Can You Increase Your Milk Supply While Pregnant?

Posted on February 23, 2026

Introduction
The Science of Milk Supply During Pregnancy
Can You Use Lactation Supplements While Pregnant?
Managing Your Nursing Child’s Nutrition
The Physical Challenges of Nursing While Pregnant
How to Support Your Body Naturally
When is it Time to Wean?
Will Breastfeeding During Pregnancy Hurt the New Baby?
Looking Ahead: Tandem Nursing
Summary of Key Points
FAQ

Introduction

Finding out you are pregnant while still breastfeeding an older child can bring up a whirlwind of emotions. You might feel a surge of excitement for the new addition to your family, mixed with a little bit of "how am I going to do this?" energy. It is a unique and beautiful journey, but it also comes with its own set of physiological hurdles. Many parents worry about whether they can maintain enough milk for their nursing child while their body focuses on growing a new life.

At Milky Mama, we understand that you want the best for both of your children. If you want extra support as you navigate this season, our breastfeeding help page is a great place to start. Whether you are nursing a toddler or an infant who hasn't quite reached the one-year mark, the question of supply is likely at the top of your mind. You may have heard that milk supply naturally drops during pregnancy, leading you to wonder if there are ways to boost it back up.

This post will explore the biological reality of breastfeeding during pregnancy, why supply typically shifts, and what you can realistically do to support your lactation journey. While pregnancy hormones change the rules of the game, understanding how your body works can help you navigate this transition with confidence. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make the best decisions for your family.

The Science of Milk Supply During Pregnancy

To understand if you can increase your milk supply while pregnant, we first have to look at how pregnancy hormones interact with lactation. Under normal circumstances, milk production is driven by a "supply and demand" system. When milk is removed, your body produces more. However, pregnancy introduces a powerful new set of biological priorities.

The Role of Progesterone

When you become pregnant, your levels of progesterone and estrogen rise significantly. These hormones are essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and helping your baby grow. However, progesterone acts as a "lactation inhibitor." It essentially puts the brakes on the high-volume milk production you experienced before getting pregnant.

Even if you continue to nurse frequently or use a breast pump, these hormonal signals are often stronger than the "demand" signal. This is why many parents notice a significant dip in supply as early as the first trimester. For most, this decrease is a result of biology, not a lack of effort or "weak" supply.

Shift in Milk Composition

Around the midpoint of your pregnancy—usually between weeks 16 and 20—your body begins to transition back to producing colostrum. Colostrum is the thick, nutrient-dense "liquid gold" designed for a newborn. It is produced in much smaller quantities than mature milk.

This transition happens regardless of how often you nurse. Because colostrum is higher in salt and lower in sugar than mature milk, the taste also changes. This shift in both volume and flavor is often why some older children choose to self-wean during their parent's pregnancy.

Supply and Demand vs. Hormonal Control

In a typical breastfeeding journey, we recommend frequent nursing and power pumping to boost supply. During pregnancy, these methods are often less effective. While staying consistent with milk removal can help maintain what you have, it may not be able to "override" the hormonal shifts that are telling your body to prioritize the pregnancy.

Key Takeaway: Milk supply usually decreases during pregnancy due to high progesterone levels, and standard methods like power pumping may not produce the same results as they do when you aren't pregnant.

Can You Use Lactation Supplements While Pregnant?

When supply starts to dip, many parents reach for lactation cookies, teas, or herbal supplements. However, safety is the number one priority when you are expecting. Not all ingredients that support lactation are safe for a developing fetus.

Choosing Pregnancy-Safe Support

It is important to be cautious with herbal galactagogues—substances used to increase milk supply. Many common herbs used in lactation support have not been extensively studied for safety during pregnancy. Some herbs can even cause uterine contractions, which may be risky depending on your medical history.

At Milky Mama, we always prioritize the safety of both parent and baby. Our Emergency Lactation Brownies are one of our most popular lactation treats, and they’re a delicious way to think about food-based support while you’re pregnant. However, we always recommend consulting with your OB-GYN or midwife before adding any new supplement or product to your routine while pregnant.

Ingredients to Avoid

You should avoid any supplements containing ingredients known to stimulate the uterus. We also strongly advise against using any products that contain harsh stimulants. Because every pregnancy is unique, a "wait and see" approach with herbs is often the safest path. Instead of focusing on herbal "boosters," many lactation consultants suggest focusing on nutrient-dense foods that support overall maternal wellness.

