By Aliza Carr, Registered Midwife, Mama and Owner of Franjos Kitchen
Introducing solids is such an exciting milestone in your baby’s first year. It is messy, joyful, and full of firsts. But I know as a midwife and mum, it can also bring up a lot of questions, especially around breastmilk supply.
Many mums notice subtle changes in feeding patterns, and sometimes a small dip in supply, once their baby starts exploring food. This makes sense as breastmilk works on a supply and demand basis. The more your baby feeds and removes milk, the more your body produces. The good news is that with a few simple strategies, you can continue to confidently combine breastfeeding with the fun and mess of starting solids.
Why your milk supply might change
Breastmilk should remain your baby’s main source of nutrition throughout the first year, as recommended by health authorities worldwide (ABA 2025). Solids are introduced when your baby is developmentally ready, usually around six months of age. At this stage, the focus is on exploring tastes, learning to chew, and practising swallowing, rather than replacing breastfeeds.
Your baby’s nutrient needs, especially for iron, increase significantly around six months and are the highest they will ever be. That is why it’s incredibly important to combine high-quality, nutrient-dense, iron-rich foods with ongoing breastfeeding to meet both their developmental and nutritional needs.
6 gentle ways to support your supply
1. Offer the breast first
The ABA suggests offering the breast before solids, at least until around 9 to 10 months, so you know bub is getting their most important food first. If they are distracted or fussy, try a calm, quiet environment for feeds. Cluster feeding in the evenings is also very normal at this stage.
2. Add a pump session
If your baby skips a feed or shortens their usual feeds, adding in a short pumping session during the day or evening can help signal your body to keep producing milk, if your feel you need this.
3. Support your body with galactagogues
Certain foods may gently support milk production. These include oats, flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, and almonds. Franjos Kitchen Lactation Cookies have been created with natural galactagogues and nourishing wholefood ingredients to support mums whilst being the perfect snack during those busy feeding days.
4. Stay on top of hydration
Breastmilk is made up of over 87% water, so keeping your hydration up is essential when you are breastfeeding. The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends breastfeeding mums aim for around 2.7 litres of fluids a day. Between the feeds, naps, snack requests and life, it can be tricky to get adequate hydration. That is exactly why Franjos Kitchen created our Motherhood Hydration Powder. With coconut water for natural electrolytes, vitamin C and prebiotics to support gut health, it helps you stay hydrated in a way that actually tastes good and works harder for your body.
5. Be kind to yourself
Your supply may fluctuate as your baby starts solids. That does not mean your body is not working beautifully. Breastfeeding is so much more than just nutrition. It is comfort, connection, immune support and reassurance.
6. Reach out for support
If you are ever unsure or worried, speak to your GP or a lactation consultant. Sometimes, one good chat can ease your mind and help you feel confident navigating this next stage.
Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, mixed feeding, or navigating the early days of solids alongside breastfeeding, you are doing an incredible job.
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