How to increase breastmilk supply | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>How to increase breastmilk supply | Pregnancy Birth and Baby</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeAhEscAAAAAO9eGSbL5si6jhBXQ4b_FI70lRiy"></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Read on to learn about some of the causes of low breastmilk supply, what is normal and tips on how to boost your milk production."> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta name="referrer" content="always" /> <meta name="DC.Format" schema="DCterms:IMT" content="text/html" /> <meta name="DC.Type" content="text/html"> <meta name="DC.Title" xml:lang="EN" content="How to increase breastmilk supply" /> <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Subject" xml:lang="EN" content="Breastfeeding,Breast Milk"> <meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="ISO8601" content="2024-06-12T06:56:21.781Z"> <meta name="DC.Description" xml:lang="EN" content="Read on to learn about some of the causes of low breastmilk supply, what is normal and tips on how to boost your milk production."> <meta property="og:description" content="Read on to learn about some of the causes of low breastmilk supply, what is normal and tips on how to boost your milk production."> <meta name="DC.Rights" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Language" content="en-AU"> <meta property="og:title" content="How to increase breastmilk supply"> <meta property="og:type" content="article"> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply"> <meta property="og:image" content="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/general/primary/breastfeeding-BY65WB.jpg"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply"> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/amp/article/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply"> <script type="application/ld+json">{"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","name":"Let down reflex infographic","@id":"https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/let-down-reflex-diagram-03cce8.jpg","url":"https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/let-down-reflex-diagram-03cce8.jpg"},"audience":{"@type":"ParentAudience","name":"Parent","@id":"http://schemaapp.com/db/Healthdirect_Australia/Pregnancy_Birth__Baby/Audience_Parents"},"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some causes of a low milk supply?","@id":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply#Question1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What are some causes of a low milk supply? Answer","text":"There are many reasons why you may have low milk supply. Some possible medical causes for a low milk supply include: delays in breastfeeding after the birth of your baby — for example, if you and your baby were separated, because your baby needed to be admitted to the special care nursery or if you were unwell after the birth poor attachment to the breast — if you have flat or inverted nipples, your baby has a tongue or lip tie, is sleepy because of jaundice, or due to a difficult or prolonged birth if you are unwell — due to problems such as mastitis, retained placental tissue or large blood loss after your baby is born medical problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, diabetes certain medicines previous breast or nipple surgery Other factors may include: feeding your baby at scheduled feeding times, rather than feeding your baby on demand (when they want to) taking an oral contraceptive pill that contains oestrogen combining formula feeding with breastfeeding skipping breastfeeds, without expressing milk when your baby would otherwise breastfeed use dummies or nipple shields long term smoking","@id":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply#Answer1","url":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply#reasons"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do I know that my baby is getting enough milk?","@id":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply#Question2","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How do I know that my baby is getting enough milk? Answer","text":"Always look at the ‘whole’ picture to ensure that your baby's growth and development is with normal limits.\n\nYour baby is getting enough breastmilk if they:\n\ngo through 6 to 8 wet nappies in a 24-hour period, including at least a few dirty (poo) nappies\nwake for feeds by themselves and feed energetically at the breast\nhave 8 to 12 breastfeeds in 24 hours\npass soft yellow stools\nsettle and sleep fairly well after most feeds\nare back to birth weight in about 2 weeks after birth\ngain about 150g or more every week for the first 3 months","@id":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply#Answer2","url":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply#enough-milk"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I increase my breastmilk supply?","@id":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply#Question3","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How can I increase my breastmilk supply? Answer","text":"The main way to increase breastmilk supply is through breastfeeding or expressing milk more than you currently do. The more you feed the more breastmilk your body will produce. Here are some tips to increase your breastmilk supply: Ensure that your baby is attaching well and removing milk efficiently from the breast. Be prepared to feed your baby more often — breastfeed on demand every 2 to 3 hours and at least 8 times in 24 hours. Use both breasts at each feeding; if you can, offer each breast twice. Express for a few minutes after each breastfeed. This will provide extra stimulation to your breasts, to signal them to produce more milk. When your baby is feeding, compress your breast to aid milk flow; as this will also encourage more effective sucking. Look after yourself: make sure you are drinking enough water, eating a healthy balanced diet, not missing any meals and resting as much as possible between breastfeeds. Other options to ask your doctor or lactation consultant about include: a supplemental nursing system or 'supply line' herbal treatments and/or medicines that are known to increase milk supply (galactagogues) Some cultures use food or herbs to increase breastmilk supply, but many of these have not been formally studied to ensure their safety or effectiveness. Domperidone is a prescription medicine that can increase the hormone prolactin, which stimulates breastmilk production. Your doctor may recommend this if this medicine is right for you.","@id":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply#Answer3"}}],"keywords":["cluster feeing","breast milk supply"],"@type":"FAQPage","description":"Read on to learn about some of the causes of low breastmilk supply, what is normal and tips on how to boost your milk production.","dateModified":"2024-01-24T13:27:00Z","@context":"http://schema.org","significantLink":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/let-down-reflex","url":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply","name":"How to increase breast milk supply","@id":"https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply","sameAs":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_milk#Production"}</script> <script src="https://cdn-oc.readspeaker.com/script/8207/webReader/webReader.js?pids=wr" type="text/javascript" id="rs_req_Init"></script> <script> dataLayer = []; </script>  <script> (function (w, d, s, l, i) { w[l] = w[l] || []; w[l].push({ 'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(), event: 'gtm.js' }); var f = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j = d.createElement(s), dl = l != 'dataLayer' ? '&l=' + l : ''; j.async = true; j.src = 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=' + i + dl; f.parentNode.insertBefore(j, f); })(window, document, 'script', 'dataLayer', 'GTM-WKPRGTK');</script>   <link rel="icon" href="/assets/images/favicon.png" />  <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="144x144" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon-144x144-precomposed.png">  <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="114x114" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon-114x114-precomposed.png">  <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="72x72" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon-72x72-precomposed.png">  <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png"> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/151/styles/main.css"> <script type="text/javascript"> var HDW = { mediaCdn: 'https://media.healthdirect.org.au/', siteId: 'hin', nhsdApi: '7de96a3a4efb4b93b19035e6ee7554ef ' } </script> <style type="text/css"> .grecaptcha-badge{ display:none; } </style> <script type="text/javascript" src="/assets/151/scripts/veyron.js"></script> </head> <body>  