Key takeaways: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked in some studies to lower milk supply or shorter breastfeeding, but many people with PCOS breastfeed without trouble. Research is limited and mixed. Early lactation support, close weight checks, and frequent milk removal help. Metformin is considered compatible with breastfeeding, but evidence that it increases supply is limited.
PCOS is a common hormone condition. If you have it, you may wonder how it will affect breastfeeding.
What Is PCOS?
PCOS involves hormone imbalances that can include higher androgen levels, irregular periods, insulin resistance, and cysts on the ovaries.
How It May Affect Breastfeeding
Researchers think PCOS could affect milk production because:
- Hormones involved in breast development during puberty and pregnancy may be affected.
- Insulin resistance may play a role in milk production.
- Higher androgens may affect breast tissue.
Some studies, such as research by Vanky and colleagues, have found shorter breastfeeding duration in some women with PCOS, while other studies haven’t found a clear difference. Many people with PCOS have plenty of milk, and some have oversupply.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. If you want feeding help you can flip to in the middle of the night, my book walks you through feeding month by month, from the very first latch to the first birthday.
What to Do
- Tell your care team you have PCOS so they can watch feeding closely.
- Feed early and often, with skin-to-skin.
- Get an IBCLC visit in the first days.
- Track diapers and weight with early pediatric follow-up.
- Pump after feeds if your baby isn’t removing milk well.
Metformin
Metformin is commonly used for PCOS and is considered compatible with breastfeeding. It’s been studied as a possible way to boost supply, but evidence is limited. Talk with your doctor.
Galactogogues
Medications and herbs to increase supply have limited evidence and possible side effects. The ABM recommends first making sure milk removal is frequent and effective.
Nutrition and Health
A balanced diet and staying active support overall health. PCOS raises the risk of diabetes, so keep up with your own follow-up after birth.
Call your baby’s doctor if: your baby has few wet diapers, isn’t regaining birth weight, or seems hungry after most feeds.
The Bottom Line
PCOS may affect supply for some people, but many breastfeed fully. Get early support, watch your baby’s growth, and adjust with your care team as needed.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Insufficient Glandular Tissue: When Breasts Can’t Make a Full Supply
- Low Milk Supply: Real vs. Perceived, and What Actually Helps
- Breastfeeding After Breast Surgery: Implants and Reductions
Sources
- Vanky E, Isaksen H, Moen MH, Carlsen SM. Breastfeeding in polycystic ovary syndrome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2008;87(5):531-535.
- Brodribb W; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting maternal milk production, second revision 2018. Breastfeed Med. 2018;13(5):307-314.
- National Library of Medicine. Metformin. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
- Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
