Need some advice!
Hi all — I’m looking for some advice and support. I’m about 8 weeks postpartum and have struggled to maintain a consistent pumping schedule since giving birth. My newborn initially had trouble latching, so I was exclusively pumping as much as I could, usually every 3–4 hours. Between studying for my board exam, installing hardwood floors in our house, caring for a newborn, and dealing with some postpartum depression, it’s been really overwhelming.
Because of this, we’ve relied heavily on formula. Right now I’m only producing about 6–8 ounces of breast milk per day. My milk usually starts expressing within a couple minutes of pumping, but I’m worried I may have hurt my supply by not being more consistent earlier on.
I’m wondering if it’s still possible at 8 weeks postpartum to significantly increase my supply enough to exclusively pump or breastfeed, or if I should accept that formula may need to continue being a major part of feeding. My baby is latching better now, but he doesn’t seem to suck consistently or transfer much milk.
I think I’m mainly looking for reassurance, experiences from others who’ve been through this, and honest advice about whether supply can still improve from this point.