If you’ve been telling yourself, "I can’t produce enough milk, so why even try?"—first, I want to wrap you in a big, reassuring hug. You are not alone, and I am here to walk this journey with you, step by step. Keep reading, because what I’m about to share could be the hope and answers you’ve been searching for.

However, if you’re looking for permission to stop breastfeeding because it’s simply not the right path for you or because the belief that you can’t produce enough brings you some relief from the pressure of expectations—know that you have my complete support. It’s essential to make the choice that feels right for you, and I will always provide the comfort and understanding you need to make an informed, empowered decision.

But before we dive into debunking some common myths and unveiling one of the most efficient strategies to quickly boost your supply, let me remind you of something powerful: in many cultures, it’s still common for grandmothers to re-lactate and breastfeed their grandchildren. If someone who has wholly stopped breastfeeding can re-lactate with the right approach, be reassured—you can absolutely nurture your supply, too, with the proper guidance and strategies.

How your milk production works

Milk production is an incredible process that your body is designed to support. Understanding how it works can empower you to manage and even increase your supply. Trust your body to take the lead on this one. 

At its core, your milk production is driven by a simple principle: supply and demand. The more your baby nurses (or the more frequently you pump), the more signals your body receives to produce milk. In fact, establishing early routines around feeding can set the stage for long-term success. For a deeper dive, check out The Power of Establishing Routines Early in Your Breastfeeding Journey, which emphasizes how creating consistency from the start can make all the difference in maintaining and boosting supply.

Here’s how it happens:

1. Hormonal Signals: When your baby latches and suckles, it triggers the release of two essential hormones—prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin tells your body to make more milk, while oxytocin causes the milk to flow (often called the 'let-down' reflex). This process happens each time your baby nurses or you pump, helping to maintain or increase your supply.
   
   
2. The Feedback Loop: Your breasts have special receptors that monitor how much milk is being removed. When milk is removed regularly and efficiently, your body interprets this as needing more milk, which ramps up production. On the flip side, if milk isn’t being removed often enough, your body gets the signal to slow down production.
   
   
3. Supply and Demand in Action: The key takeaway here is that consistent milk removal keeps your supply going. If your baby isn’t nursing frequently or you're not pumping often enough, your body may reduce the amount of milk it makes. However, by sticking to a routine of nursing or pumping, you can stimulate your body to produce more, especially if you face low supply issues.
   
   

What This Means for You

Even if you're struggling with supply now, the great news is that your body is adaptable. With the right strategies—like frequent nursing or pumping and some additional boosting techniques—you can build up your supply and meet your baby’s needs. In the next section, we’ll dive into those strategies and give you actionable steps to increase your milk production. 

The Power of Nighttime and Morning Pumping: Why You Shouldn’t Skip These Sessions

If one strategy can make a dramatic difference in your milk supply, it’s this: don’t skip the middle-of-the-night (MOTN) session and pump first thing in the morning. These two times of day are when your body is most primed for milk production.

Here’s why: during the night, your levels of prolactin—the hormone responsible for milk production—are at their highest. By pumping or nursing during this window, you're taking advantage of your body’s natural milk-making boost. Skipping the MOTN session can send a signal to your body that less milk is needed, leading to a reduction in overall supply. While it might be tempting to sleep through this time, especially if you’re exhausted, waking up for that quick session can pay off significantly in keeping your supply up.

Similarly, pumping first thing in the morning is another game-changer. After resting overnight (even if broken sleep), your body has had time to build up milk stores, making the morning the ideal time to express milk. You’ll likely notice that you can pump more volume in the morning than any other time of day, which helps you provide milk for your baby and boost your supply for the rest of the day. You can do it even if you have nursed your baby right before. You’ll still be able to produce milk.

By sticking to these two sessions—MOTN and morning pumping—you’re setting yourself up for success. You're maximizing your body’s natural rhythm to increase milk production. It might feel like an extra effort, but the long-term benefits of a stronger milk supply will make it worth it. Once you install that habit, showing up won’t take you much energy. 

You can start to build up your milk stash for when direct nursing won’t be possible—when you go back to work, for example, or have to leave the house unexpectedly.

Tailored Support for Every Step of Your Journey

While strategies like not skipping the MOTN session and pumping first thing in the morning are game-changers for many moms, they are just part of the puzzle. Sustainable change requires a more comprehensive approach, as there are many factors that influence milk supply—from your baby’s feeding patterns and your body’s unique needs, to your stress levels, nutrition, and even your mindset. These parameters must be taken into consideration to create a plan that works specifically for you.

That’s why my Pumping by Design program goes a step further. It offers personalized, step-by-step support that adapts to your life, helping you manage and increase your milk supply effectively over time. We work together to develop a strategy that fits seamlessly into your daily routine, addressing all the variables that can impact your breastfeeding success. Whether you’re just starting or facing challenges, I’m here to guide you through every stage.

Join the waitlist to be the first to know about the FREE live webinar I will be hosting in November, where I’ll dive deeper into these strategies and share more about the membership opening in November—designed to help you give your baby the best nutrition for as long as possible while honoring your other priorities and responsibilities.