Regaining milk supply at 3 months?

[Lolly521]

i was breastfeeding exclusively for the first month, at which point got awful pain and went to the gp, I then started mix feeding and using my breast pump but it became mostly formula. Over Christmas I mix fed but hardly pumped at all and now my supply is so low, when I pump it’s the tiniest bit that comes out not even 1/2 oz both boobs (it never was a huge amount, around 1oz per boob per session) I’m desperate to breastfeed properly again but he much prefers the bottle now, I guess a flow thing although I am using size 0 teats. I’m continuing to pump as often as possible, also having a toddler so it’s not as regular as every 3 hours, but doing it a few times a day, taking supplements and staying hydrated. I guess what I really want to know is if anyone has been in this situation and managed to up supply and breast feed again? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I’m just not ready to give up and I’m really sad about how it’s all gone downhill after such a promising start

So… yes, it is possible to increase supply again (talk to a lactation nurse if possible, try to get some serious help with your toddler so you can have lots of time resting with your baby skin to skin, pump, pump and pump some more).
But… it might be really hard to do that now. You did a brilliant job getting to 3 months. You are doing a brilliant job having a toddler and a baby and keeping them both alive and fed. Would there be any way you could feel okay about stopping breastfeeding? Once a baby has decided they prefer the bottle it can be hard to go back. It can be seriously depressing to keep trying.
Formula is awesome stuff. For various reasons my son needed formula from younger than your baby. He is now 6 foot tall, way more intelligent than me and didn’t suffer for it. I personally wish I had swapped sooner and not spent so much time beating myself up.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

Expressing is not the best way to increase supply, latching your baby on is much better. Your body responds to all the cues your baby gives (their smell, sound, etc). A machine only provides suction, not all the other cues.

If your oh can take time off to spend with your toddler (or a grandparent can etc), then you can sit on a sofa and just latch the baby on for as many hours as possible. I'd suggest no housework, hardly going out, for 2-3 days or so.

It's definitely doable, I did it with my first, went from barely breastfeeding to almost ebf by 4 months.

Thank you both for your replies. Unfortunately I’m not able to get much help with my toddler, but he is in nursery on Tuesdays so I will make the most of that. I did look into a lactation nurse but didn’t realise how spenny it was (£200 for a home visit 🤯) I’m trying to get him to latch as often as I can and he will do it, unless he’s too hungry and then he will just fuss for a bottle. I’m not against formula, I just know how good bf is for him and noticed a few differences in him eg more regular bowel movements with bf where as formula it’s sometimes every 2 days then an explosion and I can see his discomfort. Also I guess I feel a bit of a failure and wish I’d pushed through the pain instead of introducing the bottles, but I can’t go back and change that, I’m just to give it a real go this week, then whatever will be will be I guess. Really appreciate both your advice, thanks so much x

You are most definitely not a failure! This is not a popular opinion but I think what your child eats between the age of weaning and whatever age they are when they can buy their own food with their own money matters a lot more than breast milk or formula.

I ebf both of mine but if it was that much hassle I wouldn't have hesitated to switch over to a bottle. Don't feel guilty if you do! But agree with the advice given by the other posters. I think i read an article somewhere about near enough 24 hours bed rest where you do nothing other than basically lie in bed and attempt to feed the baby and all meals are brought to you and you don't do any housework. Do you have enough support for that to be an option? X

You're not a failure, you're doing great.

Plan your day with your toddler so you can BF your baby as much as possible. For example take your toddler to one of those small soft plays where you can sit and just watch him play. Or activities that he will do where you can just watch (I know, easier said than done), like ink stamping, that kind of thing.

Aim to be latching-on for ten minutes every hour (yes, that often), keep switching sides every few minutes. After just a few days you'll see a huge boost in your supply.

£200 for a lactation consultant is loads. An extra ad hoc day at nursery is usually around £80. Just saying, you could buy two whole quiet days with your baby for that money.

Thank you, all really great advice. Unfortunately I don’t have anyone that can look after my toddler for me, so bed rest won’t be an option for me. I think that’s part of the issue, I’m never really able to rest and although I obviously cuddle baby, it’s always on a time limit. Really good idea about organising activities for him that I can observe rather than join in. My toddler is in nursery today, I’m going to stay home with baby and keep trying to latch. I’ve just got a hands free pump too from Vinted (obviously completely cleaned and sterilised etc) it’s so much more convenient! Hoping I can do that more often too. Also really good idea about an extra nursery day.
I so appreciate all of your advice. Thanks so much x

I had similar OP but I had to essentially stop breastfeeding for a few weeks due to medication. I was pumping and got not a lot out. DD was 3 months and it wasn't worth the agg. It was utterly miserable trying to get back on the breast fully. Aside from forcing her on my breast there wasn't much I could do. Which no one wants to do. As PP said, formula is awesome stuff. I didn't have a toddler in tow as she's an only child and I still couldn't manage, despite my best efforts.

I really don't think it's worth the hassle and upheaval for you, as well as your baby.
DD is 4, has no allergies, she slept great and is an all round healthy happy great little kid. Use formula as your friend in his scenario and not your enemy!