Pumping and nursing, feeding what breast milk I can. Mainly feeding formula. What can I do to increase my milk supply.
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Lactation cookies from target. Body armor drinks or coconut water
I know that when I was combo feeding it took a toll on my supply. Once I stuck to latching and pumping it improved so much. Also feeding / pumping closer in time so every hour and a half to two hours. It seems like a lot but you’re telling your body you need more. So even if it feels like you’re wasting time pumping because no milk is coming, keep doing it! It’s not easy, the MOTN feedings are stressful and it doesn’t make your days any easier especially if you have things to do and spend so much time pumping but your milk supply should definitely increase. Also, aim for a gallon of water a day and very high protein diet
The only sure fire way to increase supply is milk removal. The more milk you remove, the more your body will make. Also avoid anything with fenugreek and brewers yeast as this tends to hinder supply production and makes baby super gassy (as told to me by my lactation consultant but also ive learned from personal experience as well) Everybody reacts to supplements for lactation differently so tread lightly. This is my second time being an exclusive pumper and so far I've just stuck to a really strict pump schedule and from the time of baby's birth (I started producing only 10ml) to now (i make between 32oz and 40oz in a 24 hr period) i pump every 2 and half to 3 hours. I drink about 3 gallons of water a day, I've upped my protein and my fiber and I've stayed taking prenatal vitamins
If his latch isn’t great, he may not be emptying you fully. So you may want to focus on making sure you get as much milk removed during each feed/session. I had to supplement when baby was born because my milk took long to come in and I struggled with a low supply at first. I was told to pump every time baby got a bottle. And I power pumped after he nursed to mimic cluster feeding. Hydration is also very important, I realized I needed to drink a lot more water than I originally thought. My current daily goal is 128oz and I now can get 2-3oz per pumping session. Not an overproducer by any means but I can now offer my pumped milk instead of formula when needed.
Stop feeding formula if you want to increase supply! That’s what I’ve read. Have you tried feeding on demand. There’s baby led feeding ie waking from naps,crying,etc. and mama led! Where you can feed baby when you want to. They most likely will not turn the boob away. I recommend reading the womanly art of breastfeeding by la leche league. That book gave me so much confidence with breastfeeding!
My supply suddenly was dwindling and I ate some oatmeal for breakfast a few days And drank more water and breastfed and pumped between feedings. I would also keep pumping for 2 minutes even after the milk stopped coming out..now my milk is more abundant after only a few days
It may sound silly but try not to stress, massage your breast, tell yourself you were made for this build confidence mom. Plus all the things other moms mentioned ❤️ wishing you best of luck
Following! I could've written this myself
Drink like coconut water, eat your oats, try the 20 min on then 10 off then 10min on and 10 off for 60 minutes, even if nothings coming out pump too, drink a lot like a lot of water