Help me get my milk back!!

[GLC789]

Looking for advice on increasing supply.

Was poorly recently which meant I had to pump and dump due to meds I was out in for one week. I tried my best but admit I didn't pump enough during that week due to being so unwell. Once, naybe twice a day.

Baby has been back on boob (combi fed since before anyway) for 3 days and no issues with latch. However, I'd say 4 of every 5 feeds she's wanting more and fleecing a full bottle as little as half hour after. It's almost as if I never fed her boob.

I did pump this morning after a GLORIOUS 8 hour sleep while she was still outters (thank you baby!!!) but 15 minutes on each boob I was left broken at the 30ml that came out between the two 💔😭. I don't have the best pump in the world but even when I was poorly the pumps were giving 70-100ml a time (10 mins per boob)

What can I do?
How long can it take for supply to come back, if at all?

Baby has been on boob 7 times today and 5 of those she's ended up doing a full bottle within half hour after.

Bump

Congratulations on the glorious 8 hours sleep - very jealous!

The main way to increase and maintain supply is by pumping/feeding regularly. Your boobs will adjust to meet demand, so if you feed and pump regularly they will adjust. One way to trick your body into producing more milk is to pump after feeding, so say 15 minutes of pumping initially, then increase that.

While you are pumping, it helps to be relaxed and well hydrated. Play some music and enjoy some snacks or a decaffeinated drink. If baby’s not with you, weirdly it helps to look at pictures of them- this has been shown to increase yield!

Experiment with times of day. Most people have more milk available in the morning, so this is a good time to pump.

You don’t say how old your baby is, but it sounds like they’re maybe having a growth spurt? As long as you’re able to offer boob or bottle, try not to worry. Sometimes babies get faster at removing milk from you and people assume they’re not getting enough, but they are.

I‘m guessing the 8 hours sleep was a one off, but if it happens again try to pump overnight. 8 hours is a long time and reinforces the message to your body that baby doesn’t need as much milk. I’m sure as a one of it makes little difference.

These are general tips, if you can get to a breastfeeding support group I’m sure they’ll be able to help with a specific plan. Look up La Leche League UK and see what’s on near you.

Good luck, and I hope you’re feeling better!

When you say you're giving a bottle half an hour later do you mean formula? If so, do put baby on the boob first even if you need to top up with formula for that feed.

Second, pump output is NOT indicative of breastfeeding output.

You're doing brilliantly. I agree, frustrating as it is to break an 8 hour sleep do try to pump or feed in that time as prolactin highest overnight.

How old is your baby?

Lastly I'd say do keep offering bottle at least once a day or so. I didn't and my DC now won't take it, so I'm trapped!

@OMGsamesame baby is 15 weeks this coming Monday.

We're doing much better now than when I first started the thread.

I've been boobing her first as much as I can and them pumping in between, even if I get a dry pump in going with it because the stimulation is bound to tell my boobs to get to work and make more!

Formula is what she's topping up on. I'd say we're about 60% breast and 40% formula atm. She's been combi fed since the day she was born so she's all good with bottles. I definitely don't want to make her forget about the bottle because I wouldn't cope if my husband didn't do his share of feeds 😂😂.

The only time I go straight to formula is for last feed of the day.

Oh no! I hope you're doing OK having a boob obsessed baby! Stay strong mama x

Oh - I meant to ask are you happy with how your pump fits? Most flange tubes are far too large and apparently you can get cushions to go in them

@OMGsamesame

I actually purchased a new pump. The original one I was using was a cheap amazon job.

Since getting the new pump a few days ago, things are improving. This one fits better and is far more comfortable.

The new one is the Tommee Tippee "made for me" pump.