6 weeks postpartum, doing “everything right,” and still only pumping 12 oz/day — is there hope?
I’m 6 weeks postpartum and really struggling with my milk supply. I’m hoping to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation, especially people whose supply eventually increased after this point. Or those who never did…..
I’ve been eating oats, using brewer’s yeast, drinking coconut water, taking my vitamins, making sure I have the proper flange size, and pumping 7–9 times a day. I also nurse my baby about once or twice a day. Also alternate between different pumps. Between wearables and electric (Not looking for pump suggestions)
Despite all of that, I’m averaging only about 12 oz of breast milk per day.
When I nurse, my baby is not satisfied afterward. We nurse as a snack at this point, She isn’t really a cluster-feeder and prefers to have a full feeds. This is based on her cues, she generally goes about 2.5–3.5 hours between feeds. (The 3 days we cluster fed we both hated it and as soon as she got a full bottle she was a different baby)
I’m feeling pretty discouraged because I feel like I’m putting so much effort into this and my body just isn’t responding the way I hoped it would.
For those who had a low supply around 6 weeks postpartum….
Did your supply eventually increase significantly?
Is there actually hope for increasing supply at this point, or should I adjust my expectations?
I’m completely okay with supplementing formula if that’s what my baby needs — I just don’t want to give up on increasing my supply if there’s still a realistic possibility.
…. Also note I did speak to a lactation consultant, who wasn’t much help all her suggestions besides coconut water had already been implemented beforehand .