Can You Take Prolactin to Increase Milk Supply?

Posted on March 03, 2026

Introduction
What is Prolactin and Why Does it Matter?
Can You Take Prolactin Directly?
How Medications Raise Your Prolactin Levels
Natural Ways to Boost Your Prolactin Levels
Factors That Might Lower Your Prolactin
Supporting Your Supply with Nutrition
The Role of Pumping and Prolactin
When to Seek Professional Support
Conclusion
FAQ

Introduction

Finding yourself worried about your milk supply is a common experience for many new parents. You might spend hours researching how to make more milk or looking for a "magic" solution to help your body keep up with your baby's needs. One term you will see constantly is prolactin. This is the primary hormone responsible for milk production. If prolactin makes milk, it seems logical to wonder if you can simply take it as a supplement.

At Milky Mama, we hear this question often from parents who are navigating the ups and downs of lactation. It is natural to want a direct solution when you feel like your supply is dipping. Understanding how your hormones work can help you feel more in control of your breastfeeding journey. This post will explore whether taking prolactin is a reality, how medications affect your levels, and what you can do to support your body's natural production.

Every drop counts, and you are doing an amazing job providing for your little one. While the science of lactation is complex, the solutions are often found in how we support our bodies and our routines. Our goal is to help you understand the role of prolactin so you can make informed decisions with your healthcare team.

What is Prolactin and Why Does it Matter?

Prolactin is often called the "mothering hormone." It is a protein produced by the pituitary gland, which is a small organ at the base of your brain. While it has many roles in the body, its most famous job is helping you produce milk. This process is part of what experts call lactogenesis, or the beginning of milk production.

During pregnancy, your prolactin levels naturally rise. By the time you reach your third trimester, they may be ten to twenty times higher than they were before you conceived. However, you do not produce large amounts of milk while pregnant. This is because other hormones, like estrogen and progesterone from the placenta, keep the milk-making glands "turned off." Once the placenta is delivered after birth, those hormone levels drop. This drop acts as a green light for prolactin to start working.

Prolactin works in tandem with another hormone called oxytocin. While prolactin tells your body to make the milk, oxytocin is responsible for the let-down reflex. This reflex is the process where the muscles in your breast contract to push the milk out. Without both hormones working together, breastfeeding would be very difficult.

Key Takeaway: Prolactin is the hormone that signals your breasts to create milk. It stays high as long as you continue to remove milk from your breasts regularly.

Can You Take Prolactin Directly?

When people ask if they can "take prolactin," they are usually asking if there is an over-the-counter pill or supplement containing the hormone itself. Currently, the answer for most parents in the United States is no. Prolactin is not available as a standard nutritional supplement or an easy-to-get prescription.

There has been clinical research into something called recombinant human prolactin (r-hPRL). This is a lab-made version of the hormone. In specific studies, researchers have given this to mothers with extreme prolactin deficiencies, such as those with Sheehan syndrome. This is a rare condition where the pituitary gland is damaged during childbirth. In these clinical trials, the hormone was given via injections twice a day.

For the average person experiencing a dip in supply, this is not a standard treatment. These lab-made hormones are mostly used in experimental settings or for very rare medical conditions. You cannot walk into a pharmacy and buy a bottle of prolactin. Instead of taking the hormone itself, medical professionals usually look at ways to help your body produce more of its own prolactin.

How Medications Raise Your Prolactin Levels

If you are struggling with low milk supply, a doctor or a certified lactation consultant might discuss medications with you. These are not prolactin itself. Instead, they are drugs that help your body release more of the prolactin it already makes. These are known as dopamine antagonists.

To understand how they work, you need to know about dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical in your brain that naturally inhibits, or "puts the brakes on," prolactin. When dopamine is high, prolactin stays low. Medications that block dopamine effectively "take the brakes off," allowing your pituitary gland to release more prolactin into your system.

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

In the United States, Reglan is a prescription medication sometimes used to help with milk supply. Its primary use is for digestive issues, but it has the side effect of raising prolactin. However, it is not right for everyone. A major side effect of Reglan is a high risk of depression or anxiety. If you have a history of mental health struggles, your doctor may suggest avoiding this option.

Domperidone (Motilium)

Domperidone is another medication that blocks dopamine. It is widely used in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom to boost milk supply. Many lactation experts prefer it because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier as easily as Reglan, which may lead to fewer mental health side effects. However, it is important to note that the FDA has not approved Domperidone for use in the U.S. due to concerns about potential cardiac side effects when used intravenously. Some parents still access it under specific medical guidance, but it is not a standard American prescription.

