Breastfeeding, in my experience, was most challenging for first time mum. I struggled with low supply and only recently managed to meet my LO’s demand. I didn’t do much research during pregnancy and wished I had known certain things earlier.

Although breastfeeding was very challenging in my initial weeks, the good news is, if you persevere on, you are likely to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It gets easier to latch on, milk supply stabilises and I enjoy breastfeeding so much that I ditch the bottles when I’m travelling with baby. I hope my sharing can encourage other low supply mums.

MY MISTAKES

1. Small breasts = low milk

I didn’t expect myself to have much milk as I have small breasts. Hence I did not invest in a hospital grade pump. I should have bought Spectra S1 right from the start!

2. Never insist on skin to skin and breastfeeding in hospital

I didn’t have a good experience with Mt Alvernia. I was too drowsy from epidural so forgot to ask for skin to skin contact. On hindsight, shouldn’t the nurses be the one who offer skin to skin? After I was more awake, my LO was already taken away to NICU as he had infection. The nurses then told me that he was hungry and gave me 3 choices, Nan, Enfamil or Similac. As an exhausted and drowsy FTM, I didn’t know better and just go with their flow.

Throughout my stay, they didn’t ask if I wanted to latch. Initially I thought I can’t latch cause my LO was in NICU but then I realised this is not true. By the end of day 2, I started latching. I also saw a pacifier next to my LO so I assumed they gave him pacifier without asking me. Thankfully my LO has no nipple confusion.

In the first month, I could only pump about 60ml each session whereas my LO drank 120ml since week 2. It was quite depressing and I kept reading tips on how to increase supply. I almost resigned to my fate until I spoke to this super encouraging mummy friend whom made me determined to carry on my breastfeeding journey. At my 3rd month, I yield about 200ml and started my frozen milk stocks.

3. Top up formula without pumping

My LO sometimes cried murder after latching (despite latching for 2hours!) in the first month as I think my milk either flows too slow or insufficient. I top up formula as it was too stressful to see him cry. I know there are different stands on this. Some mums believe in no topping up but personally I was too stressed when insisted on no formula. This caused my supply to drop further.

It is ok to top up, but I should pump with every formula fed so that my body will be stimulated to produce more.

So what did I do to increase my supply?

TIPS

#1 Latch/pump frequently 

This is the most important tip but most difficult to do.

I didn’t know better and was lazy. I skipped some night pumps which resulted in engorgement. Latching and pumping frequently is very important. Only when the breasts are emptied then more milk will come in.

Nowadays I latch on demand in the day (LO latch one side, I use haakaa for the other side), and pump 20-30min after every latch. In addition, I will pump every 2h in the day and 4h in the night.

(Update: some mums asked if I still pump after latching. Yes I do, very tiring but gotta persevere on for the milk supply!)

I also do power pump at least once a day. I usually get more supply after power pump.

#2 Massage and warm compress for letdown

The lactation consultant advised to massage and hand express in between pumps. Realised that this is more effective than a 30min straight pump without hand express/massage in between. Hand expression allows me to clear blocked ducts better and also very encouraging to see the milk dripping out when hand expressing. Made me want to work harder!

Massage 1 min –> Pump 10 min –> Hand express 2 min

–> Pump 10 min –> Hand express 2 min

Can vary duration depending on individual’s preference.

#3 Drink more fluids

I don’t know how much is enough but I drink one cup of water before and after pump to replenish the lost fluid. My body also feels healthier with more water intake anyway.

Green papaya fish soup, lactation tea and bubble milk tea seem to work well for me. My confinement nanny was very supportive and encouraging and made lots of soups for me.

#4 Diet

I ate oats with milk for breakfast daily but stopped after my supply is established. Oatmeal is a galactagogue (substance that promotes lactation) and also a traditional way to increase milk supply.

Other than a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, I still try to eat steam fish daily. I’m also a sashimi lover and realised I can pump a lot more after a bowl of chirashidon. 😍😍😍 Another perfect excuse to indulge in my favourite food.

Lactation cookies and cupcakes didn’t work well for me so I gave up on that as they are costly anyway (they also use oats as part of the ingredients).

#5 Supplement

Fenugreek seems to work very well for me. Not sure if it’s a combination of the above or due to fenugreek, my supply gradually increased after starting fenugreek supplement. I’m still eating 3 times a day, 2 pills each time. I’m taking the GNC brand. My mother-in-law has been very supportive and will stock up fenugreek for me.

#6 Suitable flange size

This is very important but neglected by many. The standard flange size (28mm) provided by Spectra is too big for me. Pumping feels more comfortable and resulted in more yield when I got the suitable size from Maymom. Read how to check for correct flange size here.

#7 Rest

I can pump more after a good afternoon nap.

#8 Don’t stress

I get stressed initially when I see others post picture of their freezer full of milk and wonder how come I can’t build a fridge supply and instead need to top up formula?

It was when I decided to stop comparing, change my mentality to “fed is best, not breast is best” and “feed my baby, not the fridge”, I feel more at ease and supply gradually builds up.

#9 Have determination, patience and faith but don’t self-blame

It takes time but I believe that my supply will increase eventually. But if I cannot meet his demand even after doing so, it’s alright as I know I have done my best. Some people are just not so lucky in breastfeeding while some people really have it easy without putting in much effort. My supply only comes in at day 3 (a pathetic 0.5ml after hand expressing for an hour) while my friend can pump 300ml in a session in her first week! 😆

It took me 2 months to match his demand and 3 months to finally have some extra milk to freeze. In the process dealt with engorgement, blocked ducts and inflammation. However I feel so satisfied when I see my LO happily drinking my milk filled with antibodies!

Light at the end of tunnel…

From hating breastfeeding to loving it so much now. It not only gives antibodies to baby but also saves money and is super convenient. In my recent trip to Japan, I didn’t bring any bottles nor pump. I latch on the go and all I need was a nursing cover! Baby hungry? Latch. Baby tired but can’t sleep? Latch. Baby cranky? Latch! Best solution for every baby issue I face!

If you are still reading this post, good job mummy! You are determined to do something about your supply and have the perseverance to read so long! You can do it for breastfeeding too!

Increasing Low Milk Supply

Increasing Low Milk Supply

All the best in your breastfeeding journey, mummies! ❤