What Can You Do to Increase Milk Supply While Pregnant?

Posted on February 09, 2026

How to Support and Increase Milk Supply While Pregnant

Introduction
Understanding Why Milk Supply Changes During Pregnancy
Prioritizing Nutrition for Two (or Three)
Hydration and Its Role in Milk Supply
Managing Nipple Sensitivity and Discomfort
The Role of Pumping During Pregnancy
Rest and Stress Management
Preparing for Colostrum Harvesting
Herbal Support and Supplements
Expectations for Tandem Nursing
When to Seek Professional Support
Summary of Action Steps
Conclusion
FAQ

Introduction

Finding out you are pregnant while still breastfeeding an older child can bring up a rush of different emotions. You might feel excitement about the new addition to your family, but you may also feel a bit anxious about what this means for your current nursing relationship. Many parents worry about whether their milk will "dry up" or if they can do anything to keep their supply strong throughout the next nine months.

At Milky Mama, we believe that every breastfeeding journey is unique and deserves the right support. While pregnancy hormones naturally change how your body produces milk, there are several ways you can support your well-being and maintain a healthy nursing bond. This post will cover the science behind why supply changes during pregnancy, how to nourish your body, and practical steps you can take to manage your milk production. Understanding these shifts can help you feel empowered as you navigate the beautiful, busy path of tandem nursing or weaning.

Understanding Why Milk Supply Changes During Pregnancy

It is very common for milk supply to decrease when you become pregnant. For many parents, this happens as early as the first trimester. It is important to understand that this change is primarily driven by hormones, not by a lack of effort or a poor latch.

When you are pregnant, your body produces high levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, but they also act as a "brake" on milk production. Progesterone, in particular, inhibits the action of prolactin, which is the hormone responsible for making milk.

Because this shift is hormonal, the usual rule of "supply and demand" works a little differently. Normally, the more you nurse or pump, the more milk you make. During pregnancy, your body is prioritizing the growth of the new baby, and the hormonal signals often override the physical removal of milk.

The Shift to Colostrum

Around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, your milk will begin to change in composition. Your body starts to produce colostrum, which is the nutrient-dense, antibody-rich "liquid gold" meant for your newborn. Colostrum is thicker and has a different taste than mature breast milk.

Some nursing toddlers or older children might notice this change in flavor or the decrease in volume and decide to wean on their own. Others don't mind the change at all and will continue to nurse for comfort and connection. Both reactions are completely normal.

Key Takeaway: A drop in milk supply during pregnancy is a natural hormonal response, and your body will eventually transition to making colostrum to prepare for your newborn’s arrival.

Prioritizing Nutrition for Two (or Three)

Your body is doing incredible work right now. You are growing a new human being while also producing milk for another. This requires a significant amount of energy and nutrients. While you may not be able to completely override pregnancy hormones to keep a full supply, keeping your body well-nourished can support what you do have.

Increasing Your Caloric Intake

On average, a breastfeeding person needs about 500 extra calories a day. When you add pregnancy into the mix, that need increases. By the second and third trimesters, you may need an additional 300 to 450 calories on top of your breastfeeding needs.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy:

Complex carbohydrates: Oats, brown rice, and quinoa.
Healthy fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
Lean proteins: Eggs, beans, Greek yogurt, and lean meats.

Focus on Specific Nutrients

Certain nutrients are especially important when you are nursing during pregnancy:

Calcium: Your body will prioritize the needs of your developing baby and your milk supply. If you don't consume enough calcium, your body may pull it from your own bones. Leafy greens, almonds, and dairy products are great sources.
Iron: Pregnancy increases your blood volume, which raises your need for iron. Fatigue is common in pregnancy, but low iron can make it feel much worse.
Protein: This is the building block for your baby’s growth and your own tissue repair.

Our Emergency Brownies are a favorite among our community because they provide a delicious way to get in extra calories and breastfeeding-supportive ingredients like oats and flaxseed. While results vary for every person, many find that a nourishing snack helps them feel more energized throughout the day.

Hydration and Its Role in Milk Supply

Staying hydrated is one of the most practical things you can do to support your milk supply and your pregnancy. Water is a major component of breast milk, and your blood volume increases significantly when you are expecting.