Sulpiride

This is an antipsychotic medication used in some countries to treat depression or schizophrenia. Like the others, it blocks dopamine and can lead to an increase in milk production. It is rarely the first choice for breastfeeding support because of its primary use as a psychiatric drug.

Natural Ways to Boost Your Prolactin Levels

The most effective way to increase your prolactin levels does not come in a pill. It comes from the "supply and demand" nature of breastfeeding. Your body is designed to respond to your baby's needs. When your baby nurses, the nerves in your nipple send a direct signal to your brain to release a surge of prolactin.

Frequent Nursing and Pumping

The more often you remove milk, the more prolactin your body produces. If you go long periods without nursing or pumping, your prolactin levels begin to drop. This signals to your body that it does not need to make as much milk. To keep levels high, try to nurse or pump every two to three hours during the day.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Often called "kangaroo care," holding your baby skin-to-skin is a powerful tool. This physical closeness triggers the release of both oxytocin and prolactin. It helps your body recognize that the baby is present and needs to be fed. Try spending 20 minutes before a feeding session with your baby tucked against your bare chest.

Night Feedings

Interestingly, your prolactin levels are naturally higher during the night and early morning hours. This is why many parents find they have their largest pumping output of the day first thing in the morning. While it is exhausting, those middle-of-the-night nursing sessions are actually some of the most effective for maintaining a strong milk supply long-term.

Hands-on Pumping

If you are using a breast pump, you can help stimulate more prolactin by using your hands. Massaging your breasts while you pump helps empty the milk ducts more completely. This thorough drainage signals the brain to produce more prolactin for the next "refill."

You can also pair those efforts with a resource like our skin-to-skin breastfeeding guide if you want a simple next step to support your routine.

What to do next:

Increase your nursing frequency to every 2 hours for a few days.

Practice skin-to-skin contact for at least 15 minutes before feeding.

Use breast massage while pumping to ensure the breast is fully emptied.

Factors That Might Lower Your Prolactin

Sometimes, the issue isn't that you aren't doing enough to raise your prolactin. It might be that something in your environment or routine is accidentally lowering it. Being aware of these factors can help you troubleshoot your supply more effectively.

Stress and Exhaustion

While it is easier said than done for a new parent, high levels of stress can interfere with hormone release. When your body is in "fight or flight" mode, it prioritizes survival over milk production. This can inhibit the let-down reflex and make it harder for prolactin to do its job.

Certain Medications

Some medications can inadvertently lower your prolactin. Birth control that contains estrogen is a common culprit. Estrogen can tell the brain to slow down milk production. If you need hormonal birth control, many lactation consultants recommend "progestin-only" options, often called the "mini-pill."

Smoking

Studies have shown that nicotine can lower prolactin levels in the blood. This can lead to a lower milk supply and may cause some babies to wean earlier than intended. If you are struggling with supply, reducing or quitting smoking may help your hormone levels recover.

Supplementing with Formula

When a baby receives formula, they spend less time at the breast. This means the brain receives fewer signals to produce prolactin. This can lead to a cycle where supply continues to drop because the demand has decreased. If you must supplement, try to pump during that time to keep your prolactin levels stimulated.

If you want a deeper look at why supply can dip, our article on why some people have low milk supply is a helpful companion read.

Supporting Your Supply with Nutrition

While you cannot "eat" prolactin, you can eat foods that are believed to support your body's natural hormone production. These substances are known as galactagogues. A galactagogue is simply a food, herb, or medication that may help a person produce more milk.

Many traditional cultures have used specific foods for centuries to support nursing mothers. For example, oats are a staple for many breastfeeding parents. They are high in iron and a fiber called beta-glucan, which may support healthy prolactin levels. Brewer's yeast is another popular choice, as it is rich in B vitamins and trace minerals that support overall maternal wellness.

At Milky Mama, we focus on using these nutrient-dense ingredients in our products to make support easy and delicious. Our Emergency Brownies are a favorite among our community. They are packed with oats, brewer's yeast, and flaxseed. These ingredients work together to provide your body with the nutritional building blocks it needs to support its natural milk-making process.

