Combi feeding due to low supply - is it time to just pump?

[MamaChicken]

Have been combi feeding my 3 month old DC (first time mum) since week 3 due to low milk supply. Have tried everything to up the supply but nothing has worked. In the last week DC has started to only stay on the breast for 5 mins before getting very frustrated. I'm worried about losing my supply entirely and am thinking that the only way to make sure I can keep something until he's weaned is to move to expressing so I can stimulate supply for longer periods but I love BF and the bonding it gives us. Anyone else experienced this/have any advice?

Bottle feeding is easier for baby, that’s why he prefers the bottle. Have you increased your protein, and have a glass of water with every feed/pump?

Have you been to see a lactation consultant? Has baby been checked for TT? Have you talked to your GP about domperidone?

I should also say that at 3 months ish we (breastfeeding supporter) see lots of babies who are suddenly resisting the boob. I don't know if you are still feeding to a vague every 3 hour schedule, but if so, stop - your baby knows when they're hungry. They are seeking out the stimulation from the world around them and just don't want to be tucked into you looking away! So a lot of them will start waking more at night to feed when it's quieter and there's nothing to see. Offer the breast if you think they need it, if they refuse, ok cool, just carry on with your day. They know where the milk is if they really want it!

If you would like to continue with BF, I would consider trying to cut down on the bottles and spend a couple of days just focusing on BFing baby - lots of skin to skin and let them feed whenever they want. This will help build your supply. Of course if baby is getting distressed or you are worried they aren’t getting enough, then still offer a bottle. But in the long run, the more you feed, the more you’ll make.

I did express with my first and I honestly found it awful. So much faff, especially when baby is starting to become more interested in the world - j didn’t want to be missing out on what he was doing whilst I was sat pumping. I managed to bf my second, after combi feeding for the first 3 months then exclusive bf after that. Definitely found it easier in comparison to the expressing.

Yes to all, have been checked for tongue tie, seen consultants and am eating a BF friendly diet with lots of water! Also power pumping morning and evening. Unfortunately nothing has improved the supply 😞 I've poured my soul into getting the little that I have and up until the last week DC has been pretty happy to stay on, just want to do what I can to keep at least some breast milk feeds in until weaning.

Hi, I'm in the same boat as you - I never had much of a supply and have been giving baby as much breast milk as I can (which I don't think is very much) but she is now starting to be less interested in BF (aged 4 months). I'm taking the view now that I've done the best I can and if she's no longer interested, it's not worth stressing myself (or her) about. As long as she's happy, I'm happy!

Why do you think your supply is low? Is she gaining weight? Plenty of wet and dirty nappies? Korma colour poo? Maybe the initial newborn growth is slowing and she doesn't need to feed as much.

Look into paced bottle feeding if you want to pump and give the bottle. It mimics breastfeeding and allows baby to control the flow of milk.

Also, your output via pumping is no indication of your actual supply. Many women cannot pump successfully but can breastfeed fine.

Pumping may be what's causing your low supply. I suggest only breastfeeding, no bottles, and let your baby nurse for as long as they want to. Try this for a few days and see if your supply improves.

I had similar. I worked with a wonderful lactation consultant who flagged some health markers that can indicate a low milk supply (eg PCOS) and who, very gently, told me I might be at my physical limit. We did power pumping etc, and in all honesty it nearly broke me. It was a constant reminder that I felt I wasn’t doing enough for my baby. Eventually, I let my baby latch for comfort but accepted that all her nutrition was coming from formula. It took me several weeks to come to terms with it, and 10 months later I am still regretful, that it didn’t work how I wanted it to, but it was what was right for my baby.

I hope you can make it work for you, but honestly the mental weight that lifted when I finally drew a line under it was immense. So do consider yourself, as well as your baby.