3 Common Myths About Milk Supply

It's one of the most common concerns for new breastfeeding families: "Is our baby getting enough milk?" If you've found yourself worrying about this, you are not alone. Many moms start to second-guess their supply for a variety of reasons.

The truth is your body is incredibly smart. The process of making milk, called lactogenesis, actually begins during pregnancy. Influenced by hormones from the placenta, your body starts making colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk for your baby. After you give birth and the placenta is delivered, your progesterone levels drop, and the hormone prolactin takes over. This signals your body to begin producing what is known as transitional milk, a process that can take 10-14 days.

Myth #1 "My baby is eating all the time, so I must not have enough milk."

    ◦ Reality: It's normal for breastfed babies to eat frequently. In fact, breastfed newborns should feed 10 to 12 times a day. Breast milk metabolizes faster than formula, so they get hungry sooner. However, if your baby is eating excessively (for example, 18 to 20 times a day), it could be a sign of an issue with their latch or how well they are transferring milk, and it's worth getting checked out.

Myth #2 "My breasts don't feel 'full' anymore, so my supply must have dropped."

    ◦ Reality: The sensation of "full" or engorged breasts varies from person to person and often subsides after the initial postpartum weeks. A lack of fullness does not necessarily mean a lack of milk.

Myth #3 "My baby isn't sleeping through the night, so they must be hungry."

    ◦ Reality: Newborns are not designed to sleep for long stretches, and the definition of "sleeping through the night" might be different from what you expect. In fact, going long hours without breastfeeding can actually be damaging to your milk supply if you plan to continue.

If you are feeling concerned, especially if you are feeding frequently but still feel your supply is insufficient, it is time to seek professional support. A lactation care provider can help you figure out your goals and create a plan that works for you and your baby.

• Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and you don’t have to walk it alone. If you’d like a compassionate ear and personalized guidance, you can book a virtual lactation support consult with me. Or, if you’d prefer something you can use at your own pace, explore my downloadable educational tools—created to give you reassurance and evidence-based support, right when you need it.