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-WKPRGTK" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <header class="hda-head veyron-hda-header"> <div class="hda-head_content"> <div class="hda-head_content-common"> <div class="hda-head_col-logo"> <a href="/" class="hda-head_col-logo-link"> <img class="hda-head_col-logo-img" src="/assets/images/logo-pbb.svg" alt="Pregnancy Birth and Baby logo"> </a> </div> <div class="hda-head_col-gov-logo"> <img src="/assets/images/logo_dep-health.svg"> </div>  <div class="hda-head_col-search">  <form id="search-form-node-mobile-mode" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search"> <div role="combobox" aria-expanded="false" aria-owns="header-search-suggestions" aria-haspopup="listbox"> <input tabindex="0" id="header-search" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-field" type="search" autocomplete="off" name="searchterm" placeholder="Search our site" title="Suggestion options" aria-label="Enter your search terms" aria-autocomplete="list"> </div> <ul id="header-search-suggestions" class="dropdown-menu hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-list veyron-search-list" role="listbox" position="position"> <li class="primary-search-list-item" role="option"> <a tabindex="-1" rel="nofollow" href="/search-results/{{url}}">{{label}}</a> </li> </ul> <button tabindex="0" aria-label="search" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-submit veyron-search-lens-btn" type="button"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-icon"></i> </button> </form> <script type="text/javascript"> primarySearch('node-mobile-mode'); </script> <div class="hda-head_col-mob-menu mobile-only"> <button class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-btn" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-btn-icon"></i> Menu </button> </div> </div> <div class="hda-head_content-common-print"> <p> <strong>Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.</strong><br /> It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile </p> <p> <strong>Is it an emergency? Dial 000</strong><br /> If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately. </p> </div> </div> <div class="hda-head_menu-row"> <nav class="hda-head_menu-row-bar">  <ul> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <button class="hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnPregnancy" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="PregnancyMenu" > Pregnancy </button> <ul id="hda-head_menu-Pregnancy" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2" id="PregnancyMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuPregnancy" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/planning-for-pregnancy">Planning for pregnancy</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/fertility">Understanding fertility</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/health-during-pregnancy">Healthy pregnancy</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-checkups-and-scans">Checkups, screenings and scans</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/healthcare-during-pregnancy">Healthcare during pregnancy</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/parenting-mental-health-and-wellbeing">Mental health and wellbeing</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-week-by-week">Pregnancy week-by-week</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/common-pregnancy-problems">Common pregnancy discomforts</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-complications">Complications during pregnancy</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-loss">Pregnancy loss</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <button class="hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnBirth" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="BirthMenu" > Birth </button> <ul id="hda-head_menu-Birth" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2" id="BirthMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuBirth" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/preparing-for-child-birth">Birth choices</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/giving-birth">Having the baby</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/having-a-caesarean">Having a caesarean</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/child-birth-complications">When birth doesn't go to plan</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/after-child-birth">Your baby after birth</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/your-body-after-having-a-baby">Your body after having a baby</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <button class="hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnBaby" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="BabyMenu" > Baby </button> <ul id="hda-head_menu-Baby" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2" id="BabyMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuBaby" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/looking-after-your-newborn">Looking after your newborn</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/baby-feeding">Feeding your baby</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/baby-sleep-and-settling">Sleep and settling your baby</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/language-and-speech">Language and speech</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/baby-development">Baby growth and development</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/baby-safety">Baby safety</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <button class="hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnChild" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="ChildMenu" > Child </button> <ul id="hda-head_menu-Child" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2" id="ChildMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuChild" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/healthy-eating-for-kids">Healthy eating for kids</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/sleep-and-your-child">Sleep and your child</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/childrens-milestones">Children's development</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/childhood-behaviours">Childhood behaviours</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/common-childhood-illnesses">Common childhood illnesses</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/disability-and-chronic-illness">Disability and chronic illness</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/your-childs-safety">Your child's safety</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <button class="hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnParenting" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="ParentingMenu" > Parenting </button> <ul id="hda-head_menu-Parenting" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2" id="ParentingMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuParenting" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/being-a-parent">Practical parenting</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/parenting-mental-health-and-wellbeing">Mental health and wellbeing</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/being-a-father">Dad's guide to fatherhood</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/parental-rights-and-finances">Parental rights and finances</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <button class="hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnA-Z topics" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="A-Z topicsMenu" > A-Z topics </button> <ul id="hda-head_menu-A-Z topics" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2" id="A-Z topicsMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuA-Z topics" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-and-baby-topics">A-Z topics</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <button class="hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnTools and services" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="Tools and servicesMenu" > Tools and services </button> <ul id="hda-head_menu-Tools and services" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2" id="Tools and servicesMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuTools and services" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/about-pregnancy-birth-and-baby">About Pregnancy, Birth and Baby</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/due-date-calculator">Due date calculator</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/australian-health-services">Find a health service</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-birth-and-baby-for-health-professionals">For health professionals</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/glossary-of-pregnancy-and-labour">Glossary of pregnancy