Practical tips to avoid a lack of breast milk

Postnatal

Whether you are pregnant and want to breastfeed, or you are breastfeeding and find that your milk production is lower than you hoped, there are several tips that can easily be put into practice!

Tips and advice to avoid a lack of breast milk:

  • It is possible to express your colostrum (french only) from 37 weeks of pregnancy. Stimulating the mammary gland before giving birth can promote early milk production after birth. Even if you see little colostrum, the stimulation has still taken place. In addition, the milk collected can be used to supplement feedings after giving birth, without resorting to commercial formulas.
  • Encourage skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother soon after delivery. The scent secreted by the mother’s breasts will guide the baby to the nipple where the colostrum is located.
  • Eat a balanced diet and make sure you stay well hydrated.
  • Find out about natural products that are recommended for increasing milk production, such as fenugreek, which seems to be effective immediately after birth but less so in the long term, after a few months. The dosage is 1,500 to 1,800 mg taken orally three times a day (source: Médecins du Québec, April 2023). Milk thistle seems to optimize the effect of fenugreek, and the usual recommended dosage is 900 to 1,100 mg orally, three times a day (source: Médecins du Québec, April 2023). When using natural products, always read the warnings and contraindications before use.
  • Perform breast compressions. When the baby is breastfeeding, compress the breast to help empty the ducts superficially, thereby facilitating the flow of milk into the baby’s mouth.
  • If the baby cannot suckle or if the mother cannot breastfeed, promote production using a double electric breast pump (ideally), as it provides better stimulation to the brain and, therefore, better production.
  • Avoid overexertion and get plenty of rest on a regular basis. (For example, having help at home with household chores will greatly help the new mother focus on breastfeeding.) Feel free to watch this video to help you adjust to life with a new baby.
    Pharmacological measures

Pharmacological measures

When all non-pharmacological measures have been tried and the situation has not improved, it is important to see your healthcare provider regularly to explore other alternatives. Sometimes, pharmacological measures will be necessary. If necessary, your doctor will prescribe domperidone. They will make sure that you do not have any known heart problems and are not currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future. As a precaution, your doctor may request an electrocardiogram before prescribing domperidone.

The usual starting dose is 10 mg taken orally three times a day, but the dosage may vary for some women, depending on their personal situation or if it needs to be used for a longer period of time.

Few side effects have been reported with its use in breastfeeding, but they may include dry mouth, headaches, and abdominal cramps. This product is more effective in women with breast hypoplasia (few mammary glands), breast asymmetry, breast reduction or implants, and when the baby is born very prematurely. Metformin can be added to domperidone. This medication has a different action which, when combined with domperidone, can significantly increase milk production in new mothers who are known to have polycystic ovaries, diabetes, or obesity, for example.

To complete your reading:

Marie Fortier
The baby expert

Article updated: March 2025.

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The mariefortier.com website and the comprehensive information it contains are intended as practical tools for expectant parents preparing for the arrival of their baby. These are not meant to replace the skills, knowledge, and experience of qualified health professionals who are familiar with the facts, circumstances, and symptoms specific to each individual. As such, Marie Fortier Inc. and its employees cannot be held responsible for any potential adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of information provided on this website. It is the user’s responsibility to consult a physician or other qualified health professional for personal matters concerning them.