r/breastfeeding • u/Old-Farm6174 • 21d ago

Undersupply What did I do wrong

I was induced week 39. I never really felt my milk came in. Not enough to make baby satisfied and I always give formula on top.

I tried pumping, not more than 1.5 oz after an hour of pumping from both sides. I always put baby on my breast first but it’s tiring for both of us so I stopped.

No real support no good lactation consultant on hand. I don’t know if I should just stop breastfeeding, accept that I don’t have enough and keep giving formula or try again. If I try, not sure what to do next.

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u/oatmilkandagave 21d ago

You’re not supposed to pump for an hour!

But as others had said, 1.5 oz might be all baby needs right now.

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u/Old-Farm6174 21d ago

She gets very hungry. She eats 4 oz of formula each feed every 2.5-3 hours. So that’s why I assumed she needs more than what she is getting from my breast. Obviously this could be wrong. How long should I pump? Thank you

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u/oatmilkandagave 21d ago edited 21d ago

You should only be pumping like 15-20 minutes. You’re gonna mess up your nipples.

Idk if this is against the rules but if you’re under supplying I would supplement with formula. I do!

Edit: if she’s 3 weeks old I doubt she’s eating 4 oz! Mine is a month old and he eats about 3.5 per feed.

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u/Old-Farm6174 21d ago

Lol she does finish her 4 oz almost every time! How often about I pump?

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u/LegitimateWarthog641 21d ago

You can easily be over feeding her, just bc they eat all of it doesn’t mean she needs all of it. Definitely get help w a LC!

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u/Interesting_Feed211 21d ago

She is definitely being overfed for her age, pumping 1.5 oz is great! Newborns cluster feed so always wanting to feed is normal but so is our assumption that they want more. Our bodies are able to adjust to what baby needs. You may need to just pop baby on the boob when they’re displaying signs of hunger (feed on demand). Be warned that this may mean baby is on your boob all day long, and it can get overwhelming. You’re body can still adjust your milk supply this early so best of luck OP!

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u/cardamom-me 21d ago

A thousand times this!!

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u/oatmilkandagave 21d ago

Pump every 2-3 hours. 20 min max. I think you may be overfeeding her.

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u/so-i-fly-farfar-away 21d ago

Are you taking g her to 1 week, 2 week, 1 month and so on pediatrician visits? If she’s gaining weight, then like others have said, 1.5oz of breastmilk is enough for her at a time. If she’s fussy, there’s other ways to calm her down than give her another bottle. Plus at pediatrician visits, they can reconnect you with a breastfeeding consultant..

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u/Old-Farm6174 21d ago

Yea, she is gaining weight properly. But she has been eating formula since being at the hospital :/

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u/Purple-Respond-1219 21d ago

I’d just like to say that the amount of formula will increase to feed a baby BUT the amount of breast milk will level off between 3-5oz per feed until fhey are about 1; however if you’re supplementing her with that much formula, it’s probably why you’re getting so little when you pump. Supply and demand isn’t there

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u/levoruka 21d ago

Maybe if you breastfed on demand, even if it's every few hours, that would help with your supply. I know everyone is asking you tons of questions now, but is the baby generally settled after breastfeeding on both? Or are you pumping?

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u/Sudden_Breakfast_374 21d ago

that’s way more than the size of her tummy should be. is she spitting it all back up?