly what they need.
Here are signs your baby is well-fed and your supply is likely just fine:
Weight Gain
In the first few days, it’s normal for babies to lose up to 10% of their birth weight. And by day 10–14, most babies regain their birth weight. After that, they should gain about 5–7 ounces per week in the first month.
Diaper Output
Keep count of how many wet diapers baby has in a day. This is a general schedule for how many wet diapers there should be, but always ask your pediatrician for their opinion based on your individual baby.
- Day 1: At least 1 wet diaper and 1 poop per day
- Day 2: At least 2 wet diapers and 2 poops per day
- Day 3: At least 3 wet diapers, 2+ poops (stools turning from dark meconium to green/yellow)
- Day 4: At least 4 wet diapers, 2+ poops (stools turning from dark meconium to green/yellow)
- Day 5 onward: 6+ wet diapers and at least 3–4 yellow, seedy poops per day
Other Positive Signs
Some other signs to look out for that are good signs your baby is eating enough:
- Baby seems content after feeding
- You hear/see them swallowing during feeds
- Breasts feel softer after nursing
If your baby isn’t gaining weight, has dry diapers, or always seems hungry, talk to your pediatrician immediately and consider working with a lactation consultant.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional or lactation consultant. The tips shared in this post are based on research and personal experience. Always consult your pediatrician or an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) for personalized medical advice or breastfeeding concerns. Also, This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of my links. Read more about our Disclaimer Policy. Thank you for supporting my blog and little family!
10 Natural Ways to Increase Breastmilk Supply
If you suspect a dip in supply or want to build up a stash, these tips can help support milk production naturally and effectively.
1. Nurse or Pump More Frequently
Breastmilk is produced on demand. The more milk you remove from your breasts (by baby or pump), the more milk your body is signaled to make.
Nurse or pump every 2–3 hours, including at least once overnight when prolactin levels are higher.
2. Make Sure Baby Has a Good Latch
A shallow or painful latch can lead to poor milk transfer and a decrease in supply. If you’re unsure, consult an IBCLC to check positioning and latch.
3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Enough
Your body needs fuel to produce milk. Keep a water bottle nearby and eat nourishing snacks throughout the day — especially protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.
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4. Do Skin-to-Skin Contact
Spending time skin-to-skin boosts oxytocin (the hormone that helps with milk letdown), encourages frequent feeding, and can even calm a fussy baby.
5. Try Power Pumping
Power pumping mimics cluster feeding and can give your supply a serious boost.
Want a done-for-you Power Pumping Schedule? Fill out the form below to get your free printable Power Pumping Guide sent straight to your inbox! It includes two simple schedules and tips for maximizing output.
6. Use Breast Compressions While Nursing or Pumping
Breast compressions help your baby remove more milk and can increase your pump output too. Gently squeeze and massage your breast while feeding or pumping.
7. Eat Lactation-Friendly Foods
Incorporate oats, flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, and almonds into smoothies or homemade lactation cookies. Some moms find fenugreek or fennel helpful — just check with your provider before starting supplements.
8. Get as Much Rest as You Can
Easier said than done, but rest really matters. Exhaustion and stress can suppress milk-making hormones. Tag in a partner, nap when baby naps, and prioritize even tiny moments of calm.
9. Don’t Skip Night Feeds (If Possible)
Nighttime is prime time for milk-making hormones. Nursing or pumping between 1–5 AM helps maintain or increase breastmilk supply.
10. Get Support When You Need It
You don’t have to figure this out alone. A lactation consultant can troubleshoot latch issues, feeding schedules, and help you build a realistic plan that works for your baby and your lifestyle.
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How to Increase Breastmilk Supply Quickly
If you’re in urgent need of a supply boost, here are three fast-acting methods that can help you increase breastmilk supply within a few days:
1. Add a Power Pumping Session
This method tricks your body into thinking baby is cluster feeding — a natural way to signal your body to make more milk. Do it once daily for 2–4 days for best results.
👉 Don’t forget to grab your free Power Pumping Schedule to make this even easier! 🍼
2. Breastfeed or Pump More Often
Try feeding every 2 hours during the day for a day or two — and don’t be afraid to offer the breast more often, even if baby isn’t showing strong hunger cues.
3. Use Breast Compressions
Compressions help empty the breast more completely and stimulate additional letdowns. This can help boost supply and increase the amount of milk baby gets per feed.
Final Thoughts
Low milk supply is one of the most common breastfeeding concerns — and the emotional toll it can take is real. But most of the time, supply can be supported and improved with a few simple adjustments.
Remember: breastfeeding is a relationship, not a test. Whether you’re exclusively nursing, combo feeding, exclusively pumping, or formula feeding, you’re doing a beautiful job. Fed is best! And if you’re trying to increase milk supply, you’re already showing just how much love you’re pouring into your journey.
You’ve got this, mama 🤎