Many parents find that they feel much thirstier than usual. It is a good idea to keep a water bottle with you at all times. If plain water feels boring or contributes to pregnancy nausea, you can try adding fruit slices or drinking herbal teas.

We created our Pumpin’ Punch™ hydration drink and Milky Melon™ hydration drinks to help make staying hydrated a bit more enjoyable. These drinks provide hydration along with ingredients that many parents find helpful during their breastfeeding journey.

Signs You Need More Fluids

Dark-colored urine
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Dry mouth or chapped lips
Increased thirst

If you find it hard to keep fluids down due to morning sickness, try small sips throughout the day rather than drinking a large amount at once.

Managing Nipple Sensitivity and Discomfort

One of the biggest challenges to maintaining a milk supply while pregnant isn't just the volume of milk—it’s the physical discomfort. Pregnancy hormones can make your nipples incredibly sensitive or even painful.

If nursing becomes painful, it can lead to shorter nursing sessions, which in turn can signal the body to produce even less milk. Here are a few ways to manage the sensitivity:

Check the Latch

Even if your older child has been nursing for a long time, their latch might need a quick adjustment. As your breasts change shape during pregnancy, the way they latched before might not be as comfortable now. Encourage a deep, wide latch to protect your nipple tissue.

Set Boundaries

If you are nursing a toddler, it is okay to set gentle boundaries. You might limit nursing sessions to a certain length of time or use a "nursing countdown." This helps you maintain the nursing relationship without feeling overwhelmed by physical discomfort.

Use Soothing Topicals

Safe, nipple-soothing salves or even a few drops of expressed milk can help keep the skin hydrated and protected. Wearing soft, breathable nursing bras can also reduce friction against sensitive skin.

The Role of Pumping During Pregnancy

If you are worried about your supply dropping, you might be tempted to start a vigorous pumping schedule. However, it is important to manage your expectations.

Because the supply drop in pregnancy is hormonal, "power pumping" or adding extra sessions often doesn't produce the same results it would if you weren't pregnant. Your body is listening to the progesterone signals more than the pump.

For additional guidance, read our guide to pumping and breastfeeding.

Safety Note on Pumping

For most healthy, low-risk pregnancies, pumping or nursing is perfectly safe. The small amount of oxytocin released during breastfeeding is generally not enough to trigger labor in a healthy pregnancy. However, if you have a history of preterm labor, are carrying multiples, or have been advised to avoid sexual intercourse, you should talk to your healthcare provider before using a breast pump.

If your doctor gives you the green light, you can use a pump to help maintain whatever supply is currently there, but try not to stress over the volume you see in the bottle. Every drop counts, and even a small amount provides benefits to your older child.

Rest and Stress Management

It may sound like a cliché, but rest is vital. Stress and exhaustion can cause a temporary dip in milk supply because they can interfere with your let-down reflex (the process where milk begins to flow from the breasts).

When you are pregnant and nursing, your body is essentially working a 24-hour shift. If you are stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can sometimes inhibit the release of oxytocin.

Tips for Getting More Rest

The "Side-Lying" Position: If you are nursing an older child, try nursing while lying on your side so you can rest your body at the same time.
Delegate Tasks: If you have a partner or support system, now is the time to ask for help with household chores or older child care.
Prioritize Sleep: Even an extra 30 minutes of sleep at night or a short nap during the day can help your body recover.

You're doing an amazing job, and it’s important to remember that your well-being matters just as much as the nutrition you’re providing for your children.

Preparing for Colostrum Harvesting

As you get closer to your due date (usually around 36 or 37 weeks), you might hear about "colostrum harvesting." This is the process of hand-expressing small amounts of colostrum and storing it in tiny syringes before the baby is born.

This can be a great way to "practice" and feel more confident about your supply before the new baby arrives. It also provides a backup supply of colostrum in case the newborn has trouble latching or needs extra supplementation in the early days.

Action Steps for Colostrum Harvesting:

Consult your provider: Always get approval from your OB-GYN or midwife first.
Use your hands: Hand expression is usually more effective for colostrum than a pump.
Store carefully: Use small, sterile syringes and label them with the date.
Start small: Even half a milliliter is a great start!