and labour</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-helpline-numbers">Helpline numbers</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/understanding-pregnancy-and-parenting-in-pictures">Infographics and videos</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/my-health-record">My Health Record</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/newsletters">Newsletters</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-and-baby-apps">Pregnancy and baby apps</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pbb-promotional-material">Promotional material</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/video-call">Video call</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="hda-head_mobile-screen mobile-only"></div>  <nav class="hda-head_mobile-menu mobile-only"> <header> Menu <button class="hda-head_mobile-menu-btn-close"> Close <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-btn-close-icon"></i> </button> </header> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1">  <li> <a href="/newsletters" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-subs-btn">Subscribe</a> </li> <li> <button class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnMenuPregnancy" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="PregnancyMenu" > Pregnancy <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn__is-closed"></i> </button> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-2" id="PregnancyMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuPregnancy" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/planning-for-pregnancy">Planning for pregnancy</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/fertility">Understanding fertility</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/health-during-pregnancy">Healthy pregnancy</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-checkups-and-scans">Checkups, screenings and scans</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/healthcare-during-pregnancy">Healthcare during pregnancy</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/parenting-mental-health-and-wellbeing">Mental health and wellbeing</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-week-by-week">Pregnancy week-by-week</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/common-pregnancy-problems">Common pregnancy discomforts</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-complications">Complications during pregnancy</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-loss">Pregnancy loss</a> </li> </ul> <button class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnMenuBirth" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="BirthMenu" > Birth <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn__is-closed"></i> </button> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-2" id="BirthMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuBirth" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/preparing-for-child-birth">Birth choices</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/giving-birth">Having the baby</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/having-a-caesarean">Having a caesarean</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/child-birth-complications">When birth doesn't go to plan</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/after-child-birth">Your baby after birth</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/your-body-after-having-a-baby">Your body after having a baby</a> </li> </ul> <button class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnMenuBaby" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="BabyMenu" > Baby <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn__is-closed"></i> </button> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-2" id="BabyMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuBaby" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/looking-after-your-newborn">Looking after your newborn</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/baby-feeding">Feeding your baby</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/baby-sleep-and-settling">Sleep and settling your baby</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/language-and-speech">Language and speech</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/baby-development">Baby growth and development</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/baby-safety">Baby safety</a> </li> </ul> <button class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnMenuChild" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="ChildMenu" > Child <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn__is-closed"></i> </button> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-2" id="ChildMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuChild" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/healthy-eating-for-kids">Healthy eating for kids</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/sleep-and-your-child">Sleep and your child</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/childrens-milestones">Children's development</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/childhood-behaviours">Childhood behaviours</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/common-childhood-illnesses">Common childhood illnesses</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/disability-and-chronic-illness">Disability and chronic illness</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/your-childs-safety">Your child's safety</a> </li> </ul> <button class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnMenuParenting" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="ParentingMenu" > Parenting <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn__is-closed"></i> </button> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-2" id="ParentingMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuParenting" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/being-a-parent">Practical parenting</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/parenting-mental-health-and-wellbeing">Mental health and wellbeing</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/being-a-father">Dad's guide to fatherhood</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/parental-rights-and-finances">Parental rights and finances</a> </li> </ul> <button class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnMenuA-Z topics" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="A-Z topicsMenu" > A-Z topics <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn__is-closed"></i> </button> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-2" id="A-Z topicsMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuA-Z topics" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-and-baby-topics">A-Z topics</a> </li> </ul> <button class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn hda-js-has-secondary-menu" id="btnMenuTools and services" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="Tools and servicesMenu" > Tools and services <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1-btn__is-closed"></i> </button> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-2" id="Tools and servicesMenu" role="menu" aria-labelledby="btnMenuTools and services" > <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/about-pregnancy-birth-and-baby">About Pregnancy, Birth and Baby</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/due-date-calculator">Due date calculator</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/australian-health-services">Find a health service</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-birth-and-baby-for-health-professionals">For health professionals</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/glossary-of-pregnancy-and-labour">Glossary of pregnancy and labour</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-helpline-numbers">Helpline numbers</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/understanding-pregnancy-and-parenting-in-pictures">Infographics and videos</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/my-health-record">My Health Record</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/newsletters">Newsletters</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pregnancy-and-baby-apps">Pregnancy and baby apps</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/pbb-promotional-material">Promotional material</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item" role="none"> <a role="menuitem" href="/video-call">Video call</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> <script type="text/javascript"> initHeader(); </script> </header> <section class="main"> <a id="backToTop"></a> <section class="main_content"> <div class="main_content-col-left"> <div class="floating-header-offset mobile-only" id="socialsharebuttonanchor"></div> <div