What Helped Me - Exclusive Pumping

Breastfeeding & Pumping
1

Hi Moms,

If you are on an exclusive pumping journey & have good days & bad days, you are not alone. 3 months into my pumping journey, I ended up getting a head cold causing my supply to drop. As a first time mom, I was sure what I could do to get my supply back up. I went through roughly 2 months of a supply dip & was on the verge of giving up when I finally was able to get my supply back. Since then I have had several good months but I’ve also taken huge dips as well where I was sometimes 2 bottles + short having to use emergency stashes from the freezer (I only have 5 days worth of a stash so I try to reserve what I can). I am now 77 days from hitting my goal of exclusive pumping for 1 year & I am hoping I can complete this journey with no more dips.

When I have experienced supply dips here is what I tried:

  • liquid IVs or other forms of electrolytes in water
  • Body Armors, Starbucks (Pink Drink) - the coconut water in these helped a ton!
  • Drinking as close to 1 gallon of water a day
  • Power pumping twice a day (once in the morning, once before bed (20 mins pump, 10 mins rest, 10 mins pump, 10 mins rest))
  • Ensuring I was pumping through the night (8-10 times a day to encourage more production)
  • Focusing on protein heavy snacks
  • Gentle exercising (walking, getting outside clearing my head). I tend to stress quite a bit so being able to get outdoors & enjoying a change of scenery helps me feel at peace

These items above that helped me tends to work. They do sometimes take 3 days atleast of consistency before you might see the increase but don’t give up! Take it day by day & know that you are not alone. It can be super tough mentally going through supply dips, but just know it does get better & I hope the tips above help other moms that may be experiencing dips as well.

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3 Likes
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That is awesome! I also was an exclusive pumper and I cannot stress how important it is to make sure YOU are getting all the nutrients and minerals you need. If you are not already, I’d recommend you continue taking prenatal or postnatal vitamins. It will help make sure you are replenished. Adding in some coconut water will help with hydration and supply too. Good luck momma - 1 year is just around the corner!

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Thank you for sharing your experience! I love hearing to the experience of other moms. Finding ways of releasing some stress is fundamental, I’m going through a really stressful moment on top of everything that comes with being a first time mom with a small baby, I definitely notice that on the days that my anxiety and stress are higher I do not make enough milk. It feels like a kick when you’re already down, but strangely knowing that it’s not only happening to me and that there are brighter days ahead makes everything easier

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I love all these tips! Every pumping mom should know these! :heart_hands:t3: thank you for sharing and I hope it helps a mama out!