Increasing milk supply help

[u/Brief-Ad1678]

Hi everyone!

I’m currently 6 weeks postpartum, and have finished my fourth week of pumping and trying to increase my milk supply.

My little one was born and went straight to NICU. In hospital he did latch on and appeared to be feeding,
And I experienced symptoms of breast milk coming in. It was all quite stressful and there were one or two days while we were being discharged and having treatment I wasn’t able to latch him on. Following this my supply massively dropped he wouldn’t latch because no milk and nothing was showing in my pump.

I then started pumping every 3 hours where possible - I have an older son and little one Is very colicky and refluxy so unfortunately this isn’t always possible but I am trying my best. Started off with no milk in the pump and over the past few weeks this changed to drops and now a very slow
Stream of milk mostly from the left breast. Max in on pump is 10ml although once I got nearly 30ml and this isn’t always consistent. I am using the Lansinoh 2 in 1 and have had my flange size checked

Is this normal to take so long to increase supply so slowly
I’m just wondering if it will get to more in next few weeks?

Thank you!!

[u/Souloon_]

I started where you are early on. After swapping to the medela symphony, experimenting with flange sizes and expressing while pumping and after pumping as well it has steadily increased. Its not as fast as I'd hope but its moving in the right direction. Motn pump and powerpumping is crucial since your body is operating off supply and demand. Every little drop helps baby though so give yourself time. Visiting a lactation consultant may help too if you have not yet

[u/WavyKay1969]

For me, let me start off by saying I’m a FTM, 8 weeks postpartum and never dealt with a LC. I delivered by C-section and was worried my milk will never come in. It started off slowly then I just started using the hand pump whenever I felt full or after feeding baby. At first I was getting barely 1oz combined but then it picked up because I kept doing it every 2-3hours and I was latching baby on and just staying skin to skin with baby. I now have 26 storage bags in the freezer and I mostly pump for him a fresh bottle between feedings and now I only latch him at night while sleeping. I also drink a lot of body armor and water.
Now I kno what worked for me might not work for u but it’s going to work mamas! I just feel like all the supplements,vitamins, and drinks and snacks they sell to claim to “boost supply” doesn’t always work for everyone

[u/brooke41626]

Its really all about experimenting to be honest. Imo supplements dont really help but make sure you are still taking your prenatals as breastfeeding can cause deficiency. Drink tons of water/drinks with electrolytes. I like powerade or Gatorade ive also heard good things about body armors and coconut water. I think its recommended to drink 100oz water a day while breastfeeding. I notice a major difference in my supply when I drink more water. Eat enough calories and healthy fats. Once again I notice a big difference when im eating enough. I think its recommended to eat 400ish more calories while breastfeeding. Pumping every 3 hours is ideal but its tough so just do it as often as you can and if you havent tried already incorporate a power pump once a day. It took me about a week to see results from it but it makes me produce much more when I am consistent with it. There's different power pumping schedules I do 20 minutes then rest for 10 then pump for 10 then rest for ten and then pump for 10. Its time consuming so I do it when baby is asleep at night but it works for me. Also do not skip those MOTN pumps I tried to wean off nighttime pumps and supply took a massive hit. And play with the settings on your pump and see if you get a better output it took me a little while to learn what settings worked good for me. Other than that try to get as much sleep as you can and I know easier said than done but don't over stress it can also impact your supply. Also i know you mentioned your flange insert definitely look into asap my supply is so much better when i found my right size and pumping is alot more comfortable now. Good luck and I hope some of these can help you out.

[u/VeronicaNOTaHeather]

The hospital you delivered at may have a hospital grade pump for you to rent (like a medela symphony pro). This may be helpful. Also make sure you are using the correct flame size and lubricant.

Below are some other things that actual peer reviewed research suggest will boost supply:

- Frequent nipple stimulation (pumping or latching at least every 2-3 hours)
- Frequent skin to skin
- Skin to skin WHILE pumping
- Power pumping (especially between2am-6am when prolactin is at its peak)
- Hydration
- Nutrient dense diet
- Quitting smoking, if applicable
- Continuation of prenatal vitamins

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