class="main_content-col-left-tools mobile-only"> <div class="social-section_share socialshare-node-mobile-mode blog__node-mobile-mode"> <div class="social-section_share-platforms"> <button class="social-section_share-platforms-print veyron-social-share-print-btn"><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_print"></i> PRINT</button> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group"> <button class="social-section_share-platforms-group-btn" aria-haspopup="false" aria-expanded="false"><i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_share"></i> SHARE</button> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group-menu"> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group-menu-tail"></div> <a title="Share this page on Facebook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply"><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_facebook"></i><span class="sr-only">share via Facebook</span></a>  <button class="share-email-button veyron-social-share-email-btn"><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_email"></i><span class="sr-only">share via Email</span></button> </div> </div> <div class="popup-content hidden"> <form name="shareForm" novalidate class="social-section_share-form"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"> <h2>Share via email</h2> </header> <section class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <section class="dor-modal_body-main-notifications"> <div class="form-error-list dor-form_error-area hidden" tabindex="0"> <p>There is a total of <span>5</span> error<span>s</span> on this form, details are below.</p> <ul> <li id="txtNameErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtName">Please enter your name</a></li> <li id="txtFromEmailErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtFromEmail">Please enter your email</a></li> <li id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel1List" class="hidden"><a href="#txtFromEmail">Your email is invalid. Please check and try again</a></li> <li id="txtToEmailErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtToEmail">Please enter recipient's email</a></li> <li id="txtToEmailErrorLabel1List" class="hidden"><a href="#txtToEmail">Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again</a></li> <li id="termsChkErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#chkTerms">Agree to Terms required</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="dor-form_success-area hidden pbb-gaTrackCaptcha-fail" id="recaptcha"> Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. </div> </section> <section class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblName">Your name: <span class="sr-only">is required</span></label> <p id="txtNameErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="text" id="txtName" name="shareFromName" maxlength="50" aria-labelledby="lblName" aria-describedby="txtNameErrorLabel" aria-invalid="false" required> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblFromEmail">Your email: <span class="sr-only">is required</span></label> <p id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <p id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel1" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>Not a valid value</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_envelope"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="email" id="txtFromEmail" name="shareFromEmail" maxlength="50" aria-labelledby="lblFromEmail" aria-describedby="txtFromEmailErrorLabel txtFromEmailErrorLabel1" aria-invalid="false" required data-pattern=^[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+)*@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-zA-Z]{2,4})> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblToEmail">Send to: <span class="sr-only"> is required</span></label> <p id="txtToEmailErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <p id="txtToEmailErrorLabel1" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>Not a valid value</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_envelope"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="email" id="txtToEmail" name="shareToEmail" aria-labelledby="lblToEmail" maxlength="50" aria-describedby="txtToEmailErrorLabel txtToEmailErrorLabel1" aria-invalid="false" required data-pattern=^[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+)*@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-zA-Z]{2,4})> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <p id="termsChkErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only" >Error: </span>This is required</p> <label id="chkTerms" class="dor-chkrdo_group" aria-describedby="termsChkErrorLabel"> <input id="termsChk" class="checkbox-group-input" type="checkbox" name="terms" required> I have read and agree to the <a href="/terms-of-use" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/privacy-policy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a><span class="sr-only"> is required</span>. <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> </div> </section> </section> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <button class="dor-modal_body-footer-action g-recaptcha" type="submit" title="Send to a friend via email" data-sitekey="6LeAhEscAAAAAO9eGSbL5si6jhBXQ4b_FI70lRiy" data-callback='onSubmit' data-error-callback = 'onError' data-size="invisible">Submit</button> </footer> </form> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> function onSubmit(token) { sendNotification(); } function onError(error) { } initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-mobile-mode', "https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply"); </script> </div> <main class="main_content-article-text" id="mainContentArticleText"> <header> <a id="main_content-text"><span class="sr-only">beginning of content</span></a> <h1 class="main_content-title-text">How to increase breastmilk supply</h1> <p> <em>10-minute read</em> </p> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2 id="key-facts">Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>Breastmilk is produced naturally in the glands within the breast once your baby is born.</li> <li>Not having enough breastmilk supply can affect a baby’s growth and development.</li> <li>There are many reasons why breastmilk supply may be low.</li> <li>If you think that you have a low milk supply, speak to your doctor or lactation consultant for guidance on how you can increase your supply.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#how">How do my breasts make breastmilk?</a></li> <li><a href="#start">What can I do to establish healthy breastmilk supply?</a></li> <li><a href="#causes">What are some causes of a low milk supply?</a></li> <li><a href="#low">When is milk supply considered low?</a></li> <li><a href="#normal-baby">What is normal behaviour for a breastfeeding baby?</a></li> <li><a href="#normal">What is normal for me, if I am breastfeeding?</a></li> <li><a href="#enough-milk">How do I know that my baby is getting enough milk?</a></li> <li><a href="#increase-supply">How can I increase my breastmilk supply?</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="how">How do my breasts make breastmilk?</h2> <p>Milk is produced in clusters of sacs within the glands of your breasts. The milk is then carried through ducts to your nipple where the milk flows out of tiny openings – this is called the <a href="/let-down-reflex">let-down reflex</a>.</p> <p>There are many factors that influence how much breastmilk you produce, including:</p> <ul> <li>how often you <a href="/breastfeeding-your-baby">breastfeed</a></li> <li>how well your baby removes milk from your breasts</li> <li>your general health and wellbeing</li> </ul> <figure> <img src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/breastmilk-anatomy-109122.png" title="Anatomy of the breastmilk production" alt="Illustration showing the structure of the breast and the anatomy that produces breastmilk." data-hda-inline-image> <figcaption>Anatomy of the breast.</figcaption> </figure> <h2 id="start">What can I do to establish healthy breastmilk supply?</h2> <p>The best way to establish a healthy supply of breastmilk is to start breastfeeding soon after your baby is born, breastfeed often and make sure your baby is latching on correctly. Usually, your body makes enough milk to meet your baby’s needs.</p> <h2 id="causes">What are some causes of a low milk supply?</h2> <p>There are many reasons why you may have low milk supply.