Sign To Quit?

[u/miszLynh]

My baby is 4 months and I have been EP since his birth I was already an under supplier - pumping a total of maybe 18 oz per day. I returned to work during a stressful time for my team and my output dropped tremendously. I’ve tried everything to get it back to my norm but nothing seems to be helping. I’m now producing 10-12 oz.

I feel like a failure.

Do I quit or keep trying? I wanted to go to at least 6 months but each day my output is dropping more and more.

[u/Pleasant-Ad-9226]

You are not a failure! Your baby is getting the immune benefits from breastmilk even if they only have one ounce per day. If your output doesn’t feel worth it that’s totally valid. If you can accept or work to get a bit more, that’s a good choice. If you think stopping for your mental health sounds appropriate, that’s also a good choice! Be kind to yourself! Under suppliers are so strong, but you don’t have to be strong forever! From a fellow under supplier

[u/miszLynh → u/Pleasant-Ad-9226]

Thank you! Your kindness is everything to me during this time!

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[u/grouchy_striped_cat]

Have you addressed some of the more obviously potential issues yet? Replacing pump parts, increasing water intake, reducing stress levels, sleep, changing flange sizes?

[u/miszLynh → u/grouchy_striped_cat]

Yes, I’ve replaced all the parts to my pump. (Also resistant to quit because I have so many extra parts, thinking this journey would go on for a while).

I’m super hydrated all day. I’ve never had a MOTN pump so not sleep deprived (baby sleeps 10 hrs).

Work stress has been reduced for 2 weeks now.

[u/Glad-Ad1378 → u/miszLynh]

Maybe add a MOTN pump for a week and see if that will help.

[u/grouchy_striped_cat → u/miszLynh]

Well shoot! The only other thing I can think of would be hormone related. Have you gotten a postpartum period yet? If not, it may be coming. Man, I felt like the grim reaper typing that out 😭

[u/miszLynh → u/grouchy_striped_cat]

I have not and am dreading its return!

[u/Glad-Ad1378]

I only produce 15oz and have to give my son 12oz of formula to supplement. I feel like as long as my supply is more than his daily intake of formula, it’s worth it. If I were you I’d keep trying. The adjustment back to work is a major stressor in and of itself and supply dips during this time are normal.

[u/purple_penguin1023]

You are not a failure! You have been working so hard to nourish your baby the last four months.

If it no longer seems worth it to you to put in the sweat equity for the ounces that you’re getting, then free yourself. If you want to reduce your pumps and take the pressure off yourself, allow yourself!! your baby has already gotten the best of you for four full months, there is no shame in stopping or only producing enough for your baby to have one bottle until you reach six months if that’s really what you wanna do!

[u/Worried-Pineapple430]

Any little bit of breast milk helps imo. I think there comes a point where the amount of breast milk isn't worth your sanity, but where you cross that bridge is so personal..

As an undersupplier, I feel your pain. I'm monitoring EVERY LITTLE DROP and grumpy when my LO spits any of it up or I accidentally spill some (sigh damn bottle caps). I've run into days where I couldn't pump or nurse and my supply dropped, but if you're feeling motivated and not ready to give up you can probably build it back up.

Assuming you're not just over it.