Venting about my breastfeeding journey
I’m so sad these days. There was a point in the beginning of my journey where I was breastfeeding fine and pumping 4oz ever session. Everything was fine my baby was eating fine, peeing and pooping fine the only thing was he wasn’t gaining weight so his pediatrician suggested formula but I didn’t want to I extended as much as I could so I didn’t have to give him formula because I knew I wanted to breastfeed.( nothing wrong by the way with formula feeding I just didn’t want to) after my baby not gaining weight I was so sad that I was doing half formula and half breast milk I wasn’t educated and lost my milk production. Since then I’ve been pumping and eating and trying all these lactation tips and nothing has helped. I spoke to a lactating and she said that I needed to build up my supply first before these milk production tips. YES I WAS TRYING OATMEAL
COCONUT WATER
WATER
SOUPS
PROTEINS
LACTATION DRINKS
LACTATION COOKIES
FLAC SEEDS
BREWERS YEAST
OREOS
DR PEPPER
BODY ARMOR
AND SO MANY OTHER THINGS
So right now I’m down to pumping, she did check everything from the suction to my pump to the FLANGES.
I’m thinking of getting a spectra s1 pump my lactation consultant spoke well of it too, I heard really good reviews about it but it’s a little out of my budget and I already got a pump through my insurance so it can’t cover another one.
Sometimes I wish I never touched formula or a pump and stuck to breast feeding, my baby was doing fine as far as eating and peeing and pooping the pediatrician even said it was weird. I’m so sad that it’s been hard on me but I can’t let go…
Breastfeeding can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially when dealing with challenges such as low milk supply. From my personal experience, one of the most important things is to give yourself grace and know that what you’re feeling is completely valid. Despite trying many popular lactation aids like oatmeal, coconut water, soups, lactation cookies, flax seeds, and even unconventional items like Dr Pepper and Oreos, sometimes milk production can still be stubborn to improve. It’s crucial to remember that every mother's body responds differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. I found that consulting a lactation specialist early on helped me identify other factors affecting supply, such as pump fit and suction settings. For instance, checking pump flanges for correct size can make a surprising difference in how efficiently milk is expressed. When selecting a breast pump, although budgets can be tight, investing in a high-quality pump such as the Spectra S1 — which many lactation consultants recommend — can enhance pumping comfort and output significantly. If switching pumps isn’t feasible, ensuring your existing pump is well-maintained and fitted correctly should be a priority. Emotionally and mentally, mixing formula with breast milk can be tough if your initial goal was exclusive breastfeeding. However, it’s important to acknowledge that formula feeding is a valid choice and feeding your baby is what truly matters. Many pediatricians reassure that as long as your baby is healthy, growing, and content, the feeding method is secondary. Connecting with other mothers who share similar experiences can also be incredibly supportive. Online breastfeeding communities or local support groups often provide not only encouragement but real practical tips that helped others in similar situations. Through this journey, I learned that persistence, self-compassion, and professional support form the backbone of navigating breastfeeding challenges. No matter what path you choose, the ultimate goal is a happy, healthy baby and a healthy mom, and that looks different for every family.
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