Pumping more but getting less?

Question

My son is 7 weeks old and we’ve been having trouble nursing since about 3 weeks old. We started supplementing with formula because he wasn’t getting enough from me (and we believe he has a lip tie that we will be getting checked). This past week I’ve been pumping more than normal trying to get my supply up so that we could hopefully give him breastmilk only, but since I’ve been pumping more I feel like I’m getting significantly less than before! I have drops that I take to help with production, I take omega 3 pills, I drink milk tea and have tried to really increase my water intake. Does anyone have any insight as to why my supply may be dropping?? I’m so discouraged by it 😭

Answer

From experience, you may feel like you're getting less when you're pumping more, because you are getting less with each pump when you pump more often. That's just how it works. But if you keep it up, it will increase. I recommend recording on your phone, pen & paper, or whatever how much you produce at each pump. If you do that for a week+, you will notice an increase in your daily production. That's how it was for me. After a day or 2 that I started increasing pumps per day, it started increasing by like an ounce or a fraction of an ounce per day. But when you look back after a week of pumping, you'll notice the increase and you'll feel more at ease. If you don't keep track & record, and just try to remember, you might not notice the increase because it is so gradual. You did say you are pumping more, but not how much. As long as you're pumping 7-8 times a day, your supply should increase. I hope this helps! This was just my experience.

Answer

I agree with the other poster. Since you're pumping more, it may seem like you're getting less our with each pump. Keep a daily log on paper or on your phone to see how much you're getting each day. Getting yourself into a routine with pumping also helps, so you can compare the ounces. It's good that you're taking supplements to help your supply! Just keep in mind that supplements with Fenugreek can be a lifesaver for some or can really hurt their supply! Also check your flange sizes and your membranes or duckbills. Having the right flange size can help you drain efficiently. And having membranes or duckbills without tears or cracks will help with suction. These should be changed every 6 to 8 weeks if you're exclusive.

Pumping more but getting less?

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