During my first breastfeeding journey, I was completely lost. I hadn’t done much research before giving birth and honestly had no idea what I was doing. I only pumped when I felt full which was about 5-6 times a day for the first three months.
Before long, my supply started dropping, and my son and I were going bottle for bottle. I felt like I was failing. I questioned whether I was even meant to breastfeed.
But I wasn’t ready to give up.
I spent countless late nights researching, reading articles, joining Facebook groups, and learning from other moms who had been through the same thing. The more I learned, the more I realized how much I didn’t know.
I discovered I needed to pump more often to establish my supply. I learned that flange size isn’t one-size-fits-all and can even change throughout your journey. I also learned something so simple that made a huge difference - lubricating my flanges!!
By that point, my nipples were cracked, blistered, bright red, and incredibly painful. I never would have guessed that a little lubrication could make pumping so much more comfortable.
At four months postpartum, I created a pumping schedule, set alarms on my phone, used tracking apps to keep me consistent, and refused to give up.
Within a month of staying consistent, my supply started increasing. I went from being a just-enough producer to having an oversupply.
Looking back, what helped me most wasn’t one product but it was education, consistency, and the support of other moms. Sometimes all it takes is one piece of advice from someone who’s been there to completely change your journey.
If I could tell a new mom one thing, it would be this: don’t be afraid to ask questions. Breastfeeding is learned, not instinctive, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. 
