Severely low supply - should I just give up?

Question

So I just have birth to my 3rd little boy 3 months ago (as of the 16th), there were some latching issues early on, so I decided to pump and only nurse once or twice a day. I was never told that could decrease my supply. By the first month I started supplementing with formula because I wasn't pumping enough and that is what my Dr suggested. I've been doing that ever since. I only recently found out that pumping instead of nursing can cause low supply. At this point, I'm only able to pump about 6-8 ounces per day. It's there any way to build my supply back up at this point or should I just give up and switch to formula only?

Answer

My daughter will be 5 months old on Halloween and I still pump every 2-3 hours during awake hours and get up once a night to pump (last pumping around 11pm then pump once before having to wake up around 6-7am). I don't know how often you pump, but I went through what you are with my now 2 year old so this time around I didn't decrease the amount of times I pump with the exception of overnight. Make sure that you are drinking tons of water and I would try increasing the amount of times you pump for another week or so before making a decision so you can see if you can get your supply back.

Answer

How often are you pumping? They say a pump cannot empty the breasts like a baby can. However, there are lots of women who can and do exclusively pump for their LOs (myself included). But it’s hard work. You need to pump as often as baby is eating. (8-10 times in the beginning)

Answer

You can still increase your supply. Exclusively pumping is hard and requires determination. My baby didn’t latch well either. I pumped every 3 hours, day and night without skipping a single session and built a massive supply after a month or so. My baby is now 10 months old, we have a huge freezer stash. I am still pumping and I’m 22 weeks pregnant now. I plan to continue pumping through the whole pregnancy and afterwards breastfeed and pump for both babies.

Answer

6-8 oz is still a great amount! Try to see a lactation consultant. Try nursing more often and pumping afterwards.

Severely low supply - should I just give up?

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