The first time you decide that you want to breastfeed your baby, pumping comes into consideration if you end up returning to work. I knew immediately that I wanted Autumn to be fed breast milk up until she was a year old, I did not want to use formula at all. My theory was "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?"...Same concept, not only was it better for Autumn, but it was better on our wallets as well.
Once Autumn was born, nursing was so easy and I had no issues with my supply at all. But once I decided to start working again I knew that I needed to start pumping.
I ended up purchasing the Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric Pump because I read great reviews about it, was a lot cheaper than Madela's, and was made different so that the tubing can never ever get milk in it. So once I started working pumping was easy, do it every 3 hours and drink lots of water. Everything was going great!! Made more than enough for Autumn and I could stash some away in the freezer. Then as of 2 weeks ago my supply just decreased to half (from 4-5 oz to 1.5-2.5 oz) What the eff? How could this happen? My diet wasn't changed, I wasn't taking any medications, and I was consuming the same amount of water.
So I started scouring the internet thinking of solutions. Taking Fenugreek, drinking Mother's Milk Tea, and pumping longer were some of the info that I discovered. So I did all 3 and I still didn't see any change in my supply. So then a very good friend had told me to pump every TWO hours so it tricks my body into thinking it needed to make more (which it kind of does).
So as of right now my stash of milk in my freezer is completely gone, and I now have to supplement Autumn's bottle's while she's with her sitter. At first I felt like a failure because I never planned on using formula, but now that I've been supplementing right now, I know it's only for Autumn's well being. No one wants a cranky, hungry baby. But hopefully soon my supply will replenish and Formula won't be needed.
My new #1 rule for pumping: DON'T STRESS OUT OVER IT!! Try to relax.
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2 comments:
Melissa,
I only pump. Breast feeding was do stressful that I went to just pumping and it was a life changer. But I have learned to not get on a schedule or my milk supply decreases. So I kind of alternate what time and how long between pumpings to keep my supply up. I also randomly throw in another pumping.
Tiffany m
Tiffany,
That's unfortunate that breastfeeding was too stressful. It's the opposite for me. haha! I'll definitely put your advice at hand because I always pump the same time (when my daughter normally feeds), and i've started pumping for frequently (every two hours) to increase my production. Thanks for the advice! :)
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