</p> <p>Some possible medical causes for a low milk supply include:</p> <ul> <li>delays in breastfeeding after the birth of your baby — for example, if you and your baby were separated, because your baby needed to be admitted to the <a href="/special-care-nursery">special care nursery</a> or if you were unwell after the birth</li> <li>poor attachment to the breast — if you have flat or inverted nipples, your baby has a <a href="/tongue-tie">tongue or lip tie</a>, is sleepy because of <a href="/jaundice-in-babies">jaundice</a>, or due to a difficult or prolonged birth</li> <li>if you are unwell — due to problems such as <a href="/mastitis">mastitis</a>, <a href="/retained-placenta">retained placental tissue</a> or <a href="/postpartum-haemorrhage">large blood loss</a> after your baby is born</li> <li>medical problems such as <a href="/pcos-and-pregnancy">polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)</a>, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothyroidism" target="_blank" aria-label="This link opens in a new tab.">hypothyroidism</a>, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diabetes" target="_blank" aria-label="This link opens in a new tab.">diabetes</a></li> <li>certain medicines</li> <li>previous breast or nipple surgery</li> </ul> <p>Other factors may include:</p> <ul> <li>feeding your baby at scheduled feeding times, rather than feeding your baby on demand (when they want to)</li> <li>taking an <a href="/contraception">oral contraceptive pill</a> that contains oestrogen</li> <li>combining formula feeding with breastfeeding</li> <li>skipping breastfeeds, without <a href="/expressing-and-storing-breast-milk">expressing</a> milk when your baby would otherwise breastfeed</li> <li>use <a href="/dummies-and-comforters">dummies</a> or nipple shields long term</li> <li>smoking</li> </ul> <h2 id="low">When is milk supply considered low?</h2> <p>Milk supply is considered low if you are not producing enough milk to meet your baby's normal growth and development needs.</p> <p>Low supply is usually a temporary situation that will improve with the right breastfeeding support. Making more milk is all about supply and demand — if more milk is removed from the breast, more milk is made. The less milk removed, the less made.</p> <h2 id="normal-baby">What is normal behaviour for a breastfeeding baby?</h2> <p>Some health professionals and parents have an unrealistic expectation of how the baby will behave.</p> <p>Knowing what is ‘normal’ can help you identify baby behaviours that may suggest your milk supply is low.</p> <p>It is normal for breastfeeding babies to:</p> <ul> <li>want to be fed often — breastmilk is digested in about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, while formula generally takes longer to digest</li> <li>be more demanding in the evening — you might produce less milk at this time and your baby will request fewer feeds or will '<a href="/cluster-feeding">cluster feed</a>', meaning that your baby feeds more often at certain times of the day</li> <li>like to suck even after finishing breastfeeding — sucking may comfort your baby</li> <li>want lots of cuddles and skin-to-skin contact — this makes them feel secure and ensures that your baby's needs are being met</li> <li>want to feed more often at times — this can happen when a baby is having a growth spurt</li> <li>reduce the amount of sucking time at the breast — this often happens after 2 to 3 months as your baby becomes better at breastfeeding</li> </ul> <h2 id="normal">What is normal for me, if I am breastfeeding?</h2> <p>While breastfeeding is different for everyone, the following signs are normal and do not mean that you have a low supply:</p> <ul> <li>your breasts suddenly seem softer than in the first few weeks after birth — this is normal as your milk supply adjusts to your baby's needs</li> <li>your breasts do not leak milk, stop leaking or only leak a little</li> <li>you don’t feel a '<a href="/let-down-reflex">let-down</a>' when milk pushes out of the breast</li> <li>you are unable to pump very much with an <a href="/breast-pumps">breast pump</a> — remember the baby is much more efficient and will always get more out than a breast pump</li> <li>you express less milk over time when using a breast pump</li> </ul> <h2 id="enough-milk">How do I know that my baby is getting enough milk?</h2> <p>Always look at the ‘whole’ picture to ensure that your baby's growth and development is with normal limits.</p> <p>Your baby is getting enough breastmilk if they:</p> <ul> <li>go through 6 to 8 wet nappies in a 24-hour period, including at least a few dirty (poo) nappies</li> <li>wake for feeds by themselves and feed energetically at the breast</li> <li>have 8 to 12 breastfeeds in 24 hours</li> <li>pass soft yellow stools</li> <li><a href="/baby-sleep-and-settling">settle and sleep</a> fairly well after most feeds</li> <li>are back to <a href="/how-your-baby-gains-weight">birth weight</a> in about 2 weeks after birth</li> <li>gain about 150g or more every week for the first 3 months</li> </ul> <h2 id="increase-supply">How can I increase my breastmilk supply?</h2> <p>The main way to increase breastmilk supply is through breastfeeding or expressing milk more than you currently do. The more you feed the more breastmilk your body will produce.</p> <p>Here are some tips to increase your breastmilk supply:</p> <ul> <li>Ensure that your baby is attaching well and removing milk efficiently from the breast.</li> <li>Be prepared to feed your baby more often — breastfeed on demand every 2 to 3 hours and at least 8 times in 24 hours.</li> <li>Use both breasts at each feeding; if you can, offer each breast twice.</li> <li>Express for a few minutes after each breastfeed. This will provide extra stimulation to your breasts, to signal them to produce more milk.</li> <li>When your baby is feeding, compress your breast to aid milk flow; as this will also encourage more effective sucking.</li> <li><a href="/looking-after-your-body">Look after yourself</a>: make sure you are drinking enough water, eating a healthy balanced diet, not missing any meals and resting as much as possible between breastfeeds.</li> </ul> <p>Other options to ask your doctor or lactation consultant about include:</p> <ul> <li>a supplemental nursing system or 'supply line'</li> <li>herbal treatments and/or medicines that are known to increase milk supply (galactagogues)</li> </ul> <p>Some cultures use food or herbs to increase breastmilk supply, but many of these have not been formally studied to ensure their safety or effectiveness.</p> <p>Domperidone is a prescription medicine that can increase the hormone prolactin, which stimulates breastmilk production. Your doctor may recommend this if this medicine is right for you.</p> <figure> <img src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/let-down-reflex-diagram-03cce8.jpg" title="The let-down reflex" alt="Illustration showing the flow of the let down reflex. Starting with the baby sucking the breast, which stimulates tiny nerves. This causes the brain to release hormones prolactin and oxytocin into your bloodstream." data-hda-inline-image> <figcaption>The let-down reflex is what makes breastmilk flow.</figcaption> </figure> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <p>If you think you have a low milk supply:</p> <ul> <li>Talk to your <a href="/the-role-of-your-gp">doctor</a>, <a href="https://www.lcanz.org/find-a-lactation-consultant/" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">lactation consultant</a>, <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/volunteering/what-breastfeeding-counsellor" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">breastfeeding counsellor</a> or <a href="/the-role-of-a-child-health-nurse">child health nurse</a>.</li> <li>Call the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/breastfeeding-helpline" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">National Breastfeeding Helpline</a> on 1800 686 268.</li> <li>Contact a trained specialist support and advice through <a href="https://karitane.com.au/virtual-breastfeeding-clinic" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Karitane’s virtual breastfeeding clinic</a>.</li> <li>Visit the <a href="https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-problems/low-milk-supply " target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Royal Women’s Hospital</a> for more information on low milk supply and other <a href="https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-problems/" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">breastfeeding problems</a>.</li> </ul> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <div class="cont_layout-standout" style="background-color: #ebf6f8"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left"> <img src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/w100/mchn-cta-41c120.png" data-hda-inline-image class="cont_image_is-native-w cont_layout-media-object-left"> </div> <div class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"> <h3>Speak to a maternal child health nurse</h3> <p>Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on <strong>1800 882 436</strong> or <a href="/video-call">video call</a>. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.