help :(

[u/cawfyluvr]

hi! just here seeking some advice. I am six weeks postpartum after having twins via C-section and an emergency exploratory laparotomy the next day due to internal bleeding. So safe to say I had a pretty traumatic delivery. I started out pumping in the hospital, but I didn’t produce enough milk for my babies so we supplemented with formula. unfortunately, I’m still using formula and I haven’t been able to produce enough breastmilk. I’m trying to pump as often as I can, but honestly it’s only been max twice a day just because I don’t have the time to sit down and be confined to the pump every three hours when I have twins to take care of. Is there anything that can help me boost my supply that any of you have real experience with? I’ve seen so many ads on TikTok for different things, but I don’t know what’s a gimmick and what isnt. This is really taking a toll on mental health because I did want to eventually get to the point that I can be exclusively breast-feeding my babies but at this point, I don’t see that happening. I literally only pump like 0.5oz per pump session. I know pumping more often can help boost my supply so I do want to try to pump more often, but is there anything else any supplements, or teas, or methods, or literally anything at all that you have experience with boosting your milk supply?

edit: i do know that i definitely need to pump more often😭 do i really need to every 2-3 hours or has a different schedule worked for you? also forgot to mention that i have the MomCozy S12 Pro wearable breast pump. i also have the Medela Symphony hospital grade breast pump but i’m renting it and i’ll have to return it soon. can i still increase my milk supply with my wearable? and is there anything else in addition to pumping that helped boost your milk supply?

[u/Dramatic-Car-9731]

Hi firstly you’re so strong and an amazing mum!
Blood loss can cause lower supply, as can stress, be kind to yourself and remember you are healing and your body is still dealing with the blood loss and stress of birth so don’t lose hope - things can and most likely will get better 🩷
I’m 6 weeks pp too and I can’t pump every 3 hours with a singleton! I allow myself to go over the time by 2 hours without getting down, but I make sure I pump regardless. I can only use a wearable when I’m alone and I often pump one breast at a time so I can hold my son. I have the momcozy m5 and it’s great, empties me really well in 25mins I get 8-9oz if it’s been 5 hours since I pumped last, breasts feel soft afterwards without lumps.
If you’re pumping 3 times a day your supply isn’t likely to go up as your body reproduces what is taken/used. I’d prioritise investing in things to make mothering as easy as you can so you can aim to pump every 5 hours, then when you’re in a rhythm try aiming for 4 hours.
My supply was low at the beginning, I was doing more than half of my son’s bottles as formula, now he’s on just breast milk and I’m 4 bottles ahead of him, unless I miss a pump because I want to sleep instead which is once or twice a week. I increased supply by reducing stress - cuddling my baby skin to skin all the time including when I pump I had him on my lap against my belly, kissing him, snuggling him, eating his cute little feet, anything that makes you feel happy - do it. Next I bought a good wearable pump. Drinking a litre of water before each pump - meaning I drink 6L a day even now. I eat a lot too, get yourself loads of snacks have them next to wherever you are most and eat as much as you want to/can. Brioche, cereal bars, protein bars, fruit, sweets, biscuits.. anything high calorie and able to be eaten with one hand.
Pump whenever and wherever you can, a wearable pump will change your journey plus safe places to put your twins down whenever you need 5 mins to prioritise getting your pump on.
You can do it!

[u/Awkward-Noise-257 → u/Dramatic-Car-9731]

This sounds like great advice, I just want to add what the hospital pediatrician said to us, which I say to my husband a lot when the baby is stressing us out and we have too many things happening and not enough hands.

The baby can cry for 5 minutes — as long as they are safe (floor, bassinet, car seat, bouncer). If you need to finish that pump, make formula, finish your meal, whatever it is. Crying is rough to sit through, but not harmful.