To pump, or not to pump...

I tried breastfeeding, but my son never got a good latch and it just became very frustrating. I probably gave up too quickly, but he was hungry, I was exhausted and defeated. I've been pumping & supplementing with formula. I've been trying to get him to latch, but it's more a comfort thing at this point. I've my husband went back to work and I was full time mommy, I wasn't able to pump, eat, or drink often enough to maintain my supply....I'd get about 7 ounces first thing in the morning, and 3-5 ounces each session throughout the day.... now, I'm lucky if I can pump 5 ounces of milk a day. I'm constantly going back and forth between continuing or stopping. Is there any chance at getting my supply back up at this point? I know it'd take a lot of work and dedication...I want to do what's best for him, but mentally it's become a lot for me.

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As an exclusive pumper for the 2nd time, it's hard. You can definitely increase your supply. If you've regulated already, usually around the 12 week mark, it'll take some dedication. It's supply and demand, so the more you take out, the more you'll make. While trying to increase your supply, you're going to want to pump every 2-3 hours, even at night. Your middle of the night pumps are going to be key because that is when your body makes the most prolactin. Diet and hydration are key as well. I use wearable pumps during the day because I have a toddler, a 4 month old, and also work from home, but use my wall pump for my night pumps. Not every pump will work for you and it does take time for your body to get used to a pump. You want to make sure your pump has hospital grade suction. Whether you decide to pump or formula feed, you're doing an amazing job mama! A happy mama is a happy baby. If it's too much, don't push yourself mentally. You can always reach out with more questions.

I am facing the exact same thing. For me I went back to work and my pumping had reduced both night and day. Now I pump 2-3 oz from each every 4-5 hours (if I’m lucky) which is a huge drop. I feel frustrated with myself and feel like I’m failing. I want my baby to have breast milk only and I’ve managed this far (4 months) but with my supply so low I don’t think I will make it much longer. I hear the key is water too. I know I don’t drink enough water and I’m trying to change that as well as pumping more often. But I feel you, it’s hard especially when you don’t have a minute alone

@Alyssa i strictly pumped with our duagjter who was NICU, i agree with EVERYTHING you said! Ik for me only the medela pumps work, and even then they're still different, I don't have 2,000 to drop on the symphony so I bought the in style, works almost as good. It's trial and error when it comes to pumps, the sucky part is most (if not all) places won't accept a used pump; trying gets very expensive very fast. To get my supply up rn im pumping after I feed for an additional 15-25 minutes and when I'm at work ive been pumping for about 45 minutes, every 2.5-3 hours. Diet is KEY, ive got to take a lot supplements, and we all eat very healthy, I drink about 1.5 gallons of water a day and when I drink less I get significantly less each pump.

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