How to Increase Breast Milk Supply While Pregnant

Posted on March 03, 2026

Breastfeeding Through Pregnancy: How to Support Your Milk Supply

Introduction
Understanding Why Supply Changes During Pregnancy
Can You Increase Supply While Pregnant?
Nutritional Support for Two
The Importance of Hydration
Safe Supplements for Pregnancy
Managing Nipple Sensitivity and Comfort
Safety Concerns: Breastfeeding and Contractions
Supporting the Older Child
Preparing for Tandem Nursing
Summary of Action Steps
Conclusion
FAQ

Introduction

Finding out you are pregnant while still breastfeeding can bring up a whirlwind of emotions. You might feel excited about the new addition but also worried about what this means for your current nursing relationship. It is very common for mothers to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy, and here at Milky Mama, we are dedicated to supporting you through every stage of that journey. If you need personalized guidance, our Certified Lactation Consultant Breastfeeding Help page is a great place to start.

Many mothers notice a dip in their milk volume as their pregnancy progresses. This can be confusing, especially if you are used to the "supply and demand" rules of lactation. This article will explore why these changes happen, how you can support your body, and what steps you can take to maintain your supply as much as possible. While pregnancy hormones change the game, focusing on nutrition and comfort can help you and your nursling navigate this transition together, and you can also read more in our guide on breastfeeding through pregnancy.

Understanding Why Supply Changes During Pregnancy

When you become pregnant, your body undergoes a massive hormonal shift. These changes are designed to prioritize the growth of the new baby in your uterus. Unfortunately, the hormones required to maintain a healthy pregnancy can often act as a "brake" on milk production.

The Role of Progesterone

Progesterone is often called the pregnancy hormone. Its primary job is to keep the lining of the uterus thick and supportive for the developing fetus. However, progesterone is also a natural inhibitor of prolactin. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for telling your body to make milk.

When progesterone levels rise significantly during the second and third trimesters, your milk supply will likely decrease. This is a physiological shift that happens regardless of how often your older child nurses or how much you pump. For many women, this drop occurs around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, though some notice it much sooner.

The Shift to Colostrum

As you move further into your pregnancy, your body begins to transition back to producing colostrum. This is the "liquid gold" that your newborn will need in the first few days after birth. Colostrum is thick, highly concentrated, and produced in smaller quantities than mature milk.

This transition is why your older child might notice a change in taste. Colostrum is saltier and less sweet than mature breast milk. Some children may naturally decide to wean because of this flavor change or the slower flow, while others are happy to continue "dry nursing" for comfort.

Key Takeaway: A drop in milk supply during pregnancy is usually hormonal, not a sign that your body is failing. Your body is simply preparing to nourish your newborn.

Can You Increase Supply While Pregnant?

In a typical breastfeeding scenario, you can increase your supply by removing milk more frequently. This sends a signal to your brain to produce more. However, when you are pregnant, the hormonal signals are much stronger than the physical ones. For a deeper look at practical strategies, see Increase Milk Supply: Expert Tips for Breastfeeding & Pumping.

Why Traditional Pumping May Not Work

For many mothers, adding extra pumping sessions during pregnancy does not result in a significant increase in milk. This is because the hormonal shift during pregnancy can make it harder for the usual "supply and demand" message to work the way it normally does. While it may not be possible to double your supply through pumping alone during this time, you can still focus on optimizing the milk you do have by supporting your overall health.

Managing Expectations

It is helpful to go into this journey knowing that your supply may not return to its pre-pregnancy levels until after you give birth. Many mothers find success by shifting their focus from "increasing volume" to "supporting the nursing relationship." If your current nursling is under one year old, it is essential to work closely with a pediatrician to ensure they are getting enough calories, as they may need supplemental milk or formula.

Nutritional Support for Two

Your body is currently doing incredible work. It is growing a human life and producing milk at the same time. This requires a significant amount of energy and specific nutrients. To give your supply the best chance, you must prioritize your own nutrition.