We also offer herbal supplements like Lady Leche. This blend uses organic herbs like Moringa and Nettle to support supply. Moringa is particularly well-regarded in many parts of the world for its ability to support lactation without the use of harsh chemicals. It is a gentle way to nourish your body while you focus on the frequency of your nursing or pumping sessions.

You can browse more options in our lactation snacks collection and our lactation supplements collection if you want to compare different ways to support your routine.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice.

The Role of Pumping and Prolactin

Pumping is a tool that can help you manipulate your prolactin levels if your baby isn't able to nurse frequently enough. This is especially important for parents of premature infants or those returning to work.

One technique that many find helpful is "power pumping." This mimics a baby's cluster feeding. You pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10, pump for 10, rest for 10, and pump for a final 10 minutes. This repeated stimulation in a short window sends a strong message to your pituitary gland. It essentially tells your brain, "We need a lot more milk right now!"

If you are exclusively pumping, the quality of your pump matters. A hospital-grade pump or a high-quality double electric pump can provide the type of stimulation needed to keep prolactin levels high. Ensure your breast shields (flanges) fit correctly. If they are too tight or too loose, they won't stimulate the nerves in the nipple properly, which can lead to lower prolactin release.

For parents who want a more practical routine, our Pumpin' Punch drink mix can fit into a pumping schedule, and the full lactation drink mixes collection makes it easy to explore more hydration-friendly options.

When to Seek Professional Support

If you have tried increasing your nursing frequency and focusing on nutrition but still feel your supply is low, it may be time to speak with a professional. A Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help you determine if your baby is transferring milk effectively. Sometimes the issue isn't the prolactin levels, but rather a shallow latch that isn't stimulating the breast correctly.

In some cases, a simple blood test can check your prolactin levels. Normal levels for a lactating person are typically between 80 and 400 ng/mL, though this can vary depending on how many weeks postpartum you are. If your levels are clinically low, your doctor can investigate underlying causes, such as thyroid issues or retained placenta fragments, which can both interfere with lactation hormones.

Remember, breastfeeding is a journey that doesn't always come naturally. It is okay to ask for help. Whether you need a virtual consultation or just some extra encouragement, there are resources available to support you through our Certified Lactation Consultant Breastfeeding Help page.

Conclusion

While you cannot typically take prolactin as a supplement, you can take many steps to support your body's ability to produce it. Prolactin is the foundation of your milk supply, and its production is most effectively triggered by the frequent and thorough removal of milk. Whether you choose to focus on power pumping, skin-to-skin contact, or adding supportive foods to your diet, you have the power to influence your lactation journey.

Focus on frequency: Nurse or pump every 2-3 hours to keep hormone signals strong.
Prioritize rest and skin-to-skin: Lowering stress helps your hormones function better.
Nourish your body: Use nutrient-dense foods and supportive lactation treats to stay fueled.
Consult the experts: If you are worried, reach out to a doctor or IBCLC for personalized advice.

For more ongoing guidance, our blog on milk supply support can help you keep learning as you go.

Final Thought: Your worth as a parent is not measured in ounces. You are doing an incredible job, and Milky Mama is here to support you every step of the way with education and encouragement.

FAQ

Can I get prolactin over the counter?

No, prolactin is a hormone that is not available as an over-the-counter supplement. Most products marketed as "milk boosters" are herbal galactagogues designed to support your body's natural hormone production rather than containing the hormone itself. If you believe you have a clinical prolactin deficiency, you should consult a healthcare provider for testing and medical guidance.

How do I know if my prolactin levels are low?

The most common sign of low prolactin is a significant and persistent low milk supply despite frequent nursing or pumping. Some parents may also notice a lack of breast changes during pregnancy or a failure of milk to "come in" after birth. A healthcare provider can confirm your levels through a simple blood test if they suspect a hormonal issue is at play.

Does pumping increase prolactin as much as nursing?

While nursing is generally the most efficient way to stimulate prolactin due to the baby's unique suckling pattern and skin-to-skin contact, a high-quality pump can also effectively raise levels. To maximize prolactin while pumping, ensure your flanges fit correctly and consider using breast massage or heat. Pumping more frequently, rather than for longer periods, is usually the best way to signal your brain to release more of the hormone.

Are there side effects to medications that raise prolactin?

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Can You Take Prolactin to Increase Milk Supply?

Table of Contents

Introduction

What is Prolactin and Why Does it Matter?

Can You Take Prolactin Directly?