Wasn’t quite ready to stop BF..

[RedRobin100]

But I think I might have wrecked my supply?

Baby is 4.5months. Mostly EBF since birth but had started introducing a bit of formula combi feeding twice a day. Morning and before bed.

Baby was seemingly a snacker. Feeding from me short and often. The formula bottles given were after a BF and always just 4 or 5 oz.

I EBF my first baby for 10 months. I have never been able to make expressing productive so have never did it.

im just back from a long weekend away without baby. He was getting 100% formula bottles whilst I was away. I also discovered my electric pump wasn’t working properly as soon as I arrived so had to hand express (ouch!) and buy a manual pump.
I was really only able to express for relief and not to replace missed feeds. The volume expressed was very little over the 2/3 days.

im now back and I’m not filling up any, particularly overnight when I would do more so. Baby is also getting frustrated after a very short time on me, so I find myself reaching now for bottles more..

I don’t have a formula routine and don’t know how to do it.
I am so sad at the thought of no longer BF-ing. I’m not quite ready to stop, even though I was giving combi-feeding a try.

what can I do? How much will my supply keep up with just intermittent snacking / top ups?

help?!

Just to add. I’m reliant on just one side. My left side has never been great and so we never use it. Baby prefers left.
Same thing happened with my first.

Look up relactation. I'm in the process of relactating to donate to a friend who is pregnant and had a double mastectomy. I was never completely dry but have increased my milk supply from a few ml to 10 ounces (still increasing) by pumping round the clock. Hired a medela symphony pump and use this 6-10 times a day. You can increase your supply it isn't too late!

I'm having the same problem. I had a baby 11 weeks ago. we had to introduce formula because my milk supply was reducing significantly. I think it could have been low iron as I had retained products from the pregnancy so was bleeding daily. Also I used to have milk from both breasts but now nothing comes from the right one at all.

@MandiY
Can I ask how long you express for each time? As 10 times per day is a lot! I'm working too so wouldn't manage this many times per day I don't think. But I'm willing to try!

Skin to skin for as long as you can everyday. Go back newborn basics.

Breast compressions can help to get milk to baby and decrease their fussing.

There's a thing called a supplental feeding system or something. Basically you have a small tube taped to the boob ending at the nipple. The tube supplies formula or expressed milk to baby as they suck at the nipple. The nipple stimulation will increase your supply until the tube is no longer needed.

A local breastfeeding group or even the NHS support in your area should be able to help you with all this.

I also wonder if nipple stimulation or pumping on your left side will increase overall supply to help your right?

I have battery powered portable pumps that just slot in my bra. Pump at around 6, 7.30, 9, 10.30, 12, 1.30, 3, 4.30, 8, 10. Have a break when I pick my son up from nursery as don't want him to constantly see me with a pump attached! I've found raking Brewers yeast has also really helped. My supply drops when I get disorganised and run out!

Have a look at the la leche league group on Facebook for relactation it's got loads of good advice. A close family member of mine has helped women relactate who haven't lactate for up to 12 months. It's amazing what the body can do when you put your mind to it. Just be careful as people really push drugs like domperidone which do work however it's not always necessary and people end up hooked on it or their supply drops!

God that’s an enormous commitment for a friend, how long are you intending to do it for?

Doesn't bother me, and she's my best mate. Will do it until she needs me to stop.