Okay, folks. I’ve been STRUGGLING with my supply for about the last week. I went from making 16-18oz+ a day to about 10oz. I’ve been working with a lactation consultant and we are on our last ditch effort before we turn to medical help. I am sitting here with chamomile tea bags down my bra (yes, you read that right) reflecting on all of the things I’ve tried.

It made me think of a list I wrote for a friend a few months back who was struggling. I want to caveat this by saying I’m a huge believer in fed is best, but also in doing what will make you your best self. There is no wrong answer with how to feed your baby as long as they are growing and you are happy. Random strangers on the internet have made this a difficult journey and having other supportive mom friends has really helped me.

I personally do both breastmilk and formula and have since early on. My son lost too much birthweight and wasn’t gaining. Breastfeeding has been particularly challenging for me and I wanted to share some things I’ve found helpful. I had really bad mastitis at 2 weeks postpartum and it made the beginning very mentally and physically difficult. I almost quit so many times so I just wanted to share what I found helpful. Feel free to skip reading if you aren’t planning on it. the following list are things I would have wanted to know before breastfeeding. I hope this helps someone else who is struggling.

1. Get your baby used to taking a bottle early and get them used to taking one from you. My son went through a phase where he only wanted to nurse with me and he would not take a bottle if I was even in the same room. 
2. Feeding is a great opportunity for both parents to bond with the baby. I’ve pumped since day 1 so my husband could help give him a bottle. I do supplement with formula as well, so even more opportunity for dad to bond.
3. If you are planning on pumping at all, I highly recommend getting a hospital grade wall pump through insurance. I did not and opted for one that was more mobile. I also bought a hands free one and a manual. I go through phases where I use one more than the others, but use all 3 regularly. However, I am now considering just biting the bullet and getting a Spectra pump.
4. Haakaas and milk collectors are amazing and I wish I’d discovered them sooner. I HATE waking up with my boobs leaking and my bra/pajamas soaking. At four and a half months postpartum, I still wake up like this! I actually put on my milk collectors about an hour before I plan on getting up and this has been awesome. I also use them while I am feeding Henry to catch milk leaking from the other side. I can usually get an extra ounce or so to put away for future bottles. Haakaas are also great at helping with clogs!
5. Sterilizers are your best friend, regardless if you are breastfeeding or formula feeding. I use mine so much. Is it necessary every single time? Probably not, but I still sterilize most things after a single use, including all pump parts, pacifiers, and sterilizer-safe teethers.
6. Get to those clogs right away! There are so many different ways to handle this, but taking some sunflower lecithin, latching, and pumping as much as possible helps.
7. I usually don’t let people of the internet get to me, but I did a little bit with the mom shaming around feeding our babies. I highly recommend staying off threads that have comments about anything pertaining to this. One account that I’ve found to be super helpful and uplifting is The Mama Coach.
8. Have someone make you lactation cookies! I’m not sure if they actually do anything, but my supply did go up when I started eating them. My husband makes me about a batch a week and it’s a good excuse to have a cookie or seven.

We normalize oversupply on social media these days and I know it leaves a lot of moms really struggling. Those with an oversupply can be constantly in pain. Those undersupplying struggle with so much mentally. I have to tell myself constantly that I am doing my best. I also think it’s important to normalize pumping regular amounts. The below photo is the most I’ve ever gotten during one pump, around 4oz combined.

Again, I want to emphasize that a fed baby and a healthy mom is best! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

As for the chamomile tea bags in my bra, I’m not sure if it will do anything, but I will let you know.

What are some of your favorite breastfeeding tips for a struggling new mom?