Milk Supply Isn’t a Mystery—It’s Biology. Here’s What No One Tells You About Supply & Demand.
Let me start with this: most people can make enough milk. Not everyone—but most.
So why do so many parents feel like their supply disappears overnight?
Why do so many say things like,
“I tried everything, but my body just gave up.”
“My milk dried up at 6 weeks.”
“I wasn’t made to breastfeed.”
Here’s the hard truth: in many cases, it’s not your fault. It’s a knowledge gap.
Too many people are set up to fail because no one ever taught them the most basic rule of lactation:
Milk supply is governed by demand.
And if that demand isn’t established early—or isn’t sustained—supply fades. Not because your body is broken. But because your body is listening.
Understanding Supply and Demand
Breastfeeding is a feedback loop. Every time milk is removed—by a baby or a pump—it sends a signal to your body:
“Hey! We need more of this!”
If milk isn’t removed, your body assumes:
“Never mind. We’re good.”
The less milk that gets removed, the less your body makes. Simple as that.
But here’s where it gets complicated:
Many new parents don’t realize that nursing on a schedule (instead of on demand) can reduce stimulation.
Some are told to “top off” with formula without also pumping, which signals less need.
Others struggle with poor latch or tongue-tie, which limits milk removal—but no one catches it until weeks in.
And almost all of them are sleep-deprived, emotionally drained, and trying to decipher conflicting advice from every angle.
So when their supply dips, they blame themselves.
They assume they didn’t try hard enough. Or that their body just doesn’t work.
The Real Failure
The failure isn’t yours. It’s the system’s.
It’s the lack of postpartum education, the outdated hospital routines, the pressure to bounce back, the myths passed down without nuance.
No one tells new parents that:
Milk removal in the first few weeks sets the foundation for the entire breastfeeding journey.
Every missed feed or skipped pump matters early on.
Supplementing without protecting supply (i.e., pumping) can backfire.
It’s not just about feeding the baby—it’s about stimulating the factory.
What You Can Do
If you’re still pregnant or early postpartum:
Feed often. On demand. Especially in those early days and nights.
Make sure latch and transfer are effective. If you’re unsure, get help.
If you supplement, pump to make up for it.
Don’t wait until your supply dips to act—protect it from the start.
If you’re further along and struggling:
It’s not too late to improve supply—but it takes strategy, support, and often, professional guidance.
You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And this isn’t your fault.
Milk supply isn’t magic. It’s biology.
And when we understand that, we can stop blaming our bodies—and start setting them up for success.
