Why did my supply drop?
If you’ve noticed a sudden or gradual dip in your milk supply, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Milk supply can fluctuate throughout your breastfeeding journey, and there are several common (and fixable!) reasons why it might happen.
Here’s a closer look at what can cause a drop in milk supply—and what you can do to support your body and your baby through it.
1. Infrequent or Inconsistent Nursing or Pumping
Breastmilk production is a supply-and-demand system. When milk is removed less often—whether due to skipped feeds, longer stretches between pumping, or distractions during the day—your body may respond by making less.
What to do:
Offer the breast more frequently
Ensure baby is actively sucking and transferring milk
Add in a pumping session if needed, especially in the early morning when supply is often highest
2. Stress, Exhaustion, or Illness
Your body is working hard to keep up with your baby’s needs—and stress, fatigue, or even a cold can temporarily impact your milk production.
What to do:
Prioritize rest (even short naps count!)
Stay hydrated and nourished
Lean on support systems to reduce overwhelm
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormones have a big influence on supply. A drop in milk can occur:
During your period or ovulation
If you become pregnant again
When using certain hormonal birth control methods (especially those with estrogen)
What to do:
Know that many hormonal dips are temporary
If supply doesn’t rebound, consider talking to a lactation consultant about supportive strategies
4. Baby Sleeping Longer at Night
While longer stretches of sleep are a welcome milestone, they can also mean fewer overnight nursing sessions—and less milk removal overall.
What to do:
Add a dream feed or early morning pump if you notice a change
Monitor daytime feeds to ensure baby is nursing effectively and often
5. Pacifiers or Bottles Replacing Nursing Sessions
When babies are soothed or fed in ways that reduce time at the breast, milk demand can go down—and so can supply.
What to do:
Offer the breast before bottles or pacifiers, especially during growth spurts
Use paced bottle feeding when supplementing to mimic the breast and protect your supply
6. Weaning Signals (Intentional or Accidental)
Sometimes babies begin to self-wean or reduce nursing without us realizing it—especially around the time solids are introduced or when routines shift.
What to do:
Continue offering the breast before solids
Maintain regular nursing sessions even if baby is distracted or nursing for shorter periods
7. Poor Latch or Ineffective Milk Transfer
If your baby is latched poorly or isn’t draining the breast well, your body may interpret this as a sign to make less milk.
What to do:
Reevaluate latch and positioning
Check for tongue or lip ties
Consider a weighted feed or working with an IBCLC to assess transfer
8. Using a Nipple Shield or Pump Flange That Doesn’t Fit
Both tools can be helpful—but if not fitted correctly, they can reduce milk transfer and signal your body to slow production.
What to do:
Work with a lactation consultant to ensure proper fit and function
Monitor baby’s weight gain and diaper output to confirm adequate intake
9. Medications or Supplements
Some medications, including certain decongestants, antihistamines, or hormonal birth control, may impact supply.
What to do:
Talk with your provider or an IBCLC before starting or stopping any medication
Use resources like InfantRisk or LactMed to confirm compatibility with lactation
When to Seek Support
A temporary dip is often manageable with a few small changes. But if you’re feeling unsure, stressed, or concerned about your baby’s intake or weight gain, don’t wait—reach out for help.
Lactation support is not just for the newborn stage. It’s for any point along the journey when you need reassurance, strategy, or just someone to say, “You’re doing great. Let’s troubleshoot this together.”