Pumping Discourage
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@Sarah I'm so bad with time management. I'm being as consistent as I can. I hate my prenatals but it's the only other thing I could try right now. I'm crying because I'm so frustrated..
The lactation cookies never really helped me. Are you eating enough protein, you need as much as when you were pregnant. Are you getting enough sleep? I find counting the ounces at the end of the day is better than per pump to see if my supply has dropped. Certain times of the day you produce more and others you don’t. It also depends on how well you space out pumps. Getting on a regular schedule helps a lot too.
Have you changed your pump parts?
And consistency is essential with milk production
Relaxation and heat is important too. You can use a heat pack to warm up the breast, gentle massage, and making sure you're relaxed and comfortable. I use a heat pack and make sure they're really got before trying, I have snacks and a drink while pumping to get my mind off it all. I get more after a shower in the evening while the baby is asleep and I can have a cuppa and watch TV. It could also be that you may need someone to properly measure your pumping flange to size (many women have the wrong size and dont realise), or that you need to play around with the strength of the pump, some boobs only respond to a gentler pump for longer (mine), or a strong pump for less time.
The only way I was able to build supply was to be suuuuuper consistent with my schedule. I pumped every 3 hours on the dot for 30 minutes come rain or shine and that was the only way I could keep my supply up. I mixed my body armor with coconut water to help bulk up the electrolytes and kept taking prenatals! Good luck to you!