Using ChatGPT to Increase Milk Supply??? Let’s see if it works!

Recently, I’ve had more than a few moms ask me a pretty surprising question: “Can ChatGPT help me with my milk supply?” At first, I was honestly shocked. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized we do use AI quite a bit in our own business. So why not test it out?

In this post, I want to walk you through what happened when I asked real, common breastfeeding and pumping questions to ChatGPT—and what I, as a nurse, IBCLC, and pumping coach, thought about the answers.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

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Why Moms Are Turning to AI for Breastfeeding Help

Some moms have even told me they didn’t want to use our coaching services because they were going to “just use an AI bot instead.” And I get it. AI is accessible, available 24/7, and often free. But the big question is… is it accurate? Is it helpful?

Let’s find out together.

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Meet Me—Your Real, Human Pumping Coach

Hi, I’m Allison Tolman. I’ve been a nurse since 2009 and have spent my entire career supporting pregnant, birthing, and lactating mothers. For the past six years, I’ve focused specifically on breast pumps and working moms, and now I coach inside our Pumping for Working Moms program—a unique coaching system designed for high-achieving, career-driven women who want to breastfeed on their terms without sacrificing their professional goals.

But for now, let’s dive into what happens when you ask AI to troubleshoot your milk supply.

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The First Scenario: Low Supply, High Effort, and Total Burnout

I gave ChatGPT a pretty realistic scenario:

“I’m 12 weeks postpartum with my first baby. I’m pumping 8 times a day for 30 minutes each, but only getting 10 ounces total. I need 25 ounces a day. I’m using the Ameda Joy and I’ve already measured my flange size. I’m exhausted and burning out. Please help.”

What ChatGPT Said:

It offered kind words (which was appreciated), and then listed some standard suggestions:

• Recheck flange size
• Adjust pump settings
• Try power pumping
• Eat better and drink more water
• Manage stress
• See a lactation consultant

My Take:

This wasn’t bad advice… but it wasn’t great either.

It was generic. It lacked how-to steps. It didn’t acknowledge the real emotional and physical toll this mom is under. And it completely missed a few big red flags, like how exhausted she already is (so adding more pumping isn’t the solution!).

For example, power pumping is thrown around constantly online, and AI picked it up like clockwork. But for a mom who’s already stretched thin, I would never suggest power pumping without really understanding the context first.

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Why Generic Advice Doesn’t Cut It for Low Milk Supply

Breastfeeding—and especially pumping—is nuanced. Your pump settings, flange fit, output, and body response are all part of a bigger puzzle. AI simply doesn’t know how to see the full picture.

You could tell ChatGPT your flanges fit, but unless it can see your nipples or identify swelling, cracking, or improper suction, it just can’t give personalized feedback. It can’t ask follow-up questions, read your facial expressions, or notice subtle clues like a real coach can.

And hydration and nutrition? AI reminded the mom to drink water and eat protein. Sure, those things are important—but they aren’t going to fix a low milk supply on their own. And honestly, that advice often just makes moms feel worse, like they’re failing at another thing.

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The Second Scenario: Tongue Tie, Low Supply, and Emotional Overload

Another mom I worked with, Charlotte, posted:

“My son was diagnosed with a tongue and lip tie. We’re scheduled for a revision. I’m mainly pumping now—9–10 times per day—but not seeing progress. I’m burned out and want to get back to nursing.”

What ChatGPT Said:

This time, it leaned heavily into empathy, which was actually really nice. But again, when I asked for logistical suggestions, it went back to:

• Pump longer
• Pump more
• Try galactagogues (sigh)
• Use a “hospital-grade” pump (it didn’t define that well either)

My Take:

This client didn’t need more pumping or more gear. She needed someone to help her optimize what she was already doing. She needed help with timing, letdown response, and understanding whether her pump was really emptying her breasts.

And she needed encouragement from other moms who had been through the same thing—not a robot giving textbook answers.

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AI Is a Tool—Not a Replacement

ChatGPT is helpful if:

• You know exactly what to ask
• You already understand the science behind milk supply
• You need general education, not a custom plan

But here’s the thing: most new moms don’t know what they don’t know.

AI will only give you what you ask for. And if you ask the wrong question? You get the wrong answer. You could walk away feeling more confused, overwhelmed, or discouraged than when you started.

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Why Human Coaching Matters (Especially for Working Moms)

In our Pumping for Working Moms program, we don’t just hand out blanket advice like “pump more” or “drink more water.” We look at:

• Your pump make/model and settings
• Your flange fit with photos
• Your output trends and body cues
• Your schedule, lifestyle, and stress levels
• Your goals and preferences

We collaborate with you to find an approach that actually works—both for your milk supply and your life.

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So, Am I Worried AI Will Replace Me?

Nope. Not even close.

If anything, AI is showing us how desperate moms are for real support—and how underwhelming generic internet advice can be. AI might be able to give you a place to start. But if you’re trying to rebuild supply, find efficiency, and reclaim your sanity, you need more than copy-paste advice.

You need a plan, accountability, and human support.

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Final Thoughts

Using ChatGPT to fix your milk supply? It might give you a few decent pointers. But if you’re a working mom trying to make pumping sustainable and milk production consistent, you’re going to need a lot more than generic recommendations.

You only get one shot at this postpartum experience—and we want to help you make the most of it.

If you’re ready for expert guidance, a supportive community, and a step-by-step plan, apply below to speak with my team. We’d love to help you reach your goals—with less stress and more support.

👉 Apply for Pumping for Working Moms Coaching

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You are more than milk. But if milk matters to you, we’re here to help you thrive.