What to Do Next: Supplement Safety

Review the ingredient list of any lactation product with your healthcare provider.
Focus on food-based supports like oatmeal, flax, and chia seeds.
Prioritize hydration with electrolyte-rich drinks like our Pumpin Punch™.
Monitor your body’s reaction to any new foods or treats.

Managing Your Nursing Child’s Nutrition

If your supply does decrease, your primary concern is likely ensuring your nursing child is still getting the nutrition they need. The approach depends heavily on the age of your older child.

If Your Child is Under One Year

If your nursing baby is under 12 months old, breast milk or infant formula must remain their primary source of nutrition. Because a pregnancy-related supply drop can be significant, it is vital to monitor your baby's weight and wet diapers closely.

If you notice your baby is frustrated at the breast or not gaining weight appropriately, you may need to supplement with expressed milk (if you have a freezer stash) or infant formula. Always work with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is meeting their growth milestones during this transition.

If Your Child is a Toddler

For toddlers over the age of one, the "dip" in supply is usually less of a nutritional crisis. At this age, most children are getting the majority of their calories from solid foods and other liquids. For them, breastfeeding is often more about comfort, connection, and immune support than it is about total calorie intake.

Even if you are only producing a small amount of colostrum, your toddler will still benefit from the antibodies it contains. If they are happy to continue nursing "for fun" or comfort, there is no medical reason to stop, provided your pregnancy is low-risk.

The Physical Challenges of Nursing While Pregnant

Even if you are comfortable with a lower milk supply, breastfeeding while pregnant can be physically taxing. Your body is doing double—and sometimes triple—duty.

Nipple Sensitivity and Pain

One of the most common complaints among pregnant breastfeeding moms is nipple tenderness. Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can make the nipples extremely sensitive, making the "latch" feel painful even if it was perfectly fine before.

To manage this, you can:

Ensure your child has a deep, wide latch to minimize friction.
Use a pregnancy-safe nipple balm or cooling gel pads.
Limit the duration of nursing sessions if the pain becomes too much.
Apply a warm compress before nursing to help with comfort.

Nursing Aversion (Agitation)

Some parents experience a phenomenon known as "nursing aversion" or "nursing agitation" during pregnancy. This is a sudden, intense feeling of irritability or skin-crawling discomfort when the child latches. It is a hormonal response and is very common.

If you experience this, know that you are not a "bad mom." It is a physiological reaction. Taking deep breaths, distracting yourself with a book or phone, or setting boundaries with your toddler (such as using a timer for nursing) can help you manage these feelings without ending the breastfeeding relationship before you are ready.

Increased Fatigue

Growing a human and producing milk both require a massive amount of energy. It is normal to feel more exhausted than usual. You may need to increase your caloric intake significantly—sometimes as much as 800 extra calories a day—to support your pregnancy, your nursing child, and your own energy levels.

Key Takeaway: Breastfeeding during pregnancy is physically demanding; prioritizing your comfort and increasing your calorie and fluid intake is essential for your well-being.

How to Support Your Body Naturally

While you may not be able to "force" a higher milk supply against the tide of pregnancy hormones, you can provide your body with the best possible environment to maintain what you have.

Focus on High-Quality Nutrition

Your body will prioritize the developing fetus first, the nursing child second, and your own stores last. To stay healthy, focus on nutrient-dense foods.

Protein: Lean meats, beans, tofu, and Greek yogurt.
Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, and olive oil.
Iron-Rich Foods: Spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals to prevent anemia.
Complex Carbs: Oats and quinoa for sustained energy.

Our lactation treats collection can be a great way to sneak in extra calories and breastfeeding-supportive nutrients in a way that feels like a treat.

Prioritize Hydration

Dehydration can make a low supply even worse. Pregnant and lactating parents need significantly more water than the average person. Aim for at least 10–12 glasses of water a day, but don't forget electrolytes. Beverages like our Milky Melon™ are designed to make hydration delicious while supporting your needs.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Even if the "demand" of the pump isn't working as well, the "connection" side of breastfeeding still matters. Skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, the "love hormone." While oxytocin won't necessarily override progesterone, it can help with the let-down reflex (the release of milk) and keep the breastfeeding bond strong.

What to Do Next: Self-Care Checklist

Increase your daily water intake and include electrolytes.
Eat small, frequent, protein-rich snacks to combat both hunger and morning sickness.
Practice "boundaried" nursing if you feel touched out or sore.
Get as much rest as possible—nap when the toddler naps!

