Prolactin and Milk Supply
Milk supply is influenced by several hormones, but prolactin is one of the most important. Understanding how prolactin works, and how it naturally changes throughout the day, can help make sense of feeding patterns in the early postpartum period.
What is Prolactin
Prolactin is the hormone your body uses to make breast milk. When your baby nurses or you pump, your brain releases prolactin. The more milk removal that happens, the stronger the message your body gets to make milk. This “supply and demand” system is one of the main ways your body adjusts milk production to meet your baby’s needs.
How prolactin changes throughout the day
Prolactin levels are not the same all day. They naturally rise and fall:
Prolactin is highest overnight and in the early morning
Levels are lower during the daytime
Each feeding or pumping session triggers another prolactin release
Because prolactin is naturally higher at night, nighttime and early morning feeds are especially important for building milk supply in the early weeks.
Why frequent feeding matters
Milk production works on supply and demand (especially beyond 4 weeks postpartum.)
More frequent milk removal leads to more prolactin release
More prolactin supports ongoing milk production
This is also why cluster feeding is common in the early weeks. When babies feed very frequently, often in the evenings, they are increasing milk removal and sending repeated prolactin signals. While cluster feeding can feel overwhelming, it is a normal way babies help regulate milk supply (in addition to many other things that makes cluster feeding biologically normal.)
Put it all together
If feeding feels unpredictable or frequent early on, this is often your hormones and your baby working together. Understanding prolactin can help explain why frequent feeding, including cluster feeding, plays an important role in establishing milk supply.
If you have questions about feeding patterns or milk supply, getting individualized support can help you sort through what is normal and what may need extra attention.
If you’re pregnant and want to feel prepared before your baby arrives, our Breastfeeding Class is a great place to start.
If your baby is already here and you’re running into feeding challenges, you can book a lactation consultation for one-on-one support.
Either way, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’d love to help you feel confident and calm as you feed your baby.