</p> </div> </div></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au" target="_blank" title="Australian Breastfeeding Association">Australian Breastfeeding Association</a> <em>(How breasts make milk)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/" target="_blank" title="Australian Breastfeeding Association">Australian Breastfeeding Association</a> <em>(Is my baby getting enough breastmilk?)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au" target="_blank" title="Australian Breastfeeding Association">Australian Breastfeeding Association</a> <em>(Baby led attachment)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.thewomens.org.au" target="_blank" title="Royal Women's Hospital">Royal Women's Hospital</a> <em>(Low milk supply)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://karitane.com.au" target="_blank" title="Karitane">Karitane</a> <em>(Breastfeeding)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au" target="_blank" title="Australian Breastfeeding Association">Australian Breastfeeding Association</a> <em>(Cluster feeding)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au" target="_blank" title="Australian Breastfeeding Association">Australian Breastfeeding Association</a> <em>(Galactagogues (substances claimed to increase supply))<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: September 2023</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-pages-section"> <h2>Related pages</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/sore-cracked-or-bleeding-nipples" title="Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples">Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples</a> </li> <li> <a href="/breastfeeding-your-baby" title="Breastfeeding your baby">Breastfeeding your baby</a> </li> </ul> </section> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Breast Milk" title="Search results for:Breast Milk">Breast Milk</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Babies" title="Search results for:Babies">Babies</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Weaning" title="Search results for:Weaning">Weaning</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Breast Milk Expression" title="Search results for:Breast Milk Expression">Breast Milk Expression</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Breast" title="Search results for:Breast">Breast</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Mastitis" title="Search results for:Mastitis">Mastitis</a> </li> </ul> </section> </section>  <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners">  <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="58">  <a href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/expressing-and-storing-breast-milk" data-partner-url="PBB" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_self" data-guid="ECM001|6f3e4f84-fb04-4299-9219-c694b87a2bb5"> <h4><span>Expressing and storing breast milk</span></h4> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p><span>Learn how to express milk from your breasts by hand or with a pump. Expressed breast milk can be stored and fed to your baby later.</span></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website </p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pregnancy, Birth & Baby" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/PBB_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/breast-pumps" data-partner-url="PBB" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_self" data-guid="ECM001|47234437-1d74-45ed-bbdc-842dafbad138"> <h4><span>Breast pumps</span></h4> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p><span>Find out why you might need a breast pump to express milk. Learn what types there are and where to get one.</span></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website </p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pregnancy, Birth & Baby" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/PBB_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/low-supply" data-partner-url="partners/australian-breastfeeding-association" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|323113a9-157b-42a7-b3d2-d53c8a1cbb54"> <h4><span>Is it really low supply? | Australian Breastfeeding Association</span></h4> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p><span>Fussy or crying baby? Soft breasts? Baby cluster feeding? Can't pump milk? It can be hard to know what’s going on. </span></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website </p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Breastfeeding Association" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Australian-Breastfeeding-Association_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/why-supply-dropping" data-partner-url="partners/australian-breastfeeding-association" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|842bfe1d-e91d-4bfb-b73c-d198e40bed52"> <h4><span>Why is my supply dropping? | Australian Breastfeeding Association</span></h4> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p><span>Feel like you're losing your milk? Find the reasons for low supply.</span></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website </p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Breastfeeding Association" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Australian-Breastfeeding-Association_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/oversupply" data-partner-url="partners/australian-breastfeeding-association" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|16db481a-32fa-416b-b517-cbbd6632c3ea"> <h4><span>Oversupply | Australian Breastfeeding Association</span></h4> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p><span>Baby unsettled with lots of poos? Baby gags when feeding or brings up milk? These may be signs you are making too much milk. Using a silicone milk catcher can make it worse.</span></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website </p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Breastfeeding Association" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Australian-Breastfeeding-Association_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/donor-breast-milk-and-milk-banks" data-partner-url="PBB" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_self" data-guid="ECM001|e55ad570-67d1-4909-a129-114704e2afa2"> <h4><span>Donor breast milk and milk banks</span></h4> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p><span>Learn how and when donor breast milk can be used to feed babies. Donor milk from a milk bank can be especially helpful for premature or unwell babies.</span></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website </p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pregnancy, Birth & Baby" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/PBB_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/antenatal-expression-of-colostrum" data-partner-url="PBB" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_self" data-guid="ECM001|7a913192-546b-48ef-a2cf-fa0732410f90"> <h4><span>Antenatal expression of colostrum</span></h4> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p><span>Colostrum, the first breast milk, is high in antibodies. It can be expressed before you give birth. Learn if expressing colostrum is right for you.</span></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website </p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pregnancy, Birth & Baby" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/PBB_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/expressing-breastmilk/gjsd7c" data-partner-url="partners/miracle-babies-foundation" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|2408b877-b9f3-43c3-bad5-6668845113c9"> <h4><span>Expressing Breastmilk - Miracle Babies</span></h4> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p><span>Understandably, giving birth to a premature or sick newborn may be a stressful time, but it is very important to start expressing milk as soon as possible</span></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Miracle Babies Foundation website </p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Miracle Babies Foundation" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/miraclebabies-new_logo-1b1921.png"> </a> <a href="https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Expressing-and-storing-breast-milk" data-partner-url="partners/wa-health" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|fe2098f1-42ff-47d1-b9fd-80739b66cedc"> <h4><span>Expressing and storing breast milk</span></h4> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p><span>This page includes information about expressing, storing, cleaning equipment, transporting and preparing expressed breastmilk for your baby.