When is it Time to Wean?

The decision to wean is deeply personal. Some parents choose to "tandem nurse"—feeding both the newborn and the older child after birth. Others find that the physical or emotional toll of nursing during pregnancy is too high.

Situations Where Weaning May Be Recommended

In most low-risk pregnancies, breastfeeding is considered safe. However, there are certain medical situations where your healthcare provider might suggest weaning:

If you are carrying multiples (twins or more).
If you have a history of preterm labor or are currently showing signs of it.
If you are experiencing unexplained uterine pain or bleeding.
If your doctor has advised you to abstain from sexual activity (which, like breastfeeding, releases oxytocin).

Oxytocin can cause mild uterine contractions. In a healthy pregnancy, these are usually harmless (similar to Braxton Hicks). However, in high-risk situations, any extra uterine stimulation may need to be avoided.

Listening to Your Body

If breastfeeding is causing you significant distress, it is okay to stop. Your well-being matters just as much as the benefits of breast milk. If you choose to wean, do so gradually to avoid mastitis and to give your older child time to adjust to the change.

Will Breastfeeding During Pregnancy Hurt the New Baby?

A common myth is that the nursing child will "steal" nutrients from the growing fetus. Research generally shows that this is not the case for parents who have access to adequate nutrition. Your body is designed to support the pregnancy first.

Quality of Colostrum

Some parents worry that if the older child drinks the colostrum during pregnancy, there won't be any left for the newborn. Rest assured, colostrum is not a "finite" tank. Your body will continue to produce it throughout the end of your pregnancy and in the first few days after birth. Once the placenta is delivered, your body will receive the hormonal signal to transition from colostrum to "mature" milk again.

Impact on Birth Weight

Studies on well-nourished mothers have shown that breastfeeding during pregnancy does not typically lead to lower birth weights or preterm birth. However, if your own nutrition is poor or you are struggling to gain weight during pregnancy, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian.

Looking Ahead: Tandem Nursing

If you decide to continue nursing through your pregnancy, you may find yourself tandem nursing once the baby arrives. This can be a wonderful way to help an older sibling adjust to the new baby. It can also help relieve engorgement when your milk "comes in" after delivery, as your older child is already an "expert" at removing milk.

We recommend talking to a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) through our courses collection to create a plan for tandem nursing. They can help you figure out how to ensure the newborn gets enough colostrum while still meeting the emotional needs of your toddler.

Summary of Key Points

Breastfeeding while pregnant is a journey of transition. While you may not be able to significantly increase your supply due to the natural rise of progesterone, you can certainly support your body through the process.

Hormones Rule: Progesterone is the main reason for supply drops, and it is usually stronger than pumping or nursing "demand."
Safety First: Always check with your doctor before using supplements, as some can trigger contractions.
Nutrition is Vital: You need extra calories and plenty of hydration to support two children and yourself.
Comfort is Key: Nipple sensitivity and nursing aversion are real; it’s okay to set boundaries or limit nursing time.
Every Drop Counts: Whether you nurse through the whole pregnancy or decide to wean, you are doing an amazing job.

If you need extra support, our official Milky Mama Lactation Support Group on Facebook can give you community, encouragement, and a place to ask questions. From our nourishing snacks to our supportive education, we believe every parent deserves to feel empowered in their feeding choices.

FAQ

Can I use power pumping to get my supply back while pregnant?

While power pumping is a great tool for most, it is often less effective during pregnancy because hormonal changes (high progesterone) override the physical demand for milk. You can try it to maintain what you have, but don't be discouraged if you don't see a significant increase. Always listen to your body and stop if pumping causes uncomfortable contractions.

Is it safe to take Milky Mama supplements while I'm pregnant?

Many of our food-based treats like Emergency Brownies are enjoyed by pregnant parents, but we always recommend consulting your healthcare provider first. Every pregnancy is different, and your doctor knows your specific medical history best. We generally advise being more cautious with concentrated herbal products during pregnancy.

Does my toddler still get nutrients if my milk turns to colostrum?

Yes! Even though the volume is lower, colostrum is packed with antibodies, proteins, and fats that are beneficial for your toddler’s immune system. While it may not provide all the calories they need (especially for babies under one), it still offers significant health benefits and a sense of comfort.

Will nursing during pregnancy cause me to go into early labor?

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