PMOS (PCOS) And Breastfeeding: Tips for New and Expecting Moms

The ability to breastfeed is one of our superpowers as women. It’s incredible how our bodies know how to create the perfect source of nutrition for our babies, adapting to their needs as they grow! For many women, breastfeeding is also a special time to bond with their baby, creating moments of comfort, closeness, and connection. 

All that said, breastfeeding can be far from easy. Even when everything goes “right,” it can still be physically demanding, emotionally overwhelming, and full of unexpected challenges. And for women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), now called PMOS, there can be a few extra hurdles along the way.

Thankfully, understanding how PMOS affects breastfeeding can help you prepare, seek support early, and give yourself the best chance of a successful breastfeeding journey. 

As a registered dietitian specializing in PMOS and a mom with PMOS myself, I know these concerns firsthand. In this post, I’ll explain why PMOS can affect breastfeeding, share tips to support your milk supply, and answer the most common questions about breastfeeding with PMOS. 

Let’s get into it:

PMOS (PCOS) And Breastfeeding: Tips for New and Expecting Moms

You probably already know that lactation is all hormonal. Because of that, many women with PMOS worry about milk supply. And, honestly, it’s for good reason. Insulin resistance, elevated androgen levels, inflammation, and more (which are all pretty common with PMOS) can affect milk production.

But this doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed successfully! There are lots of ways to naturally address the root issues behind low or delayed supply and kick-start healthy milk production. But before we get into what you need to do, let’s talk about exactly how PMOS may affect breastfeeding. 

Throughout this post, it’ll be super helpful to know what underlying issues you may be dealing with. Since PMOS can vary a lot from person to person, take my free quiz, What’s your PCOS Type? to better understand your unique journey. 

Can PMOS Affect Breastfeeding?

Yes, PMOS can affect breastfeeding. But it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to breastfeed your baby. In fact, many women with PMOS go on to have healthy milk supplies and wonderful breastfeeding experiences! 

That said, PMOS can increase the risk of delayed milk production or a lower milk supply. The hormonal and metabolic imbalances that can contribute to irregular cycles and fertility challenges may also influence how your body establishes and maintains milk production after birth.

The encouraging news? Many women with PMOS go on to breastfeed successfully. Understanding the factors that may affect milk supply can help you prepare, support your body, and feel more confident as you begin your breastfeeding journey.

How Does PMOS Affect Breastfeeding?

Insulin resistance can prevent lactocytes from getting nutrients for milk production. 

We often think of insulin as just regulating blood sugar and metabolism. But it actually does a lot more than that! One of its biggest responsibilities after your baby is born is helping lactocytes (the cells that make breast milk) absorb the glucose and other nutrients they need to produce a healthy milk supply.

But if you have insulin resistance, your cells aren’t as receptive to receiving those nutrients. So, if your lactocytes don’t get the fuel they need for milk production, you may struggle with a lower milk supply.

Excess androgen levels during puberty can impact breast and milk duct development.

Breast development for milk production actually begins all the way back in puberty. How your milk ducts and glandular breast tissue develop depends a lot on your hormone levels. If you had elevated androgen levels (male sex hormones) during your early years, they may have interfered with your body’s ability to fully develop your milk ducts and glandular breast tissue. Because of this, some women with PMOS have less milk-producing tissue, which can make breastfeeding more challenging later in life.

For more on how PMOS impacts breast development, read my post: “Tubular Breasts with PMOS: Causes and Natural Treatment.”

Inflammation and hormone dysregulation can delay lactogenesis II after pregnancy. 

Lactogenesis II is the stage when your mature milk “comes in,” usually about two to four days after giving birth. During pregnancy, high progesterone and estrogen levels prepare your breasts for breastfeeding while preventing large amounts of milk from being produced. 

After delivery, those hormone levels rapidly drop, allowing prolactin to switch your breasts into full milk-production mode. In women with PMOS, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and hormone imbalances can interfere with this transition, making it take longer for mature milk to come in.

