Why So Many Parents Worry They’re Not Making Enough Milk—And Why It’s (Usually) Not True
There’s a silent epidemic in postpartum care that almost every parent feels—but few talk about out loud. It’s called Perceived Insufficient Milk Supply, or PIMS, and it’s one of the most common reasons people stop breastfeeding before they’re ready.
If you’ve ever found yourself googling “how to increase milk supply” at 3am or crying in the shower because you thought your body was failing your baby—you are not alone. And you are not broken.
As an OB/GYN, lactation consultant, and mother, I’ve seen PIMS show up in exam rooms, group chats, hospital beds, and my own mirror. And I want to say this clearly: you are likely making more milk than you think.
What is PIMS?
PIMS isn’t a problem with your milk. It’s a problem with confidence, clarity, and communication.
It describes the mismatch between how much milk a parent thinks they’re producing and how much they’re actually making. And that mismatch? It has less to do with your body—and more to do with the broken systems we hand new parents.
We don’t prepare people for normal newborn behavior. We don’t give them easy ways to know their baby is getting enough. And we surround them with noise—“Do this!” “Don’t do that!”—without offering trusted, consistent guidance.
So when a baby cries, cluster feeds, or doesn’t sleep in 3-hour stretches, parents assume they’re doing something wrong. They lose trust in their body and their instincts. And far too often, they stop breastfeeding not out of choice, but out of fear.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a public health one.
We know that most parents want to breastfeed. We also know that most stop sooner than they hoped. And when you dig deeper, a huge reason for that drop-off is PIMS.
Not true low supply. Not medical contraindications. Just a persistent fear that they’re not making enough.
We have to do better.
What I Wish Every New Parent Knew
Crying doesn’t mean your baby isn’t getting enough milk. Babies cry for lots of reasons. Milk intake is just one.
Cluster feeding is normal. Newborns often “tank up” before longer stretches of sleep.
Your breasts don’t need to feel full to be working. Soft breasts after feeds can be a good sign that your baby is effectively removing milk.
Wet and dirty diapers are your best friends. They tell you more than any pump output ever could.
And most importantly…
You deserve support that meets you where you are—with compassion, science, and real tools that don’t make you feel like you’re failing.
Breastfeeding is a relationship, not a performance. And every relationship has ups, downs, and learning curves.
Dr. Andrea Braden is a board-certified OB/GYN, breastfeeding medicine specialist, and founder of Lybbie. She’s also a mom who has lived through PIMS—and now helps other parents reclaim their confidence.