Increasing Caloric Intake

Breastfeeding alone burns about 500 calories a day. Pregnancy in the second and third trimesters requires an additional 300 to 450 calories. If you are doing both, your caloric needs are much higher than average.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy:

Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, and seeds support brain development for the baby and provide energy for you.
Protein: Lean meats, beans, and eggs help with tissue growth.
Complex Carbohydrates: Oats and quinoa are excellent for maintaining energy levels.

Our Emergency Lactation Brownies are a favorite among breastfeeding moms because they are packed with oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast. These ingredients are known as galactagogues (substances that may support milk production) and provide a convenient, calorie-dense snack for busy, pregnant mothers.

Essential Minerals: Calcium and Iron

During pregnancy, your body becomes more efficient at absorbing calcium because it knows the baby needs it for bone development. However, if you are also breastfeeding, you need to ensure you are consuming enough calcium to protect your own bone density. Leafy greens, almonds, and dairy (if tolerated) are great sources.

Iron is another critical nutrient. Pregnancy increases your blood volume, which raises your iron requirements. Anemia can lead to fatigue, which is a major "supply killer." If you feel excessively tired, talk to your healthcare provider about checking your iron levels.

The Importance of Hydration

Hydration is one of the most important factors in maintaining any amount of milk supply. When you are pregnant, your body also needs extra fluid to support the amniotic fluid and increased blood volume.

How Much Should You Drink?

Most experts recommend aiming for at least 8 to 12 cups of water a day during pregnancy. If you are also nursing, you may need even more. A good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water every time you sit down to nurse or pump.

If plain water feels boring, or if you are struggling with pregnancy-related nausea, our Pumpin' Punch™ can be a great addition to your routine. It is designed to provide hydration along with lactation-supporting ingredients, making it easier to meet your daily fluid goals.

Action Step: Carry a reusable water bottle with you everywhere. If your urine is pale yellow or clear, you are likely staying well-hydrated.

Safe Supplements for Pregnancy

Many traditional lactation supplements contain ingredients that are not recommended during pregnancy. For example, some herbs can affect hormone levels in ways that are not ideal for a developing baby.

Choosing Wisely

Always consult with your healthcare provider or a certified lactation consultant before starting any new herbal supplement while pregnant.

Our Lady Leche™ is a popular herbal supplement that is formulated to support lactation and milk production.

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

Managing Nipple Sensitivity and Comfort

One of the biggest hurdles to breastfeeding while pregnant isn't actually the milk supply—it’s the physical discomfort. Pregnancy hormones often make nipples extremely sensitive or even painful.

Tips for Comfortable Nursing

If nursing is becoming painful, it can lead to "nursing aversion," where you feel a strong urge to stop the session. To manage this:

Check the Latch: Even if your older child has been nursing for years, their latch might change. Ensure they are taking a large mouthful of breast tissue.
Limit Session Length: You do not have to nurse for long periods. It is okay to tell a toddler they can nurse for "the length of one song" or for three minutes.
Use Distraction: If you are nursing a toddler, offer a small snack or a book to look at while they nurse to keep them focused and gentle.
Nipple Care: Use a high-quality nipple balm to keep the skin hydrated and protected.

Dealing with Nausea

If breastfeeding triggers your morning sickness, try nursing in a side-lying position so you can remain relaxed. Having a small, bland snack like crackers before nursing can also help settle your stomach.

Safety Concerns: Breastfeeding and Contractions

A common myth is that breastfeeding while pregnant will cause a miscarriage or preterm labor. For most healthy, low-risk pregnancies, this is not true.

The Science of Oxytocin

When you breastfeed, your body releases oxytocin. This is the same hormone that causes the uterus to contract during labor. However, in a healthy pregnancy, the uterus is not very sensitive to oxytocin until the very end. The amount of oxytocin released during a typical nursing session is generally not enough to trigger labor.

When to Be Cautious

There are some situations where your doctor might advise you to wean:

If you are carrying multiples (twins or more).
If you have a history of preterm labor.
If you are experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding or uterine pain.

Always discuss your breastfeeding plans with your OB-GYN or midwife to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.

