As a second time mom this was my first time making an effort to pump/ breastfeed.
I worked with two lactation Consultants who were both RNs. They had great advice and input and really helped me find my way. However, as my daughter got older my output never changed. I was still only pumping 2oz and she needed 3-4oz and I was having to supplement (fed is best so I was okay- just very bummed). I was trying all the supplements under the sun. Which the didn’t work out for me .
I really took a step back and assessed: what am I missing?
How is my SLEEP/REST- am I getting enough?
Am I EATING well? Am I getting a good balance and how often am I eating?
How is my fluid intake? Am I getting enough water and HYDRATING often?
Am I sticking to my pump SCHEDULE ?
I started to really focus on me when I could. A good breakfast, small snack before lunch, lunch, a good full dinner, and a bedtime snack (usually oat balls)
I pushed water and tried electrolyte packets for flavor. I slept when I could and made it a priority to rest. I set alarms for reminders to pump.
I’m now 4 month postpartum, I exclusively pump now but my output has increased to full 4-5oz bottles . There are days I’m short, days I make enough, and days of being 5 bottles ahead. I feel so blessed that I got to the point of not needing formula and being able to pull milk out of the freezer and play catch up. Focusing on those 4 things really helped me turn my supply around- I sprinkled some power pumping in there here and there and it just didn’t work for me.
I like the little step list that you made because it is very true. Sometimes we really don’t know what is wrong with our supply, but those are the for sure the top four things I look at whenever I’m not producing that much milk. Thank you so much for posting this, I know this will help a lot of moms.
I loved how you put it down, it’s so easy for us to lose sight of the basic things sometimes and they’re definitely the foundation of the whole process. Of course there are other sources for problems on breastfeeding, but for so many women things can be fixed by simply looking back at those basics.
This is so inspiring! It’s amazing how taking care of ourselves with proper food, rest, and water can completely shift our supply when supplements don’t work. Huge congratulations on reaching your goal and building that freezer stash, you’ve worked so hard for this! Cheers!!!
Thank you for sharing this! It’s such a great reminder that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our babies. So happy your hard work paid off
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. There are days I’m short, days I make enough, and days of being 5 bottles ahead. I feel so blessed that I got to the point of not needing formula and being able to pull milk out of the freezer and play catch up. Focusing on those 4 things really helped me turn my supply around- I sprinkled some power pumping in there here and there and it just didn’t work for me.
It’s such a great reminder that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our babies. So happy your hard work paid off