Herbal Support and Supplements

Many parents look for herbal supplements to help boost their supply. At Milky Mama, we offer a variety of supplements like Lady Leche™ and Pumping Queen™, which are crafted with ingredients known to support lactation.

However, it is vital to be cautious with herbal supplements during pregnancy. Many herbs that are safe for breastfeeding may not be recommended while you are still pregnant because they can affect uterine tone or hormone levels.

Medical Disclaimer: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice before starting any new supplement or herbal product while pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are looking to prepare for your postpartum journey, you can certainly stock up on supplements to have them ready once the baby arrives. Many moms find that starting a supplement like our Dairy Duchess™ shortly after birth helps them establish a robust supply for both the newborn and the older nursing child.

Expectations for Tandem Nursing

If you choose to continue breastfeeding through your pregnancy, you may end up "tandem nursing"—feeding both your newborn and your older child.

Many parents worry that the older child will "take all the milk" from the new baby. Rest assured, your body is designed to produce enough for both. In the early days after birth, the priority should always be the newborn to ensure they get the colostrum they need. Once your mature milk "comes in" (usually 3 to 5 days after birth), your supply will likely increase significantly to meet the demand of both children.

Tandem nursing can actually help prevent engorgement because the older child is often more efficient at removing milk than a newborn. It can also be a sweet way for the older sibling to bond with the new baby.

For more guidance, explore this resource on tandem breastfeeding.

When to Seek Professional Support

If you are struggling with pain, significant supply concerns, or emotional distress regarding your nursing relationship, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

A Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can provide personalized advice based on your specific pregnancy and breastfeeding history. We offer virtual lactation consultations to provide you with expert support from the comfort of your home. Sometimes, just having a professional validate your experience and offer a few small tweaks can make a world of difference.

Summary of Action Steps

Adjust your diet: Increase your caloric intake by roughly 500-800 calories a day to support both the pregnancy and lactation.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and consider supportive hydration drinks like Milky Melon™.
Manage comfort: Use proper positioning and nipple care to handle pregnancy-related sensitivity.
Listen to your body: If you feel exhausted, prioritize rest over extra pumping sessions.
Talk to your provider: Ensure any supplements or pumping routines are safe for your specific pregnancy.

Key Takeaway: While you cannot change the hormonal shifts of pregnancy, you can support your body through proper nutrition, hydration, and gentle boundary-setting, ensuring a healthy experience for you and your little ones.

Conclusion

Navigating milk supply changes while pregnant is a journey that requires patience and self-compassion. While the hormonal drop in supply is often unavoidable, focusing on your nutrition, staying hydrated, and managing your physical comfort can help you sustain your nursing relationship. Remember that breastfeeding is about so much more than just the volume of milk; it is about the comfort, security, and bond you share with your child.

Whether you continue to nurse through your entire pregnancy or decide that weaning is the right choice for your family, you are doing an incredible job. Every drop counts, and your dedication to your children's health is inspiring. If you need extra support along the way, we are here to help with nourishing products and expert guidance.

FAQ

Does breastfeeding while pregnant cause miscarriage?

For most healthy, low-risk pregnancies, breastfeeding is considered very safe and does not increase the risk of miscarriage. The body has natural mechanisms to prevent the oxytocin released during nursing from causing significant uterine contractions until the end of pregnancy. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy, always consult your healthcare provider.

Will my toddler take all the colostrum from my newborn?

No, your body will continue to produce colostrum throughout the end of your pregnancy and the first few days after birth. While your toddler can certainly drink colostrum, they cannot "run you dry" of it. After birth, simply ensure the newborn nurses first to get the concentrated antibodies they need.

Can I take lactation supplements while I am pregnant?

It is important to be very careful with herbal supplements during pregnancy, as some ingredients can affect the uterus or hormone levels. While many Milky Mama supplements are great for supporting supply after the baby is born, you should always consult your OB-GYN or midwife before taking any lactation supplements while you are still pregnant. You can explore the full lactation supplements collection when preparing for the postpartum period.

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What Can You Do to Increase Milk Supply While Pregnant?

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