Is It Too Late to Increase My Milk Supply? Here’s the Truth You Need to Know
- jaimiezaki
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
"My baby is a month old -- is it too late to increase my breastmilk supply?" was recently a question asked by an Instagram Follower... So here's what you need to know...
Struggling with low milk supply and wondering, “Is it too late to increase my milk supply?”Let me assure you, friend—it’s not too late. Whether you're one week, one month, or several months postpartum, there's still hope. You can still increase your breastmilk supply—and you don’t have to do it alone.
In this post, we’ll walk through what really impacts milk supply, how to get it back on track, and how to tune into your body so you can breastfeed with confidence.
How Milk Supply Really Works
Let’s clear this up: milk supply is not set in stone. It’s based on a supply-and-demand system. When milk is removed consistently and effectively—by baby or by pump—your body gets the message to make more.
Early on, milk production is mostly hormone-driven. But after those first few weeks, your body starts responding more to how much milk is being removed and how often. This is great news, because it means we can influence supply with the right strategies.
Common Causes of Low Milk Supply
There are so many reasons a mom might experience low milk supply—and most of them have nothing to do with her body “failing.”
Here are a few that show up often:
A baby who’s not latching well or not feeding effectively
Using a pump that doesn’t fit correctly or isn’t removing milk well
Supplementing with formula without protecting your milk supply
Long stretches between feedings or skipped night feeds
Birth complications or unresolved physical trauma
Undiagnosed issues like tongue-tie, retained placenta, or thyroid imbalance
Low milk supply isn’t a personal failure—it’s a sign that something deeper may need attention. And there are ways to fix it.
How to Increase Breastmilk Supply Naturally
If you’re ready to make more milk, here’s where to focus:
1. Prioritize Effective Milk Removal
Whether you’re nursing or pumping, the key is to empty the breast thoroughly and often. A baby with a shallow latch or oral restrictions might not remove enough milk—even if it looks like they’re feeding well.
If you’re pumping, check your flange size, suction settings, and routine. Don’t just pump—pump smart.
2. Increase Frequency
More frequent feedings = more stimulation = more milk. Yes, it might feel like a lot to increase pumping and/or feeding. But it won’t always be this intense—and the payoff is worth it. If you need help figuring out HOW to make that work, book a virtual lactation consultation here for personalized guidance that works for you.
3. Don’t Skip Night Feeds
Your prolactin (the milk-making hormone) is highest in the early morning hours. Skipping night feedings can send the signal to slow down milk production. Even one extra overnight session can help increase your milk supply.
4. Address the Root Cause
If you’ve been doing “all the things” and still not seeing progress, it might be time to dig deeper. Tongue ties, hormonal imbalances, or retained placental fragments can sabotage even the best efforts. You don’t have to figure this out alone—a lactation consultant can help.
You’re Not Failing—You’re Figuring It Out
If your breastfeeding journey isn’t going as planned, I want you to hear this: you are not broken. Breastfeeding is beautiful, but it’s not always intuitive or easy.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or heartbroken about low supply, I see you—and I promise there’s hope.
This isn’t about pushing your body past its limits. It’s about understanding what’s happening, getting support, and making choices that protect your bond with your baby and your well-being.
Personalized Support to Boost Your Milk Supply
Imagine knowing exactly what’s going on with your supply—and what to do next. No more 2 a.m. Googling. No more second-guessing.
That’s what virtual lactation consults are for. We can figure out together what’s helping, what’s not, and how to create a plan that actually works for you. (Yes, even if you're exclusively pumping. Yes, even if you're a few months in. Yes, even if everyone told you to just “top up with formula.”)
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Too Late to Increase Your Milk Supply
If you’ve been asking, “Is it too late to increase my milk supply?”—I hope this post gives you clarity and courage. The answer is no. It’s not too late. It might take strategy. It might take support. But it is absolutely possible.
Need personalized breastfeeding help?
🤱 Book a Virtual Consult – Let’s dig into your unique situation and create a clear plan forward..
Jaimie Zaki is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 5! Jaimie has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader, worked as a nurse, doula, and birth photographer, and is the host of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast and founder of the Confident MamaBear Society. Jaimie provides holistic breastfeeding advice for pregnant & new moms, helping them overcome unexpected latching trouble and milk supply issues. She empowers mothers to make informed decisions from a place of confidence and intuition.
Breastfeeding Resources Available:
1:1 Breastfeeding Support (Virtual)
Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast