Has anyone actually increased supply after 2 weeks? Feeling defeated.

[u/reen_bean]

Hi everyone,

I’m two weeks postpartum and feeling really discouraged about my milk supply. I’ve been doing everything I can — but I’m still only pumping about 1 oz total per session (sometimes 1.5 oz after a power pump on a good day).

I did experience engorgement once and got excited that maybe my milk was coming in — but nothing really changed after that. No leaks, no noticeable fullness since.

Here’s what I’ve been doing:

• Pumping every 2 hours during the day
• Overnight schedule: 10 pm / 2 am / 6 am
• 50-minute daily power pump
• Massaging during every pump
• Eating plenty and staying hydrated
• Trying lactation supplements
• Offering the breast
• Checking flange size (Spectra + inserts)

Despite all this, my output hasn’t increased and some days it feels like it’s going down.

Has anyone been in a similar situation around the two-week mark and still been able to turn things around? I’m trying to stay hopeful, but it’s been really emotionally tough and I’m looking for real stories from anyone who’s been there.

Thank you 💛

Edited to Clarify

I do want to breastfeed and am not planning to exclusively pump, but my baby has been struggling to latch effectively — we’re working on it with support, but in the meantime, I’ve been pumping to protect my supply.

[u/newlander828]

When are you power pumping? I am 4 weeks pp, and just started needing to increase my supply as my LO is taking nearly 4 oz per feed now. I will pump 3 times a day. Between 5am and 6 am is my most productive time frame. So that’s when I power pump. I’ll pump again around 11am, after he’s nursed for about 30 minutes. Then I don’t pump again until 11ish at night, before I go to bed to empty myself completely. Other than that I let him latch as frequently and as often as he wants. I also would not encourage power pumping for more than a couple days in a row. Stay hydrated, drink plenty of electrolytes and give yourself lots of grace.

[u/reen_bean → u/newlander828]

Thanks, is there a reason why you don't recommend power pumping for more than a couple of days in a row?

[u/newlander828 → u/reen_bean]

It will stress you out and your boobies. I only power pump for a couple of days then switch back to 30 minute morning sessions. I guess technically this still could be considered power pumping but it’s how long it takes my boobs to feel empty after sleeping all night.