Do You REALLY Have Low Milk Supply?🫣 Here’s How to Know!

One of the biggest reasons moms stop breastfeeding earlier than they planned is believing they don’t have enough milk—even when they actually do.

This is called perceived low milk supply (PIMS), and research shows that it’s a major factor in early weaning. A study published in the International Breastfeeding Journal found that 25% to 73% of mothers stopped breastfeeding earlier than they wanted to due to perceived low supply. Another study showed that 35% of moms cited low supply as the reason they stopped—even when their supply was actually fine.

That’s a huge number of moms who thought they didn’t have enough milk but really did.

The good news? You don’t have to be part of that statistic.

I specialize in helping working moms pump fast and efficiently while protecting their milk supply, and today, I’m going to help you figure out if you actually have a milk supply issue—or if something else is going on.

By the end of this post, you’ll be able to:

• Distinguish between true low milk supply and perceived low supply
  
• Identify common pumping mistakes that could be affecting your output
  
• Know when and how to make adjustments to protect your supply

Let’s dive in.

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What’s the Difference Between True Low Milk Supply and Perceived Low Supply?

True Low Milk Supply:

You are not producing enough milk to meet your baby’s needs. This can be caused by medical conditions, insufficient milk removal, or other factors that we’ll cover later in this post.

Perceived Low Milk Supply:

You actually have enough milk, but you think you don’t because:

• Your pumping output is lower than expected
• Your baby is nursing more frequently
• Your breasts feel softer than before
• You see other moms pumping more milk and assume you should be, too

Many moms stop breastfeeding because they think their supply is low—even when their baby is getting exactly what they need.

One of my clients, Laura, thought her milk supply had dropped drastically when her pumping output suddenly was cut in half overnight. She was already in my coaching program, so she reached out right away. Turns out, her supply was fine—her pump just had a worn-out part that needed to be replaced. Once she swapped it out, she was right back to normal.

That’s why it’s so important to know the difference between true low milk supply and something else that just looks like low supply.

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Set Realistic Expectations for Milk Production

Before you panic about low supply, let’s talk about what’s actually normal.

How Much Milk Should You Expect to Pump?

Many moms assume they should be filling up bottles with 5–6 ounces per side at every session. That’s just not realistic for most people.

A typical pumping output is:

• 1–3 ounces per session (both breasts combined) if you are nursing and pumping
• 3–5 ounces per session if you are exclusively pumping

If you’re pumping within this range, your supply is likely fine.

One reason moms feel discouraged is because of social media. You see influencers and breast pump companies showing full bottles of milk, making you think that’s the norm. But the reality is, those pictures don’t show the bad days, the low output sessions, or the normal variations in supply.

If your baby is gaining weight well and having at least six wet diapers per day, your supply is not low.

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Watch for Common Triggers of Perceived Low Milk Supply

Many moms worry about low supply based on things that are completely normal.

Here are some common situations that can make you think your supply is low—even when it’s not:

Frequent Nursing or Cluster Feeding

Babies often have periods where they want to nurse constantly—especially during growth spurts, when they’re sick, or just because they need comfort. This doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk.

Softer Breasts

Your breasts naturally feel softer over time as your milk supply regulates. That fullness you felt in the early days? That was an oversupply adjustment—your body doesn’t need to keep making extra milk once it figures out how much your baby actually needs.

Pumping Output

Pumping does not measure your actual milk supply. Babies remove milk differently than a pump, and pumping is a learned skill. If you’re struggling with low output, it might be a pumping problem—not a supply problem.

Changes in Baby’s Behavior

Fussiness, short feeds, or wanting to nurse more often can happen for a variety of reasons. Teething, illness, overstimulation, or just baby preferences can all play a role.

Not Feeling a Letdown

Some moms feel a strong letdown reflex; others don’t feel it at all. This has nothing to do with how much milk you’re making.

Using the Wrong Flange Size or Pump Settings

If you’re using the wrong flange size or incorrect pump settings, you might not be fully emptying your breasts, making it seem like your supply is lower than it really is.

