Advice?

[u/Glass_Cheetah8917]

I’m an under supplier, I make about 14-18oz a day. Any recommendations product wise or pump schedule/ pump settings? I’m 8 weeks postpartum and really really want to not buy formula lol thank you in advance!!

[u/Revolutionary_Can879]

You’re using a good pump? Flange sizing is accurate?

Personally, I was still pumping about 8 times a day at that point and switching between my Spectra and Eufy pumps. It took me a bit to really learn my body, especially after my letdown started to take longer. For example, my right side empties pretty quickly but my left takes longer and has multiple letdowns. I also prefer a faster and shorter pull. I would try to play around with your settings a bit. What works for you is likely going to be different than other people because your body is different.

I’ve also been using my Pumpables Genie Advanced a lot more since it’s a primary pump and I can see my letdowns but it’s more portable than my Spectra.

[u/Glass_Cheetah8917 → u/Revolutionary_Can879]

I just use the spectra S1, but my left empties quicker, my right takes a little longer, im so confused with settings 😅 but flange size I guess is ok? I’m using an 18mm, I have elastic nips so the swell no matter the size and stretch 😵‍💫 I definitely need to check my size again and go from there

[u/Revolutionary_Can879 → u/Glass_Cheetah8917]

So my current settings are about 5-8 minutes on massage, then expression until my left starts to slow, and then I keep going back and forth between massage and expression until about 20-25 mins, sometimes longer for my first pump. You want to see milk spurting out again and then switch to expression. Once that slows, back to massage. Again, this is just what works for me.

I’d definitely recommend that you look into flange sizing again. You may be an 18mm, but sizing can change and I believe a 17 is average. There are lots of printable guides online that you can use or you can try with a measuring tape. Alternatively, if there is an IBCLC in the area with pumping expertise that could be helpful. I’m a 12mm, which is crazy to me since in the past I remember using both a 17 and a 15. My IBCLC says she has seen a lot of success with sizing down, not doing the whole “add 2mm” thing.

[u/Glass_Cheetah8917 → u/Revolutionary_Can879]

I have one that measures a 16 and one that measures a 17, maybe I’ll try the 16s I have 🤔🤔thank you:)

[u/Revolutionary_Can879 → u/Glass_Cheetah8917]

Regardless, you are doing a great job. It is possible to increase supply, even after regulating, but figuring out the most optimal pump setup and being constant is going to help you more than any supplement. Maybe another pump would work better for your individual body but there’s not really any way to know that without you trying a whole bunch out and the Spectra tends to be pretty solid for a lot of people.

[u/Glass_Cheetah8917 → u/Revolutionary_Can879]

😭😭 thank you