Low Milk Supply: What the Guidance Says Helps
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La Leche League says low milk supply is rare, yet it is one of the most common concerns of mothers and a frequent reason for turning to formula. 1 The NHS says that, generally, the more the baby feeds, the more breast milk is produced. 2 Below is what recognised health bodies say about how supply works, what they report helps, and when to get support, quoted and linked.
Key takeaways
- La Leche League says low milk supply is rare, though it is a very common worry. 1
- The NHS says that, generally, the more the baby feeds, the more breast milk is produced. 2
- The NHS says holding the baby close, especially skin to skin, helps increase milk supply. 2
- The NHS says if you are worried your baby is not getting enough milk, talk to your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible. 2
**A quick, honest note:** we're not medical professionals - everything here was researched by us from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page, and it isn't professional advice. Read our full note ↓
How does milk supply work?
La Leche League says milk production works on supply and demand: the more milk the baby drinks, the more milk the body makes. 1 La Leche League adds that a well-latched baby who breastfeeds frequently on demand will produce plentiful milk, even during stressful times. 1
It also offers perspective on how common a genuine shortfall is: La Leche League says low milk supply is rare, yet it is one of the most common concerns of mothers and a frequent reason for turning to formula. 1
What helps low milk supply?
La Leche League says skin-to-skin contact reduces stress and increases breast milk supply, 1 and the NHS says holding the baby close, especially skin to skin, helps increase milk supply. 2
For anyone expressing, the CDC says pumping as often as the baby normally drinks should help the body make about the amount of milk the baby needs, 3 and that adding an extra pumping session, when it is hard to pump enough, can help increase milk supply. 3 The NHS adds that if you have to spend time apart from your baby and are unable to breastfeed, regularly expressing your breast milk helps maintain your supply. 2
When should I get help?
The NHS says that if you are worried your baby is not getting enough milk, you should talk to your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible. 2 This article only reports what the sources say; a real assessment is a job for one of those professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Is low milk supply common?
La Leche League says it is rare, though it is one of the most common worries. 1
How can I make more milk?
The NHS says the more the baby feeds, the more milk is produced. 2
Does skin-to-skin help?
The NHS says holding the baby close, especially skin to skin, helps increase milk supply. 2
When should I seek help?
The NHS says to talk to your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible if you are worried. 2
A note from us
We're the team behind Yael & Michal. We are not doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, or psychologists, and nothing here is professional advice.
Everything above was researched by us from public, reputable sources - we name and link every one of them below - and summarized as carefully as we could, as a free resource for other mothers. We do this because we wished something like it had existed for us.
When we name an organisation such as the CDC, the NHS, La Leche League, or the Israeli Ministry of Health, we are only citing their published guidance; it does not mean they endorse, sponsor, approve, or are affiliated with us. They have no involvement with this site, and we never use their logos or seals.
Yael & Michal sells nursing bras, which are comfort garments and not medical devices; we do not claim they prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. The health information here is written for you as a free resource - it is separate from anything we sell.
We try hard to get it right, and we cite our sources so you can check us. But we are not a medical authority, and this cannot replace talking to a professional who knows you and your baby. Please check anything that matters with your doctor, midwife, or an IBCLC lactation consultant. This content has not been reviewed by a medical professional. Reading this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship, or any other professional relationship, between you and us.
If something feels urgent, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services.
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Sources
- La Leche League International (LLLI). https://llli.org/news/increasing-breastmilk-supply/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
- NHS (National Health Service, UK). https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-challenges/milk-supply/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/pumping-breast-milk.html (retrieved 2026-07-10).