How to Increase your Milk Supply Without Completely Losing Your Mind

1. Hydrate Like You’re Training for a Triathlon

Yes, you need water. And yes, you’ll forget every 10 minutes. Keep a giant, ridiculous Stanley cup by your side at all times. (OK, it doesn’t yell, but it might as well.

💧 Affiliate moment:
Need something cute and functional? Try the 32 oz leakproof HydroJug — because hydration should feel like a fashion statement when you haven’t showered in 3 days.

2. Lactation Cookies: Because If You’re Gonna Cry, It Might As Well Be Over Chocolate

No, they’re not magic. But yes, you deserve a cookie either way. Luckily, these babies are packed with galactagogues (fancy word for milk-making ingredients).

🍪 Our faves that won’t make you gag:

• Milkmakers Oatmeal Chocolate Chip – Soft, chewy, and no weird aftertaste.

• Boobie Bars – No baking. No crumbs. No regrets.

Pro tip: hide them from your partner unless you want them snacking on your milk stash.

3. Oatmeal & Flaxseed: The Crunchy Milk-Making Combo

Turns out, Grandma was right — oatmeal does do a body good. It’s loaded with iron and supports lactation like a boss. Add in some flaxseed (hello omega-3s and phytoestrogens), and you’ve got a breakfast that says, “I’m trying, okay?”

🥣 Try this:

• Oatmeal with peanut butter + banana + ground flaxseed.

• Or just dump it all in a smoothie and pretend it’s gourmet.

• Or buy this premade overnight oatmeal mix and call it self-care.

4. Pump It… But Not Like a Maniac

If you're exclusively pumping or just topping off baby’s feedings, your pump matters more than your 4th cup of coffee (barely, but still).

🍼 Pumps that actually suck (the way they should):

• Spectra S1 or S2 – Hospital-grade and quiet, like a ninja that drains your boobs.

• Elvie or Willow Wearable Pumps – For when you want to milk yourself during a Zoom meeting. No wires. No shame.

5. Supplements: Mom Juice for Your Boobs

Lactation supplements can be hit or miss, but when they work? Chef’s kiss.

🌿 Top picks for those desperate days:

• Legendairy Milk “Liquid Gold” – The name is dramatic, but this stuff actually works for many moms.

• Motherlove More Milk Plus – Fenugreek-free and less likely to make you smell like maple syrup. You’re welcome.

6. Cluster Feed Like It’s a Job (Because It Is)

Let the baby nurse. Then let them nurse again. And again. Wonder if they’re actually just attached now? They are.

It’s annoying, exhausting, and incredibly effective. Think of it as their way of placing an Amazon Prime order for more milk.

7. Skin-to-Skin: Not Just for Instagram

Throw on a robe (or don’t), hold your baby, and cuddle up. Skin-to-skin contact boosts oxytocin, and oxytocin boosts milk.

Also: it’s a perfect excuse to lie down with a newborn while doing absolutely nothing productive. #Winning

8. Chill the Heck Out

Stress kills supply faster than a crying baby in the middle of Target.

I know it’s hard. I know you’re tired. Try a nap. Try yoga. Try rage-scrolling through TikTok in a dark room. Just… breathe. And for the love of all things leaky, don’t Google “low milk supply at 2 a.m.” I beg you.

BONUS! If you are getting a lot of knots in your boobs like I was, this sunflower lecithin supplement worked wonders! (Mastitis is NOT fun)!

The Bottom Line

You’re doing an amazing job. Even if you're crying into a burp cloth while spooning cookie dough and frantically pumping like you're entering a dairy cow contest.

Milk supply issues are hard, but you’re not alone. With some hydration, cookies, oatmeal, decent equipment, and a whole lot of grace, you can boost your supply and your sanity (a little).

Got a favorite lactation cookie or weird hack that worked for you? Drop it in the comments or DM me your survival snacks — because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s this:

Breastfeeding is no joke… but we might as well laugh through it.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase through them. Thanks for supporting the chaos over here at Mom’s Little Trio!