5 Surprising Reasons Your Milk Supply Might Dip (and How to Fix It)
If you’re breastfeeding, you’ve probably had that moment of panic: your baby suddenly seems hungrier, your pump isn’t filling bottles like it used to, and you start wondering if your supply is dropping. Before you spiral into late-night Googling, take a breath. A dip in supply is often temporary — and there are practical ways to help your body bounce back.
Here are five of the most common culprits (that often catch mums off guard), and what you can do about them.
1. Stress & Sleep Deprivation
No shock here: stress messes with everything. Cortisol (the stress hormone) can temporarily affect how your body produces milk. Combine that with broken sleep, and your supply can look lower than it really is.
Fix it: Easier said than done, but prioritise rest where you can. Even short naps or asking for help with housework can make a difference. And don’t underestimate the power of a proper snack — fuelling your body helps it fuel your baby.
2. Not Eating (or Drinking) Enough
Breastfeeding burns an extra 300–500 calories a day, and hydration is key. Skipping meals, living off cold coffee, or forgetting water can take a toll on your milk production.
Fix it: Keep a water bottle within reach during feeds and stash quick, nourishing snacks around the house (yes, this is exactly why Lactation Love cookies exist).
3. Your Period Returning
Many mums don’t expect their cycle to affect supply, but it can. Hormonal changes during your luteal phase (before your period) can temporarily lower milk output.
Fix it: Don’t panic. It usually balances out after a few days. Staying on top of calcium and magnesium may help, and this is another time to lean on milk-boosting foods.
4. Growth Spurts & Cluster Feeding
Sometimes it’s not your supply — it’s your baby. Growth spurts mean more frequent feeding (hello, cluster feeding marathons), which can make it feel like you’re not keeping up.
Fix it: Trust the process. Frequent feeding actually signals your body to make more milk. It’s exhausting in the moment, but it’s your baby’s way of levelling up your supply.
5. Inconsistent Pumping
If you’re pumping and skip sessions (or shorten them), your body may adjust and make less milk.
Fix it: Try to keep sessions consistent, even if you can’t pump for long. A few minutes is better than none, and power-pumping sessions can help boost supply when needed.
The Bottom Line
Milk supply dips are common, and they’re usually fixable. Fuel your body, hydrate, rest when you can, and give yourself grace. You’re doing an incredible job.
And if you need a little help along the way? That’s where we come in. Our Lactation Love cookies are packed with oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast to support your supply — plus they taste like an actual treat (because you deserve that too).