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Worried About Your Milk Supply? Here’s What to Know Based on Your Baby’s Age

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October 8, 2025 Women
expect-grows What to Expect

It’s normal to have questions about your milk supply as your baby grows and changes.

There are certain times when many parents start to worry—but often, everything is going just fine.

This guide will help you know what to expect and what you can do to keep breastfeeding going strong.

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green-chiles Milk Supply Guide
Baby's Age What You Might Notice What You Can Do
4-7 Days baby
If there were problems during birth, like heavy bleeding or a piece of the placenta left inside, your milk may be slow to come in.
Ask for help from your healthcare provider, lactation specialist, or WIC.
10-14 Days baby
Your breasts may feel softer. Some moms think they don't have enough milk, but they do!
Don't worry - this is normal. Keep on nursing your baby!
2-3 Months baby
Needing to pump milk because you are returning to work or school.
Use a double electric breast pump - ask WIC if you need one. Talk to your employer about pumping breaks. Remind anyone caring for your baby about using your pumped milk with care to avoid wasting any milk you've pumped.
3-6 Months baby
Your baby is sleeping for more than 6 hours at a time. This may mean they skip a feeding, which can cause slow weight changes over time.
Enjoy the sleep! Just be sure your baby gets at least 8 feedings in 24 hours, mostly during the day.
4 Months baby
Your baby's vision is improving so they may be more alert and distracted. Your baby may feed for a shorter time, more often.
Nurse in a quiet, dark room without distractions. This is a phase, and it usually only lasts a month or two.
6-8 Months baby
Pumping isn't working as well, even though your body is still making enough milk.
Keep pumping while you're away from your baby to keep your milk supply strong.
One Year baby
Your toddler still enjoys breastfeeding, and you no longer need to pump to maintain your milk supply.
Celebrate reaching the one-year breastfeeding milestone! A lot of moms don't need to pump to maintain nursing into the second year and can easily nurse morning, evening, and at naptime too. Benefits for you and your baby will continue into the second year of breastfeeding.

REFERENCES:

Adapted from Breastfeeding Telephone Triage and Advice 5th edition ©Maya Bunik MD, MPH

Author: Dr. Maya Bunik, MD, MPH