Natural breastfeeding support: A holistic approach to low milk supply
Low milk supply can feel incredibly discouraging, especially when you’re doing “all the right things.” You’re feeding often, staying hydrated, eating well, and still wondering why your baby seems unsatisfied or why pumping output doesn’t match your expectations.
If you’ve found yourself searching for natural ways to support lactation, you’re not alone. Many parents explore herbs, supplements, and lifestyle strategies to help their bodies respond more effectively during breastfeeding.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what low milk supply can look like, why it happens, and how a comprehensive strategy can help. We’ll also explain where herbal support fits into that toolkit, and how parents often use it as part of a bigger picture.
Understanding low milk supply (and why it’s so common)
First, it helps to know that “low milk supply” can mean different things to different people. Sometimes supply is truly low, and the baby isn’t transferring enough milk. Other times, supply is actually normal, but expectations are skewed by pump output, social media comparisons, or misunderstanding baby behavior.
Parents often suspect low supply when they notice things like frequent feeding, fussiness at the breast, short naps, cluster feeding, or reduced pumping output. While these signs can point to a supply issue, they can also be normal newborn behavior. Babies nurse for comfort, connection, and regulation, not just calories. So it’s always worth looking at the full picture, including diaper output, weight gain, and overall baby health.
That said, true low milk supply does happen, and it’s more common than many people realize. Supply challenges can be influenced by stress, fatigue, hormone shifts, latch issues, tongue ties, feeding schedules, postpartum recovery, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. In many cases, low supply isn’t caused by a lack of trying, but by a mismatch between what the body needs and what it’s receiving in terms of stimulation, rest, and support.
This is where a holistic approach becomes so valuable. Instead of relying on one solution, a comprehensive plan supports the entire breastfeeding ecosystem: baby, parent, feeding technique, and body.
A holistic toolkit for supporting milk supply
When parents think about increasing milk supply, they often jump straight to supplements. But milk production is influenced by multiple factors working together, and the most effective support usually comes from addressing the basics first.
Consistent Milk Removal
Consistent milk removal is key because milk supply is heavily driven by demand. Frequent feeding, effective nursing, and/or pumping sessions signal to the body to continue producing. Even the best herbal support works better when milk removal is consistent.
Effective Transfer of Milk
Next is an effective latch and/or transfer support. If your baby isn’t latching on in a way that removes milk effectively, the breast isn’t getting the signal to produce more. A shallow latch, tension, or oral restrictions can limit milk transfer. This is very common and not something to be ashamed of in any way. If it is the case, then you may consider support from a lactation consultant (IBCLC), which can be a game-changer for many moms.
Nutrition, Hydration and Energy
Your body needs adequate nourishment and hydration, too. Energy and nutrients are so important for producing milk. While time and self-care can be extremely tough for new moms, it’s important to make time to eat and hydrate yourself. Under-eating and skipping meals can contribute to supply struggles. Many breastfeeding parents need more calories than they expect.
Rest and Stress Management
Rest and stress support is honestly one of the harder parts, especially when you’re running on fumes with a newborn. But here’s the thing — stress hormones can actually interfere with letdown and overall milk production. So leaning into a supportive environment, accepting extra help when you can, and prioritizing rest where possible can make a bigger difference than you might think.
Hormones and Postpartum Considerations
Sometimes supply struggles have less to do with feeding and more to do with what’s going on hormonally or postpartum. Things like thyroid issues, PCOS, insulin resistance, retained placenta fragments, or significant blood loss can all play a role. If your supply feels persistently low even though you’re doing everything right on the feeding side, it might be worth bringing these factors up with your healthcare provider just to rule things out.
Herbal Supplements for Support
And then there are herbal supports, which can be a helpful addition for some parents, especially when you’re already doing the foundational work and want a little extra support in your corner. There are quite a few herbs out there that have traditionally been used to support lactation, and goat’s rue tincture is one that comes up often.
So why does goat’s rue get so much attention? A lot of it comes down to the fact that it’s commonly discussed as supportive for parents who feel like their supply struggles might be tied to breast tissue development or glandular capacity. Everyone’s body is different, of course, but some mothers find that adding goat’s rue tincture to their routine feels like a natural fit, especially when supply has felt persistently low.
How to tie in lactation-support herbs
Breastfeeding parents who use herbs like goat’s rue tincture also focus on supportive daily habits that make the herb part of a larger routine rather than a stand-alone “solution.” For example, prioritizing the list below is a great holistic approach:
- Frequent nursing or pumping (especially in the morning when supply can be higher)
- Skin-to-skin time to support feeding cues and regulation
- Breast compressions during feeds to improve milk transfer
- A consistent pumping routine if baby is not removing milk efficiently
- Nutrient-dense meals and snacks that are easy to grab one-handed
- Support from a lactation consultant to fine-tune latch and positioning
What’s important here is the mindset. Herbs are a tool, not a replacement for foundational breastfeeding support. When the fundamentals are being addressed, goat’s rue tincture can be part of a well-rounded approach that supports the body’s natural processes.
This kind of integrated plan can feel empowering because it gives you multiple ways to help your body, rather than relying on one thing to do all the heavy lifting.
Why “one-tool solutions” often disappoint
It’s completely understandable to want one clear answer when you’re tired, emotional, and worried about feeding your baby. Many parents feel pressure to fix their supply quickly, and that pressure can lead to trying a new supplement every few days, hoping for a breakthrough.
But supply challenges often respond best to consistency over time. Milk production is a biological feedback loop. It doesn’t always change overnight, and quick fixes can lead to disappointment, even if you’re doing everything right.
That’s why a holistic approach tends to feel more sustainable. Instead of chasing one perfect supplement, you build a supportive framework that improves your odds across multiple angles. If goat’s rue tincture helps, it helps within that bigger framework. If it doesn’t, you’re still supported by strong fundamentals.
A note about expectations (and pump output)
One of the biggest sources of stress for breastfeeding parents is pumping output. It’s easy to look at a bottle and assume that’s the full story of your supply, but pumping is not always an accurate reflection of what baby can transfer at the breast.
Some parents respond poorly to pumps but have a healthy nursing supply. Others pump a lot but struggle with baby transfer. If you’re using goat’s rue tincture and monitoring results, try not to judge progress solely by what you pump in one session. Instead, look at the full picture: baby’s satisfaction, diaper output, weight gain trends, and how your body feels over time.
And if you’re supplementing with formula, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Many families combine feeding methods while working on supply, and a holistic approach supports your baby’s nourishment and your well-being, not perfection.
When to get extra help
If you’ve been doing all the “right” things and still feel like something’s off, please know that’s okay! It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Sometimes getting a little extra support is exactly what’s needed.
A lactation consultant can take a closer look at how milk transfer is going, help with latch, and figure out if there are other steps that could help. And if it feels like something more might be going on, your healthcare provider can look into hormonal or postpartum factors that could be contributing.
The truth is, low supply can be really complex, and for a lot of parents, the answer is a combination of smaller things coming together. It’s important to remind yourself that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own!
