I’ve been told that breastfeeding would be hard, but I didn’t know how hard.
For the Moms Who Struggle with Milk Supply
Breastfeeding hasn’t been an easy journey for me. As an “under-producer,” I’ve often felt like I was falling short, especially when I saw other new moms pumping enough to exclusively breastfeed and even stash extra milk in their freezers. Meanwhile, I was scraping together just a few mLs throughout the day, barely enough for one good feed for my son—who, by the way, has a very healthy appetite.
Now, at 11 weeks postpartum, I’m producing more than I was in the beginning, but it’s still not enough to fully meet his needs. I’ve tried supplements, adjusted my pumping routine, and researched countless tips to boost supply. It’s been a humbling process, but one thing I’ve learned is that every drop truly matters.
If you’re struggling with this too, know you’re not alone. Breastfeeding looks different for every mom, and that’s okay. Keep going—you’re doing an amazing job.
The Thoughts That Ran Through My Mind While Breastfeeding & Pumping
Ahhhh, where do I even begin?
In the beginning, I was pumping every three hours like clockwork. Between feeding the baby, pumping, and cleaning all those freaken tiny parts, sleep felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. It was draining both physically and emotionally. I was stressed, grieving, and pushing myself way too hard, which I’m sure didn’t help my production either.
Here are a few of the jumbled thoughts that ran through my mind during those moments:
- Can I even produce milk at all?
- The baby is so stinkin’ cute from this view
- “They” say breastmilk is best for the baby, but honestly, formula is amazing too—and we’re so lucky to have so many good options
- Let’s just try this for a month and see how it goes
- Pumping and cleaning all these little parts is so tedious
- I really need to drink more water… but when?
- Am I eating enough to keep up my supply? Maybe I should have another cookie or tea
- How do I keep my supply up when I go back to work?
- Every drop counts, right? Even if it’s just a little
- But… I’m so happy to feel connected to my baby in this special way. I know I’ll always look back at this time with so much love
- Okay, maybe we’ll try another month…
Breastfeeding and pumping brought a lot of ups and downs for me, but through it all, I’ve learned to embrace the beauty and challenges that come with the process. It’s messy, exhausting, and overwhelming, but it’s also full of connection and love.
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Hey, New Mom! 