Hi, I’m Anna.
Before I became a mother, I thought breastfeeding was simple—a natural process where my body would just know what to do. But when I found myself struggling with milk supply, feeling exhausted, and wondering why my body wasn’t responding the way I expected, I realised something: breastfeeding isn’t just about supply and demand—it’s about hormones.
I spent hours researching, trying to understand why some days my milk flowed easily and other days it felt like my body was holding back. That’s when I learned that milk production is controlled by a delicate balance of hormones—and when those hormones are even slightly out of sync, everything from supply to let-down can be affected.
Once I focused on supporting my hormonal health, rather than just forcing my body to produce more milk, everything changed. I felt stronger, more balanced, and finally started to trust my body again.
Let’s break down how hormones impact breastfeeding milk supply—and how you can support them naturally.
The Key Hormones Behind Milk Supply
1. Prolactin: The Milk-Making Hormone
Prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production. It increases during pregnancy, but after birth, it relies on frequent nursing or pumping to stay elevated.
When prolactin levels are too low, milk supply can drop. This often happens due to:
✔ Infrequent or ineffective feeding (missed feeds, poor latch, or supplementing).
✔ Stress and exhaustion, which interfere with hormonal regulation.
✔ Dehydration and nutrient deficiencies, making it harder for the body to sustain milk production.
How to Support Prolactin Naturally
✔ Feed on demand—the more frequently baby nurses, the more prolactin is produced.
✔ Stay hydrated with lactation-friendly herbs—fennel and moringa, found in The Breastfeeding Herbata, are known to naturally increase prolactin levels.
✔ Prioritise sleep and rest—even small naps can help stabilise prolactin production.
2. Oxytocin: The Let-Down Hormone
If prolactin is responsible for making milk, oxytocin is responsible for releasing it. Oxytocin triggers the let-down reflex, sending milk flowing to the baby.
But oxytocin is incredibly sensitive to stress—if a mother is anxious, overwhelmed, or in pain, her body may block oxytocin release, leading to slow or inhibited let-down.
How to Support Oxytocin Naturally
✔ Create a calm, safe feeding environment—dim the lights, play soft music, or do skin-to-skin contact before nursing.
✔ Drink a warm, oxytocin-boosting breastfeeding tea—holy basil and vervain, both found in this lactation support infusion, help lower cortisol and promote relaxation.
✔ Breathe deeply and engage in gentle touch—hugging, massage, or simply taking a few deep breaths before feeding can activate oxytocin release.
3. Cortisol: The Stress Hormone That Inhibits Milk Flow
Cortisol is the enemy of breastfeeding. When the body is under stress—whether due to lack of sleep, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed—it releases cortisol, which blocks oxytocin and slows down let-down reflex.
If you’ve ever sat down to feed and found that your milk just won’t flow, despite feeling full, stress could be the culprit.
How to Reduce Cortisol Naturally
✔ Prioritise rest, even in small ways. Even closing your eyes for a few minutes can lower stress levels.
✔ Choose herbs that lower cortisol and promote relaxation. Adaptogens like holy basil, oat straw, and vervain, all found in this breastfeeding support tea, help bring the body back to a balanced state.
✔ Set realistic expectations. Some days will be harder than others—give yourself grace, and remember that milk supply fluctuates naturally.
4. Oestrogen: The Hormone That Can Suppress Milk Supply
During pregnancy, high oestrogen levels prevent full milk production. After birth, oestrogen drops, allowing prolactin to take over.
But in some cases, oestrogen levels remain too high postpartum, especially in women who:
✔ Are on hormonal birth control, which can reduce milk supply.
✔ Experience postpartum thyroid imbalances, affecting hormone regulation.
✔ Have underlying hormonal conditions, such as PCOS.
How to Support Healthy Oestrogen Balance
✔ Avoid oestrogen-containing birth control—opt for non-hormonal options if milk supply is a concern.
✔ Support liver detoxification naturally—stinging nettle and moringa, found in this postpartum tea for breastfeeding, help the body metabolise excess oestrogen.
✔ Eat fibre-rich foods—flaxseeds, leafy greens, and whole grains support hormone balance.
5. Insulin: Blood Sugar & Milk Production
Blood sugar balance plays a major role in energy levels and milk supply. Insulin resistance—often linked to postpartum fatigue and sugar cravings—can negatively impact prolactin function, leading to a decrease in milk production.
How to Support Blood Sugar for Steady Milk Supply
✔ Eat protein-rich meals and healthy fats—avocados, nuts, and seeds help stabilise blood sugar.
✔ Incorporate warming spices that aid insulin regulation—cinnamon and cardamom, found in this hormone-balancing breastfeeding infusion, help keep blood sugar levels steady.
✔ Avoid processed sugars and refined carbs, which can cause energy crashes and hormone imbalances.
How to Naturally Support Hormones for Better Milk Flow
If you’re struggling with milk supply, slow let-down, or hormonal imbalances, know this: it’s not your fault. Breastfeeding is deeply connected to hormones, and when those hormones are out of balance, it can feel like your body is working against you.
But your body isn’t broken. It just needs the right support.
Here’s what worked for me:
✔ Hydrating with a mineral-rich lactation tea instead of plain water. The Breastfeeding Herbata provided hydration plus the hormone-balancing herbs I needed.
✔ Managing stress with small, daily rituals—a warm cup of tea, deep breaths before feeding, soft music in the background.
✔ Eating nourishing, hormone-supportive foods—especially iron-rich greens, healthy fats, and protein.
✔ Letting go of perfection—because breastfeeding isn’t just about milk, it’s about connection.
Your hormones don’t have to work against you. With the right nourishment, they can work for you, allowing breastfeeding to feel more natural, more effortless, and more in sync with your body.
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.
We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.
