Boost Milk Supply: How to Build a Good Milk Supply Right from Birth

Hi Mumma-to be! Did you know that building a good milk supply right from birth can make your breastfeeding journey so much easier? As a pregnant mum, you might be a bit worried about making enough milk and be thinking to yourself, I’ll breastfeeding IF I CAN”. I totally get it—I’ve been there too! But I have good news for you. Most mums can make enough milk with the right information and support and I’m going to tell you how. In this post, I’ll share some important tips to help you boost your milk supply from the very beginning. This way, you won’t have to worry about fixing it later. I’ll explain how milk supply works and easy steps you can take to help your body make enough milk for your baby.

How Your Milk Supply Works

To boost milk supply, you need to understand that your body makes milk based on a supply = demand system. The more your baby empties your breasts, the more milk you will make. It’s an amazing cycle! Studies show that feeding your baby often and early can help you build a strong milk supply.

Why Building a Good Milk Supply Matters

Why is it important to build a good milk supply right from the start? In the first few weeks after birth, your milk-making hormones are at their highest. This is the best time to tell your breasts to make more milk and boost milk supply! Around 6 to 8 weeks, those hormone levels go back to what they were before pregnancy, and your milk supply depends more on how much your baby feeds. You can still boost your milk supply after this time, but it’s a lot harder! So, getting your supply working well early makes breastfeeding so much easier!

Also, having a strong milk supply means your baby gets all the nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong. Plus, breastfeeding helps you create a special bond with your little one. When you feel good about your milk supply, it can help reduce your worries and allow you to enjoy those newborn days as a mum.

How to Boost Your Milk Supply Right From Birth

Here are 7 simple tips to help you build a great milk supply right from the start:

1. Lots of Skin-to-Skin Time

Spend time holding your baby skin to skin. This helps trigger their feeding instincts and encourages them to look for your breast. Skin-to-skin contact also helps your body make milk and helps you bond with your baby. It makes your baby feel safe and comfortable, too.

2. Make Sure Baby Is Latching Well

A good latch is really important! This helps your baby to empty your breasts better and more easily which tells your breasts to keep making more milk. Try to hold your baby so their tummy is against yours. Their chin should touch your breast, and their mouth should be wide open to take a big mouthful. It should NOT hurt! Baby not latching right is the most common cause for low milk supply and nipple pain, so it’s really important to get this right quickly. For a deeper dive on how to help baby get a good latch so you can avoid supply problems and the dreaded nipple pain, download this free guide.

3. Frequent Breastfeeds

Feed your baby whenever they show signs of being hungry. Most babies less than 6 months old will want to breastfeed at least 8 to 12 times in a day. The more they feed, the more milk your breasts will make, helping to build a good milk supply.

4. Offer Both Breasts at Each Feed

Encourage your baby to feed from both breasts at each feed. This will help your baby get more milk, which will tell your breasts to make more milk and boost milk supply. You might find your baby doesn’t feed for as long on the second side, or they might not want the second side at all. Both of these are ok as long as your baby’s showing the signs they’re getting enough milk. If you’re not sure how to tell if bub’s getting enough milk, I’ve got your back. This free guide lays it all out for you. If your baby doesn’t want the second breast, just start on the fuller side at the next feed.

5. Let Baby Finish the First Side Before Switching

Let your baby choose when they’re done on the first breast before you switch to the other. Switching too soon can mean that your baby doesn’t get enough milk, and your breasts haven’t been emptied, so they don’t get the message to make more milk. Your milk supply might not build to be enough for your baby, or with time your milk supply can decrease. Wait for bub to come off on their own or watch for their swallowing to finish before switching to be sure they’ve had enough.

6. Offer the Breast for Comfort

No, this is NOT a bad habit! Comfort sucking is a completely valid and normal reason for your baby to want to breastfeed! If your baby wants to suck for comfort, let them do it. The more they suck, the more it helps your breasts make milk. Using a dummy for comfort can reduce milk supply because your baby’s spending less time feeding from your breasts. Check out this blog post for more info on how dummies can affect breastfeeding.

7. Offer the Breast at Earliest Hunger Signs

When you pay attention to your baby’s early hunger signs, it helps you feed them more often. This tells your body to make more milk. Waiting too long between feeds can make your breasts produce less milk, so be ready to feed them when you see those signs! Feeding according to a strict routine that tries to stretch out the time between feeds can reduce your milk supply, so it’s best to follow your baby’s lead.

If at any time you’re worried about your milk supply, don’t wait to ask for help from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Getting support early can really help you with breastfeeding.

Key Steps for Building a Strong Milk Supply

In summary, building a good milk supply from the start is about knowing how your body works and listening to your baby’s needs. By doing skin-to-skin contact, making sure your baby has a good latch, feeding often, and using your breast for comfort, you can set yourself up for breastfeeding success!

Got questions about building a good milk supply? Or want to share your thoughts? Send me a DM on Instagram—I’d love to chat with you!

Don’t forget… You’ve got this, mumma! 🙌