How much milk do you express

[Cbd333]

I'm not sure there's a right answer here. But how much milk do you/did you express on week 1? I'm day 9 and exclusively express feeding dd due to tongue tie (we're waiting for appointment). I seem to get around 80ml / 2-3oz per feed but have to supplement with one formula feed each day as she is a hungry baby! Expressing every 2-3 hours during the day and also once overnight.

Hopeful bump, I'm desperate

Hey, I’m not surprised you are feeling desperate. Sounds really difficult!

If it helps, we mixed fed for the first few weeks (combo of extreme lip tie, flat nipples etc). Also used shields successfully for 10 months. Once we were established I had no further supply issues. Did you have any success getting back to breastfeeding?

Could you look at your pumping situation again? I would be unhappy being left on a pump with two little ones, especially if I was on my own. I used the Elvie pump and it was a godsend. There must be other similar things by now. It also helped with my supply. I used to stick a hakka pump on the other side to catch all the extra letdown.

You are doing so well - if you are exclusive pumping then that is very hard work. Personally I didn’t want to just formula feed but I didn’t beat myself up about using a bit of formula for the odd feed when LO was little and I was struggling. It’s a delicate balance to keep supply up but it can be done.

Good luck OP!!!! Xx

Hi @Cbd333,

It sounds like you're doing such an amazing job but it is hardwork. I totally understand how you're feeling, in the end I became very resentful of pumping and not being able to enjoy my baby. If I wasn't pumping, I was trying to breastfeed. I spent most of the time crying or feeling really defeated. In the end, I did the best thing I could which was to slowly transition to formula. I had fed my baby for 3 months, in any way possible and tried my hardest.

Just like you, you have given your little baby the best start possible and given them as much gold nectar as you possibly can. That you don't need permission to formula feed, you just need to do the best thing for you, for your own happiness and your own mental health.