What can affect how much breastmilk I make?

You may make more or less milk, depending on:

  • How completely milk is removed each time you breastfeed. An empty breast means better milk production.
  • How often you nurse or pump to remove milk. The more often you empty your breasts, the more milk your breasts will make.
  • The amount of milk your breasts store between feedings. If your breast stores too much milk between feedings (because your baby doesn\’t empty the breast), your breast will make less milk. If your breast is emptied, it will make more milk. It is common for one breast to make more milk than the other, and it is normal for babies to prefer one breast over the other. This can affect how much milk you make in that breast.