</span></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on WA Health website </p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="WA Health" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/WA_health_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/breastfeedingwithABA/blog-why-my-supply-low" data-partner-url="partners/australian-breastfeeding-association" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|c029ac78-67ca-4f38-9ece-05ce317dc730"> <h4><span>Blog: Why is my supply low? | Australian Breastfeeding Association</span></h4> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p><span>Breastfeeding...with ABA Blog. Information about breastmilk supply.</span></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website </p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Breastfeeding Association" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Australian-Breastfeeding-Association_logo.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="partner-popup-content hidden"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"> <h2>Disclaimer</h2> </header> <div class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <div class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <p>Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.</p> </div> </div> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <a target="_blank" class="main-action dor-modal_body-footer-action-link__btn" role="button">OK</a> </footer> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> HDW.partnerResults = JSON.parse('{\"localContentConfig\":{\"PBB\":{\"logo\":\"PBB_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"Pregnancy, Birth & Baby\"},\"MHC\":{\"logo\":\"MHC_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mindhealthconnect.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"mindhealthconnect\"},\"HIN\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"},\"HCW\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/about.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"}}}'); initArticleSearchResults(JSON.parse('{\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au\/api\/search\/content\/pbb_keyword?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&q=low%20breast%20milk%20supply&bq=subject_uri%22http%3A%2F%2Fthesaurus.healthdirect.org.au%2Faht%2F10004%22&rows=10&channel=PBB&start=0&fq=id:(!ECM001|d9c8b280-5422-4cb9-9836-180594010114)\",\"rejectUnauthorized\":false,\"baseEndpoint\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/pbb_keyword?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&q=low%20breast%20milk%20supply&bq=subject_uri%22http%3A%2F%2Fthesaurus.healthdirect.org.au%2Faht%2F10004%22&rows=10&channel=PBB&start=0&fq=id:(!ECM001|d9c8b280-5422-4cb9-9836-180594010114)\"}')); </script> </section> </div> <aside class="main_content-col-right print-hidden"> <div class="tablet-up"> <section> <div class="social-section_share socialshare-node-desktop-mode blog__node-desktop-mode"> <div class="social-section_share-platforms"> <button class="social-section_share-platforms-print veyron-social-share-print-btn"><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_print"></i> PRINT</button> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group"> <button class="social-section_share-platforms-group-btn" aria-haspopup="false" aria-expanded="false"><i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_share"></i> SHARE</button> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group-menu"> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group-menu-tail"></div> <a title="Share this page on Facebook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply"><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_facebook"></i><span class="sr-only">share via Facebook</span></a>  <button class="share-email-button veyron-social-share-email-btn"><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_email"></i><span class="sr-only">share via Email</span></button> </div> </div> <div class="popup-content hidden"> <form name="shareForm" novalidate class="social-section_share-form"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"> <h2>Share via email</h2> </header> <section class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <section class="dor-modal_body-main-notifications"> <div class="form-error-list dor-form_error-area hidden" tabindex="0"> <p>There is a total of <span>5</span> error<span>s</span> on this form, details are below.</p> <ul> <li id="txtNameErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtName">Please enter your name</a></li> <li id="txtFromEmailErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtFromEmail">Please enter your email</a></li> <li id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel1List" class="hidden"><a href="#txtFromEmail">Your email is invalid. Please check and try again</a></li> <li id="txtToEmailErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtToEmail">Please enter recipient's email</a></li> <li id="txtToEmailErrorLabel1List" class="hidden"><a href="#txtToEmail">Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again</a></li> <li id="termsChkErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#chkTerms">Agree to Terms required</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="dor-form_success-area hidden pbb-gaTrackCaptcha-fail" id="recaptcha"> Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. </div> </section> <section class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblName">Your name: <span class="sr-only">is required</span></label> <p id="txtNameErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="text" id="txtName" name="shareFromName" maxlength="50" aria-labelledby="lblName" aria-describedby="txtNameErrorLabel" aria-invalid="false" required> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblFromEmail">Your email: <span class="sr-only">is required</span></label> <p id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <p id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel1" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>Not a valid value</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_envelope"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="email" id="txtFromEmail" name="shareFromEmail" maxlength="50" aria-labelledby="lblFromEmail" aria-describedby="txtFromEmailErrorLabel txtFromEmailErrorLabel1" aria-invalid="false" required data-pattern=^[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+)*@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-zA-Z]{2,4})> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblToEmail">Send to: <span class="sr-only"> is required</span></label> <p id="txtToEmailErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <p id="txtToEmailErrorLabel1" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>Not a valid value</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_envelope"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="email" id="txtToEmail" name="shareToEmail" aria-labelledby="lblToEmail" maxlength="50" aria-describedby="txtToEmailErrorLabel txtToEmailErrorLabel1" aria-invalid="false" required data-pattern=^[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+)*@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-zA-Z]{2,4})> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <p id="termsChkErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only" >Error: </span>This is required</p> <label id="chkTerms" class="dor-chkrdo_group" aria-describedby="termsChkErrorLabel"> <input id="termsChk" class="checkbox-group-input" type="checkbox" name="terms" required> I have read and agree to the <a href="/terms-of-use" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/privacy-policy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a><span class="sr-only"> is required</span>. <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> </div> </section> </section> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <button class="dor-modal_body-footer-action g-recaptcha" type="submit" title="Send to a friend via email" data-sitekey="6LeAhEscAAAAAO9eGSbL5si6jhBXQ4b_FI70lRiy" data-callback='onSubmit' data-error-callback = 'onError' data-size="invisible">Submit</button> </footer> </form> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> function onSubmit(token) { sendNotification(); } function onError(error) { } initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/increasing-your-breast-milk-supply"); </script> </section> <section class="related-pages-section"> <h2>Related pages</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/sore-cracked-or-bleeding-nipples" title="Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples">Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples</a> </li> <li> <a href="/breastfeeding-your-baby" title="Breastfeeding your baby">Breastfeeding your baby</a> </li> </ul> </section> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Breast Milk" title="Search results for:Breast Milk">Breast Milk</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Babies" title="Search results