Does this mean that my Milk supply will end soon?

Question

FTM here. I'm 11 days pp. I've been exclusively pumping since day 5 and supplementing with formula. In the past days 
I've been able to get 3oz max from both breasts. Since yesterday I am only getting 1oz from both. BUT if I don't pump on time my boobs get super hard.

Does the fact that I'm only getting 1oz means that my milk supply will end very soon? Could you please let me know if you have a similar experience and did you end up having a positive/negative outcome?

Please don't judge I have tried everything to nurse my son without any success. Please do not tell me to try to breasfeed directly because unfortunately that's not an option. Thank you!

Answer

I've been exclusively pumping for 12 weeks, and I also have to supplement with formula. I disagree with a lot of the other comments on here. Although it may be statistically true that supplementing decreases your supply, if you're only pumping 3 ounces a day, there's no way you can stop supplementing, gradually or otherwise. If your breasts are getting engorged, then there's definitely milk there that's not coming out with the pump. Try different suction settings. I always find that when I increase the suction, I get more milk. The only problem is that if you use too high of a setting, you'll get bruised (and eventually cracked) nipples, so don't keep the suction level high if you're in pain. Another piece of advice I'd give is to apply moist heat (like a hot washcloth) before and during pumping. Finally, massage your breasts while pumping, then manually express milk when you're done pumping. This will give you more each session and will build your supply over time. Massage is especially effective for me when I'm engorged. I normally just get little drips while pumping, but the milk will actually spray out when I massage while engorged. You could also try increasing your pumping sessions by a few minutes. I pump anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on how long I've gone between pumping sessions, whether I'm engorged, etc. My LC says you get the majority of your milk in the first 15 minutes and that I don't need to go longer, but I notice a difference in output when I do go longer.

Answer

Oatmeal and mother's milk tea are also good for increasing your supply.

Answer

I believe the average for both is 1-2 ounces per pump session. Get on Pinterest and look up ways to help build milk supply. Make sure you're drinking a lot of fluids. And eating well. You'll be surprised at what foods aren't recommended for breastfeeding. I have lactation cookies which are super duper yummy! Don't give up momma! My cousin pumps and feeds her baby and she's going on four months strong!! But it is true that you don't want to supplement so much. I'm sorry that directly breast feeding isn't an option because babies get more milk from you when you fed directly than when you pump. I hope this was helpful! 💜

Answer

I also pump and supplement with formula when needed. My milk supply dripped significantly when I started using formula too. However, I have been able to regain some of my supply back with herbal supplements. There is a " mother's milk" tea and a "motherlove" capsule that will help get your milk supply back.

Answer

Gradually stop supplementing.

Answer

The more you supplement, the faster your milk will dry up. Supplementing decreases your supply.

Does this mean that my Milk supply will end soon?

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