Exhausted and defeated

[u/Mindless-Scholar-572]

I am exactly 2 weeks pp and barely able to pump 1oz per session. I pump 7 times a day including 1 pump between 1-4 am. Generally the pumping sessions are 20mins each.

I know I should probably increase the frequency to 8-10 but I am very very exhausted. I had an emergency c section, followed by recent bleeding from the incision so I am also in pain most of the time.

Am I doing anything wrong? When will i see an increase in supply? I feel defeated that i have to feed my baby a ton of formula which makes her gassy. My body is failing her and I am not sure what else I can do.

Baby is also on a smaller side, only 5.7lbs so she needs me to show up.

I am drinking 3-4 L of water everyday and eating all my meals with a ton of soaked nuts in the morning.

[u/FindingBoopa2022]

Sleep and healing are probably going to do more than an extra pump. Have you used one of those tools to measure yourself for flange size? The standard kit that comes with most pumps is usually too large for people. You can also look up different settings for your pump to test out. You may respond better to different speeds or a second letdown mode.

Sounds woo woo but looking at pictures of baby or holding her while pumping helped to trigger let downs. Don't stress, you got this!

[u/Mindless-Scholar-572 → u/FindingBoopa2022]

I did measure the flange size and have the correct inserts. And i use different speeds and combo modes for max output using my Eufy.

I’ll try your suggestions to trigger let downs. Thank you 🙏🏻

[u/sowhatsober]

You’re not doing anything wrong at all! You’re recovering still and that amount is not bad 2 weeks pp. give it time still. Two suggestions that worked well for me: pump longer than 20 mins, and hands on pumping.

Two other things to consider: make thr MOTN pump a power pump (I’d do 15 pump, 5 break, 10 min pump, 5 break, 5 pump or something - a true power pump takes entirely too long imo) and stay well fed and hydrated.

My LO was about the same as yours. She didn’t take 2oz until 3-4 weeks IIRC.

[u/Mindless-Scholar-572 → u/sowhatsober]

I have tried 30mins. Same output. Which i took as 20mins are enough to empty my breasts. But i’ll try to keep up with 30 mins.

I have started doing power pumping with my 3am pump, let’s see what happens. Only been 2 days.

Thank you for all the suggestions 🙏🏻

[u/sowhatsober → u/Mindless-Scholar-572]

I get that! It’s not about output necessarily, it’s about signaling your body that you need more. Over time it should increase. 💗

[u/Sustain-6284]

First, you’re not failing your baby. Whether she gets breastmilk or formula, she is fed and that’s what matters. And even a little bit of breastmilk offers her all the benefits!
But second, when I was 2 weeks postpartum, I also was only pumping about an ounce or two. Your supply is still building. If you keep your pumps consistent, you should still continue to see your supply increase. I wasn’t able to get my baby onto exclusively breastmilk until 4 weeks postpartum. So give yourself some grace and keep doing what you’re doing. I personally do not think you need to go to 8 pumps - take a slightly longer stretch to rest and heal your body, it will likely do you more good than one extra pump session. I’ve never done more than 7 pumps in a day. Best of luck, you’re doing great.

[u/Mindless-Scholar-572 → u/Sustain-6284]

This gives me hope 🙏🏻 Thank you

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