Supporting the Older Child

The drop in supply can be a big adjustment for your nursling. How you handle this depends largely on their age.

If Your Baby is Under One Year

If your current baby is under 12 months old, breast milk or formula must remain their primary source of nutrition. Because pregnancy often causes a significant drop in volume, you must monitor your baby’s weight and diaper output closely.

Weight Gain: If your baby stops gaining weight or begins to lose weight, you will likely need to supplement with formula or donor milk.
Diaper Count: A baby should have at least 5-6 heavy wet diapers in 24 hours.
Frustration: If the baby is crying at the breast or pulling away frequently, they may be frustrated by the slow flow.

If Your Child is a Toddler

For toddlers over one year, milk is a supplement to their solid food diet. If your supply drops, they can simply eat more solids or drink water and cow's milk (or a dairy alternative). Many toddlers continue to nurse during pregnancy for the emotional connection rather than the milk itself. This is often called "dry nursing."

Key Takeaway: Every drop counts, but your child's overall nutrition is the priority. Supplementing is not a failure; it is a tool to keep your baby healthy.

Preparing for Tandem Nursing

If you choose to continue breastfeeding throughout your pregnancy, you may end up "tandem nursing"—breastfeeding both the newborn and the older child. If you want more foundational education, Breastfeeding 101 is a helpful next step.

The Benefits of Tandem Nursing

Tandem nursing can be a beautiful way to help an older sibling bond with the new baby. It can also:

Relieve Engorgement: An older child is often more efficient at removing milk and can help you feel more comfortable when your milk "comes in" after birth.
Maintain the Bond: It provides a consistent point of connection for the older child during a time of big change.
Boost Supply: Having two children nursing will naturally signal your body to produce more milk than it would for just one baby.

Prioritizing the Newborn

Once the new baby arrives, they must always get first priority at the breast. The newborn needs the colostrum and the nutrient-dense milk to grow. Most mothers choose to nurse the newborn first and then let the older child nurse afterward.

Summary of Action Steps

If you are trying to support your supply while pregnant, follow these steps:

Increase your calories: Eat nutrient-dense meals and snacks like our Emergency Lactation Brownies.
Hydrate constantly: Aim for at least 8-12 cups of fluid daily.
Monitor the nursling: Ensure they are gaining weight and staying hydrated, especially if they are under one year old.
Listen to your body: If nursing is causing extreme pain or stress, it is okay to set boundaries or consider weaning.
Talk to your provider: Ensure your pregnancy remains low-risk for continued breastfeeding.

"Breastfeeding is a journey with many seasons. Pregnancy is just one of those seasons that requires a little extra grace and a lot of extra water."

Conclusion

Nursing through pregnancy is a major physical and emotional commitment. While the hormonal changes of pregnancy make it difficult to significantly increase your milk supply, you can support your body with proper nutrition, hydration, and rest. Remember that your worth as a mother is not measured in ounces. Whether you continue to nurse until birth or decide that weaning is the best choice for your family, you are doing an amazing job. The Milky Mama community is here to support you with the resources and encouragement you need to feel empowered in your feeding journey.

FAQ

Is it safe to take lactation supplements while pregnant?

Some lactation supplements are safe, while others may contain herbs that are not recommended during pregnancy. You should always choose supplements carefully and consult with your healthcare provider or an IBCLC before starting them. Our herbal supplements are designed with high-quality ingredients, but professional medical guidance is essential when you are expecting.

Will my breast milk taste different to my toddler?

Yes, your milk will likely change in taste during the second and third trimesters. As your body transitions to making colostrum, the milk becomes saltier and less sweet. Some children do not mind the change, while others may choose to self-wean because of the new flavor or the decreased flow.

Can I still use a breast pump while I am pregnant?

You can use a breast pump, but you may find it less effective than usual. Pregnancy hormones often prevent the "supply and demand" signal from working as it normally does, so extra pumping may not result in more milk. Additionally, some mothers find pumping more uncomfortable during pregnancy due to increased nipple sensitivity.

When will my milk supply return to normal?

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