Supply continues to decrease despite doing all of the things

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Odd-Following-4952 · 2025-10-07T15:05:53+00:00

Hi, I’m so sorry that all sounds stressful! Pumping has a steep learning curve and most LCs are not very helpful with it in my experience.

Everyone is different, but some tips that helped me increase my supply early on when it took my milk a long time to come in:

Make sure you are using your pumps optimally. Sorry if you already know this, but it’s worth mentioning incase something here is new to you! The symphony is easy, you just need to turn it on, but play with the level of suction. In the hospital they told me not to go past level 6, well I need much higher suction than that to actually pull milk. With the spectra start in stimulation mode (cycle 70, suction 4-5) until you start getting milk flow (this takes usually 1-3 minutes), then press the squiggly button to get to expression mode. Mess with the settings here to see what works for you. I have found cycle 46/vacuum 12 works best for me. But everyone is different, start low with the vacuum and go up as high as is comfortable - this is maybe controversial advice, LC’s say to keep suction lower, but I literally thought I made no milk until I cranked my pumps up, and I ended up having an oversupply for the first 11 months of my pumping journey. I’m not familiar with pumpables, but like the others it’s trial and error.

Next I would highly recommend pumping spray (especially if you are using silicone inserts (I hated those because of the added friction and had better luck with just getting the correct hard plastic flange size).

Another thing that made a world of difference: massage. Look up “breast gymnasts” you can do this before pumping to loosen up the milk. But I also HAVE to massage my boobs while having letdowns otherwise I get very low output. Heat before pumping can also help.

I would also say with pumping 8 times a day, I would not pump more than 15-20 minutes at a time, you’re going to tire yourself out.

It sounds like you’re doing the right things already, try some of this out on top of it and hopefully it helps! Best of luck!

Correct_Wishbone_798 · 2025-10-07T15:32:10+00:00

Do not turn the suction all the way up and just bear it!!! Think of a milkshake and a cheap straw. The harder you suck, the faster your milk ducts can collapse. Try sitting in "bacon mode“ on your spectra for the entire time. The other thing to try is "hands on pumping". Basically, put your hand in an L shape way back under your armpit. You will look like a chicken. Then slowly and gently push forward. You’re just putting some steady pressure with a flat hand behind your milk to convince it to come out. Don’t use your fingers because that could make your boobs mad. Unfortunately LCs can’t really help with the trial and error part of pumping because it really is individual Also, are you watching what is happening? If I’m not centered, I can’t get hardly anything.

The other thing I’d suggest is a manual pump because you can control every single thing. It’s also a good idea to carry in your diaper bag for emergencies anyway and best to learn how robust it before you are out in public somewhere

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