Do Stress reduce milk supply?
Stress usually won't reduce your milk supply. However, if you're feeling very stressed and it's interfering with how often you're feeding your baby, this may temporarily reduce your supply.

Our breastfeeding expert Sonali Shivlani says that in some cases, stress can affect the levels of oxytocin produced, which is the hormone responsible for the milk let-down. Hence it could affect how your milk comes out if not how much is produced.

Having a new baby and trying to learn how to breastfeed can be stressful. In the early days both you and your baby are learning about breastfeeding. Try to take things one day at a time, as it can take a while for you both to get the hang of it.

Your breasts produce milk to match your baby's demands. So try to feed your baby as often and for as long as he wants to boost your supply. You could also try expressing your milk after each feed. Removing leftover milk in your breasts will help you to produce more milk. Read our article on low milk supply for more help.

It could also be that you're struggling to get your baby latched on to your breast. If your baby isn't latching on well, he'll struggle to get enough of your milk. You may mistake this for a problem with your supply. Take a look at our visual guide to help you decide if your baby is latching on properly.

If you can, make things easier for yourself by asking your spouse or family member for help and support. During night feeds, your husband could help by passing your baby to you when he wakes for a feed, and burping and settling him afterwards. If your baby will take a bottle of expressed milk, your husband could share some feeds with you.

Experiencing breastfeeding problems such as painful breasts, blocked ducts and cracked nipples can add to your stress. Rest assured there are plenty of ways to get help. Ask your doctor or speak to a breastfeeding specialist, or look at our directory of breastfeeding organisations.

You could also ask your doctor if there's a breastfeeding support group near you. These groups are a great way to chat to other new mums and get advice on breastfeeding. Sharing and swapping experiences with other new mums in our community will help you realise that you're not alone.

Be assured that when you and your baby are breastfeeding happily, you will feel much more relaxed. You'll then be able to enjoy the special time you and your baby can have together during his feeds.