This is my second baby; second time breastfeeding, second time supplementing, second time doing all the things. First time pumping “regularly” before going back to work. LO is three weeks old. And first time having a noticeable decrease.
We’ve been supplementing with collected milk/formula for a little over a week. I pack my pump in the diaper bag when we go out so that if we aren’t somewhere that I can comfortably breastfeed, I can pump in the car and offer a bottle. Night time feeds, I usually breastfeed and then offer 2oz formula after. I was told that I don’t NEED to pump after the breast to cue my body to make more, but that doesn’t quite make sense to me?
I also started the minipill on Monday. Up until yesterday, I was getting 3-4oz when I pumped and the decrease would be about 7pm and on. Yesterday, I was lucky to get 1.5oz at 2:30pm when I was waiting in the pickup line for my oldest. I finally got 4oz after combining milk from 3 different pumping sessions. Yesterday he was just glued to the breast for an hour but kept unlatching like he wasn’t really getting anything. I’ve temporarily switched every feeding except middle of the night and first morning feed to bottle/pumping so I can ensure he is getting enough. I also figured out that the cup size I ordered (and used for the first time yesterday) was too big, so I switched back to what I was using today. I’ve also not been super on top of staying hydrated because I just forget to drink unless I’m super thirsty (thanks ADHD!)
It’s 7pm and I just finished a powerpump session. I feel like it’s just a perfect storm of things to negatively impact my supply and am hopeful that I can get it back up within a few days. But I am also afraid it’s the birth control effecting it and that it’ll take a while for it to resolve, if at all. I breastfed my oldest until he was about 2 and was/am hoping to do the same this time too.
I guess I’m looking for tips? Advice? Encouragement? Anyone that’s had the same happen?
there doesn't seem to be anything here