Simply put, a full milk supply usually makes breastfeeding much easier. A full supply is defined as the amount of milk it takes for your baby to lose no more than 4–7% of their birth weight (5–8% for c-section babies; see the NEWT for specifics), then gain about an ounce a day from Day 4 to four months of age. This is usually accomplished by at least 25–27 oz (750–800 ml) of milk production per day by Day 14, and 29+ oz (850+ ml) or more by Day 40.  

With a full supply, your baby will not have to work that hard to take large gulps of milk, will stay awake without you having to constantly stimulate them, and will become satisfied after feedings and gain weight appropriately. 

To know if you are producing this amount, you can do one of these two things: (1) 24 hours of weighted feeds with a scale accurate to 2 g (you will probably have to rent it, as most commercial scales do not have this level of accuracy); (2) pump and bottle-feed for 24 hours with a high-quality double electric breast pump.

You may have heard that "babies are more effective than pumps." For most mother–baby pairs, pumping is in fact just as effective as the baby; this scientific review of evidence on breast pumps reported that “a healthy breastfeeding infant removes approximately 80% of the total ingested human milk volume in 5 minutes, and an efficient breast pump removes 85% of the available milk in the breast in 15 minutes.” 

So the well-nursing baby may be quicker, but the end result is about the same. A pump may even be better in some cases; pumps don't get tired, which is important if your baby is not transferring milk well.

(Occasionally a mother who is exclusively breastfeeding and not used to pumping will have a hard time getting milk to flow with a pump, but for the majority of mothers, pumping provides a good estimate of milk production.)

Make or buy a hands-free pumping bra so you can relax, multitask, or massage your breasts while pumping

There is usually a solution to low milk production, and it is (almost) always to empty the breasts more frequently and thoroughly. (Note that the breasts are a constantly running milk factory and can never be 100% emptied. Aside from feeding the baby sufficiently, establishing your milk supply is the most time-sensitive aspect of breastfeeding success.

Babies can learn to latch at a more relaxed pace and can often learn to latch even after a few months go by, but in the first 10–14 days after birth, your body is actively trying to figure out how much milk to make, based on how much is taken out of the breasts and how frequently. After that, it may be more difficult (or even not possible) to develop a full milk supply. Everyone is different though; the only way to know for sure is to try.)

How to Increase Milk Production

Every 3* hours:

(1) Breastfeed for about 15 min (or until baby stops swallowing, whichever comes first).

(2) Other parent or support person bottle-feeds baby

(3) Mother pumps her breasts about 15 minutes.

*Please feel free to customize this to meet your own needs, and take a look at a modified version that prioritizes your sleep (self-care is important in helping your body be well enough to produce milk).

Feeding in this way is called “triple feeding,” because you are doing three things—breast, bottle, and pumping. It is a typical plan for babies who are not breastfeeding well, and/or mothers who have a low milk supply. I suggest trying this plan for 3–4 days, and if it is not working for you, get more individualized advice by scheduling an appointment. It is not a long-term solution, because it is hard.

Keep in mind that mothers who are pumping while others bottle feed the baby sometimes feel isolated and disconnected from their baby—it can feel like your only role is to be a milk provider while everyone else gets the fun and bonding. Make sure you get time to snuggle and you can also bottle-feed when you wish. Time with you is more important to your baby than the number of ounces of milk you produce.

Source: Kristin Coghlan. Used with permission.

Power Pumping

Power pumping mimics cluster feeding with short, frequent pumping sessions for about an hour. It is ideal to do between the hours of 12 and 6 a.m., but sleeping enough is more important to your milk production (and you deserve it!), so be flexible. Here are some additional pumping strategies. 

What About Foods, Drinks, and Supplements?

Many cultures have foods, drinks, and herbs they use to help with milk production. While none of these have been studied sufficiently in humans, dairy research shows that diet alterations can improve milk yield in cows, so it's possible. Trying various culturally recommended foods is unlikely to be harmful and could help, but be wary of companies that sell expensive herbal blends and cookies; there is no regulation or evidence of effectiveness and safety. 

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine states that because "current research of both pharmaceutical and herbal galactogogues [milk boosting substances] is still relatively inconclusive and all agents have potential adverse effects," they "cannot recommend any specific galactogogue at this time." 

Remember, Oversupply is a Thing!

As a milk factory, many mothers' breasts are capable of producing more than one baby needs—much more. Oversupply sounds like a good problem to have—however, it can actually be so difficult that some mothers choose to stop breastfeeding, due to constantly leaking breasts, practically drowning the baby at feedings, frequent uncomfortable engorgement, and baby often being gassy and miserable due to lactose overload. (Reducing supply is usually not usually hard though, so don’t feel like you have to stop breastfeeding if you don’t want to!)

What if Nothing Works?

Unfortunately, not everyone can produce a full milk supply, just like not everyone can get pregnant or give birth vaginally. If for biological or logistical reasons, you cannot increase your supply sufficiently, you can still breastfeed with supplementation. If your supply is very low, this technique may help you establish a mutually enjoyable breastfeeding relationship in spite of it. You are not alone, and it is not your fault:

• About 10–15% of women produce a partial (low) milk supply
for biological reasons.

• For about 5–8% of mothers, the milk may not even come in; only drops are produced.
  

This is often a devastating blow to mothers who had wanted to exclusively breastfeed. It’s important to understand that your baby will not be harmed (most babies thrive) drinking properly prepared formula, and your bond with your baby will be just as strong. Human milk has many wonderful qualities—but science milk is pretty amazing too. It’s still normal and ok to be sad and grieve your loss. No one should minimize your feelings.

After Rules 1 and 2 are satisfied, the third and perhaps most difficult rule needs to be addressed—fixing the breastfeeding problem.

Source: Kristin Coghlan. Used with permission.

Unfortunately without evaluating you and your baby directly, I can't tell you how to fix your specific problem, so you will have to follow Rule 3 by working with a lactation consultant. Make sure while you are following Rules 1 and 2, you are working on positioning and latching your baby optimally. If you have concerns about oral ties, please read this.

There are many sources from which you can find information about all manner of breastfeeding problems. The difficulty is knowing what information or expert you can trust. I recommend asking friends and family who have been successful with breastfeeding, interviewing several lactation consultants, speaking with your pediatrician, and reading evidence-based websites like the ones listed at the bottom of this page. Trust your instincts also; there will be plenty of people who say everything is fine, but if it feels like it’s not, listen to your gut and get help.

Interview several lactation consultants, and ask local mom friends for recommendations. Be wary of advice you find on the internet (says the person giving advice on the internet); run things by your pediatrician, who knows your baby and their specific health needs best.

Remember that the earlier you get help, the easier and more successful you are likely to be in solving the problem and meeting your goals. Getting Rules 1 and 2 addressed are the most time sensitive. But fixing the breastfeeding problem—especially if it is causing you physical or emotional pain—is important too, because you are important!