Overfeeding with Bottles

Caregivers often overfeed babies with bottles, making it seem like they need more milk than they actually do. If your baby is consistently drinking more from a bottle than what you’re pumping, paced bottle feeding can help prevent overfeeding.

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How to Tell If You Actually Have Low Supply

While true low milk supply is less common, it does happen.

Signs of True Low Milk Supply:

• Baby is not gaining weight appropriately
• Fewer than six wet diapers per day
• No signs of swallowing during nursing
• Consistently low pumping output despite optimizing your technique

Common Causes of True Low Milk Supply:

Maternal Factors:

• Hormonal imbalances (PCOS, thyroid issues, diabetes)
• Breast surgery or insufficient glandular tissue
• Medications that decrease supply (certain birth controls, decongestants)
• High stress levels (stress can interfere with milk production)

Infant Factors:

• Poor latch or sucking difficulties (tongue tie, lip tie)
• Medical conditions affecting feeding (jaundice, reflux, neurological issues)
• Not nursing frequently enough

External Factors:

• Skipping pumping sessions or not fully emptying the breast
• Regular formula supplementation reducing demand for milk
• Using a low-quality pump or worn-out pump parts

If you suspect a true supply issue, work with a lactation consultant (for nursing issues) or a pumping expert (for supply and pumping concerns).

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What to Do Next

If Your Supply Is Fine but You’re Still Worried:

• Stop comparing your supply to others—your baby’s needs are unique.
• Track diapers and weight gain instead of focusing on how much you pump.
• If pumping output is low, check pump settings, flange fit, and session length.

If You Have a True Low Supply Issue:

• Increase milk removal—nurse or pump more often.
• Check for underlying medical issues (thyroid, PCOS, hormonal imbalances).
• Work with an expert—don’t try to fix it alone.

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Final Thoughts

In most cases, you probably have more milk than you think. If your baby is gaining weight, having wet diapers, and seems satisfied, trust that your body is doing its job.

But if you are struggling, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

My coaching team specializes in helping working moms protect their supply, optimize their pumping, and get the confidence they need. If you want a clear plan tailored to you, apply for a free call to see if our program is a good fit.

And before you go, be sure to check out my next post on low milk supply vs. low pumping output to get even more clarity on what’s normal and what’s not.

You’ve got this.

References:

• Gatti, L. (2008). Maternal perceptions of insufficient milk supply in breastfeeding. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 40(4), 355-363. DOI:10.1111/j.1547-5069.2008.00234.x

• Odom, E. C., Li, R., Scanlon, K. S., Perrine, C. G., & Grummer-Strawn, L. M. (2013). Reasons for earlier than desired cessation of breastfeeding. Pediatrics, 131(3), e726-e732. DOI:10.1542/peds.2012-1295
  
• Ahluwalia, I. B., Morrow, B., & Hsia, J. (2005). Why do women stop breastfeeding? Findings from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System. Pediatrics, 116(6), 1408–1412. DOI:10.1542/peds.2005-0435
  
• Dykes, F. & Williams, C. (1999). Falling by the wayside: A phenomenological exploration of perceived breast-milk inadequacy in lactating women. Midwifery, 15(4), 232-246. DOI:10.1016/S0266-6138(99)90036-9
  
• Li, R., Fein, S. B., Chen, J., & Grummer-Strawn, L. M. (2008). Why mothers stop breastfeeding: Mothers’ self-reported reasons for stopping during the first year. Pediatrics, 122(Supplement 2), S69-S76. DOI:10.1542/peds.2008-1315i
  
• Galipeau, R., Dumas, L., & Lepage, M. (2017). Perceived insufficient milk supply and complementary feeding: Fact or fiction? Maternal & Child Nutrition, 13(3), e12338. DOI:10.1111/mcn.12338
  
• Brown, A., & Lee, M. (2013). An exploration of the attitudes and experiences of mothers in the UK who bottle feed their infants: Is there an alternative to breast is best? Maternal & Child Nutrition, 9(3), 310-325. DOI:10.1111/j.1740-8709.2012.00433.x