Dysregulated prolactin signaling can impact milk production. 

Prolactin is the primary hormone responsible for telling your breasts to make milk. Thankfully, not every woman with PMOS has abnormal prolactin levels. However, insulin resistance and hormone imbalances can make your breast tissue less responsive to prolactin’s signals. Basically, your body may produce enough prolactin, but your breast tissue may not fully “hear” its message to make more milk, which can reduce milk production.

Unfamiliar with this hormone? Here’s what you need to know about prolactin levels in PMOS.

How to Increase Breast Milk Supply With PMOS

As I said, there’s a lot you can do to support your breastfeeding journey with PMOS! You don’t need to completely reverse your condition (read “Can PMOS Be Cured?“) to make a noticeable difference in your milk supply. Here are some simple ways to set yourself up for breastfeeding success:

Feed or pump frequently, especially during the first few weeks.

Breast milk production works on a supply-and-demand system. Nurse or pump every 2–3 hours, even if you’re only producing small amounts at first. Regular nursing or pumping tells your body that your baby needs more milk, encouraging it to keep producing.

Prioritize skin-to-skin contact.

Holding your baby skin-to-skin helps increase oxytocin. That’s the hormone responsible for your let-down reflex. (Which is the release of breast milk from your milk ducts when your baby begins nursing or you start pumping). Skin-to-skin contact also activates your baby’s natural feeding reflexes, making them more likely to latch well and nurse often. This can all help support a healthy milk supply.

Use a hospital-grade breast pump if your supply is low.

If your baby isn’t nursing effectively or you’re struggling with low milk supply, try a hospital-grade breast pump. These often have stronger, more efficient stimulation compared to standard pumps. This extra stimulation may help establish or increase your milk production. Talk to your doctor or contact a lactation consultant for help getting one!

Work with a lactation consultant early.

If you have PMOS, don’t wait too long to get help. Even if you’re just having a few issues, it really doesn’t hurt to get ahead of the game and find some expert support. A lactation consultant can assess your baby’s latch, evaluate milk transfer, identify potential problems early, and create a personalized plan to help you build and maintain your milk supply with PMOS.

Support healthy blood sugar through a balanced diet.

Because insulin plays an important role in milk production, supporting blood sugar may also support your breastfeeding journey. This can help with other PMOS symptoms too, like weight gain, fatigue, and chronic inflammation. So, it’s a win all around! 

Try a gluten- and dairy-free anti-inflammatory diet. It focuses on balanced meals with plenty of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and anti-inflammatory foods to help improve insulin sensitivity and nourish your body during breastfeeding. Find PMOS-friendly recipes and use my handy meal planner on The Cysterhood app. 

Not sure if you have blood sugar issues? Take my free quiz, What’s your PCOS Type?, to see if you may have insulin resistant PMOS. 

Talk to your doctor about lactation-supporting supplements. 

If you’re struggling with low milk supply, ask your doctor or lactation consultant whether lactation-supporting supplements might be appropriate for you. Depending on your situation, they may recommend options like moringa or fenugreek. They can help you choose the safest and most effective option for you and your baby.

Breastfeeding is just one part of the postpartum journey. To learn more about how PMOS can affect pregnancy, birth, and recovery, read my post, “PMOS and Pregnancy: What to Expect Before, During, and After.”

Support a healthy milk supply with these PMOS lactation tips.

Breastfeeding is such a special part of motherhood. It’s amazing what our bodies are capable of, and I don’t want a PMOS diagnosis to make you feel like that experience is out of reach.

Yes, PMOS can make breastfeeding a little more challenging, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. Take care of your body, stay in touch with your doctor and lactation consultant, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Just take it all one feeding at a time. 

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Written by Tallene Hacatoryan, MS, RD, founder and formulator of OvaFit. Tallene is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in PCOS (now called PMOS) nutrition and has PCOS herself.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or treatment plan.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.