Can i do it?

Question

I'm 17 years old, breastfeeding my 2.5 month old, and still in high school. I only have class for 4 hours so i decided to just have my daughter have formula at daycare and i don't pump while i'm at school, i feed her before and after. Since i go close to 5 hours without feeding/pumping, my supply went down and we do about half formula half breastfeeding. when school ends I would like to try exclusively breastfeeding again for the summer, is it possible for me to get my supply high enough to stop using formula? If so, what can i do?

Answer

Yea very possible!!! Feed/pump non-stop. They call it a nursing vacation. Just let the baby nurse non-stop and pump when the baby isn't nursing..do it for about 4-5days and your supply should increase just beware of very tender nipples.

Answer

Is it possible you can try to pump during lunch? Or maybe get a note from your Dr excusing you to pump for at least 15 mins every 2 hrs? They don't have to write excuse for pumping on there but maybe you can be excused for a medical reason or something

Answer

You can do it. Have you considered asking for 20 minutes or so during school to pump? That would definitely help. Also while school is still in session, on days you're not in school consider adding in a few pumping sessions between feedings. Early morning is when you'll get the most milk but the least amount of fat in the milk. Make sure when you pump you go a few minutes after your milk stops. It signals your body to make more. You can also try fenugreek capsules. If you burp after you take them they taste like black liquorish 😷 but other than that they're not bad. You can try adding some flaxseed to a bowl of oatmeal every morning too. These are all things my lactation consultants have told me to do as I have had low supply since the beginning. My son is 7 weeks now. I've also read online that Gatorade may help with supply but there's nothing definitive with that one.

Answer

Considering adoptive parents and non birthing people can induce lactation it's certainly possible. It'll just take time and work. The only issue you may face is how much the baby will be eating. Formula fed kids have larger stomachs because formula stretches their stomach. But if you can dedicate the time to getting your supply up it should work out. Good luck! If you need extra support try to find a local La Leche League and get to a meeting.

Can i do it?

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