for:Babies">Babies</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Weaning" title="Search results for:Weaning">Weaning</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Breast Milk Expression" title="Search results for:Breast Milk Expression">Breast Milk Expression</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Breast" title="Search results for:Breast">Breast</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Mastitis" title="Search results for:Mastitis">Mastitis</a> </li> </ul> </section>  <a class="hsf-widget_button__side-bar" href="/australian-health-services"><i class="dor-icon_search" aria-hidden="true"></i>  Find local health services</a> </div> <section class="main_content-article-helper mobile-only"> <a class="main_content-article-helper-sym" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker/tool?symptom=GNRC">Check your symptoms</a> <a class="main_content-article-helper-hsf" href="/australian-health-services">Find a health service</a> </section> </aside> </section> </section> <script type="text/javascript"> (function () { var mainContent = ƒ1('.main_content'); var mainContentView = ƒ1('.main_content-article-text', mainContent); var readMoreButton = ƒ1('.main_content-article-btn-read-full', mainContent); if(readMoreButton){ readMoreButton.bind('click', function(){ readMoreButton.hide(); mainContentView.addClass('main_content-article-text__is-full-view'); }); } processAngularFilters(mainContentView); })(); </script> <div class="veyron-sc-hsf-action-nav"> <section class="content_hotline"> <h1 class="sr-only">Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.</h1> <div class="content_hotline-container"> <p>Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?</p> <div class="dor-grid-container"> <div class="dor-grid-row"> <p class="dor-grid-mobile_col-12 dor-grid-tablet_col-6"> <a class="content_hotline-phone" href="tel:1800882436" data-ng-click="hotlineClicked()"><i aria-hidden="true" class="content_hotline-phone-icon"></i> 1800 882 436</a> </p> <p class="dor-grid-mobile_col-12 dor-grid-tablet_col-6"> <a class="content_hotline-phone" href="/video-call"><i aria-hidden="true" class="content_hotline-desktop-icon"></i> Video call</a> </p> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div>  <footer class="hda-foot"> <div class="hda-foot_container"> <div class="grid-row"> <div class="hda-foot_col-discover"> <ul> <li><a href="/contact-us">Contact us</a></li> <li><a href="/about-pregnancy-birth-and-baby">About us</a></li> <li><a href="/pregnancy-and-baby-topics">A-Z topics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker">Symptom Checker</a></li> <li><a href="/australian-health-services">Service Finder</a></li> <li><a href="/newsletters">Subscribe to newsletters</a></li> <li> <a href="https://about.healthdirect.gov.au/linking-to-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Linking to us</a> </li> <li><a href="/information-partners">Information partners</a></li> <li><a href="/terms-of-use">Terms of use</a></li> <li><a href="/privacy-policy">Privacy</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="hda-foot_col-social-app"> <p>Follow</p> <p> <a class="hda-foot_col-social-app-follow-icon" aria-label="link to facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/pregnancybirthandbaby/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_facebook"></i ></a>  <a class="hda-foot_col-social-app-follow-icon" aria-label="link to instagram" href="https://www.instagram.com/pregnancy_birth_and_baby/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_insta"></i ></a> </p> </div> <div class="hda-foot_col-hda"> <p> <img class="hda-foot_col-gov-logo-hda" src="/assets/images/logo-hda-white.svg" alt="healthdirect logo" /> <img class="hda-foot_col-gov-logo-aus" src="/assets/images/logo_dep-health_white.svg" alt="Australiam Government coat or arms" /> </p> <p> <em>Pregnancy, Birth and Baby</em> is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect Australia. </p> <p> Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous <a href="/about-our-content" target="_blank">clinical governance framework</a>. </p> <p> <small >This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google <a href="https://policies.google.com/privacy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a> and <a href="https://policies.google.com/terms" target="_blank">Terms of Service</a> apply. </small> </p> </div> </div> </div> </footer> <div class="hda-foot_acknowledge"> <p> Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present. </p> <p class="hda-foot_copyright"> © 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited </p> </div> <div class="hda-foot-print"> <p> This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes. </p> <p> The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional. </p> <p> Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia. </p> </div> <div class="veyron-global-popup hidden"> <div class="veyron-global-disable-screen dor-modal_screen"></div> <div class="dor-modal_body veyron-global-popup-body"> <div class="veyron-global-popup-container"> </div> <button class="dor-modal_body-exit"> <i class="dor-icon_cross"></i> </button> </div> </div>  <div class="veyron-legacy-browser-msg-popup-content hidden"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"> <h2>Support this browser is being discontinued for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby</h2> </header> <section class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <section class="dor-form_error-area"> <p>Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site</p> <ul> <li>Internet Explorer 11 and lower</li> </ul> </section> <section class="dor-modal_body-main"> <p>We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.google.com.au/chrome/">Chrome by Google</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new">Firefox by Mozilla</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge">Microsoft Edge</a></li> <li><a href="https://support.apple.com/en_AU/downloads/safari">Safari by Apple</a></li> </ul> <p>You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.</p> </section> </section> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <button class="dor-modal_body-footer-action veyron-popup-ok">Continue</button> </footer> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> function supportedIE() { var ua = window.navigator.userAgent; // Test values; Uncomment to check result … // IE 10 // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; MSIE 10.0; Windows NT 6.2; Trident/6.0)'; // IE 11 // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.3; Trident/7.0; rv:11.0) like Gecko'; // Edge 12 (Spartan) // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; WOW64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/39.0.2171.71 Safari/537.36 Edge/12.0'; // Edge 13 // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/46.0.2486.0 Safari/537.36 Edge/13.10586'; var msie = ua.indexOf('MSIE '); if (msie > 0) { // IE 10 or older => return version number // return parseInt(ua.substring(msie + 5, ua.indexOf('.', msie)), 10); return false; } var trident = ua.indexOf('Trident/'); if (trident > 0) { // IE 11 => return version number // var rv = ua.indexOf('rv:'); // return parseInt(ua.substring(rv + 3, ua.indexOf('.', rv)), 10); return false; } var edge = ua.indexOf('Edge/'); if (edge > 0) { // Edge (IE 12+) => return version number // return parseInt(ua.substring(edge + 5, ua.indexOf('.', edge)), 10); return true; } // other browser return true; } function loadLegacyPopup() { var alreadyActiveSession = localStorage.getItem('isSessionActive'); // check for active session and or user logged in if(!alreadyActiveSession && !supportedIE()){ // user has alread visited clicked on continue where localStorage isSessionActive is set var ƒ = window['ƒ']; var ƒ1 = window['ƒ1']; var popupContainer = ƒ.openPopup(); var PopupContent = ƒ1('.veyron-legacy-browser-msg-popup-content').clone(); popupContainer.innerHTML = PopupContent.innerHTML; var continueBtn = ƒ1('.veyron-popup-ok', popupContainer); setTimeout(ƒ.setPopupHeight(), 0); continueBtn.bind('click', function(){ ƒ.closePopup(); localStorage.setItem('isSessionActive', 'Visited'); }); } } loadLegacyPopup(); </script> <div id="veyron-throbber" class="hidden"> <div class="dor-throbber_screen"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body">  <div class="dor-throbber_body-container"> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect1"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect2"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect3"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect4"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect5"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect6"></div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="/components/veyron/bootstrapper.js"></script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

How to increase breastmilk supply | Pregnancy Birth and Baby