Bf milk question

Are you having enough liquids and food? Could you use an electric pump?

I’m taking my pregnancy supplements still

Hand pumps can be a bit useless - I never got on with the one I had. It just didn’t seem to get anything out. I have an electric one which works better. In terms of breastfeeding though, if baby is gaining weight and producing plenty of wet nappies, and is settling for periods of time during the day (I say periods of time because babies often have unsettled periods that could be for any number of reasons but doesn’t necessarily mean they are getting enough milk) - then it’s likely they are getting enough. Breastfeeding is strange in that you have no way of knowing how much baby is taking, which can be tricky when you just want to feel reassured and more in control. But you just have to trust that if they are gaining weight and producing plenty of wet nappies, they’re getting enough!

I’m having the same problem! She is not satisfied after a feed and we could go on for hours, so I’m convinced my supply is low. Which makes me sad, I’m currently trying to increase my supply and the only advice I’ve been given is to pump or express, I feel your pain with the drop by drop mine is the same. 40mins of pumping gives me a total of 50ml🥲

@Munet She is probably cluster feeding. It feels like they're continuously feeding, which is the baby's way of increasing your supply. The pumping will of course help too!

I had this too and nearly gave up in the first week. It's now another week on and I am pumping more than I was last week so feeling a little more optimistic. I have resorted to formula alongside as I'm still not convinced I make enough milk. I'm just going to keep feeding or pumping then topping up with formula and see what happens.

What you express has no correlation to how much milk you have. Why do you think you haven't got enough? You are only day 5 so milk is only just coming in. If you would like a guide on all the support available to you post partum, then grab my guide here https://childcarenavigator.co.uk/availablesupportguide

Just make sure little one is have at least 6 wet nappies and 2 soiled nappies (should get yellow now). It's common for babies in first few days to lose weight can take 2 weeks to go up to birth weight but if having wet and soil nappies then healthy.

I was also thinking this today, had a bit of a meltdown cos my breasts have felt empty. But then pumped and got a normal amount (am 7 weeks in). My point being that it’s impossible to know!! And stress really doesn’t help. I agree with others on trusting your body is producing enough, try and relax and focus on feeding. I would suggest waiting a few weeks to start pumping if you can? The national BF helpline is also fantastic. Good luck!

I never pumped more than 3oz max at a time and I breastfed my son for 16months. Babies have a much more effective technique of withdrawing your milk than a pump, it can only mimic what babies can do. Keep going you’re doing amazingly well and only 5 days in, your supply will build-supply and demand 😊

Do not worry about if you have enough milk… if your baby is having enough wet nappies and pooing they are getting enough. The first 6-8 weeks your baby will cluster feed and be attached to you 24/7. Once you’re over that hurdle it will be bliss. I have the spectra S1 pump and had to mess around with settings. Please don’t supplement with formula unless you’re concerned your babies not putting on weight. This will only result in your milk dropping if you’re not also pumping during that feed.

Why are you unconvinced you're producing enough?

You should have a baby weigh in today, so that might help ease your mind

Put a hakka on the other boob when feeding and you’ll probably be amazed by how much you collect. I always find that reassuring if ever having a wobble about supply