Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply realistic expectations and experiences...

Hi all! I have been pumping for several weeks and I have had some bumps in the road that have impacted my supply (clogged ducts). I am currently pumping about 10-12 ounces per day with about 1 ounce every two hours and more spread out at night.

I am starting to get worried that my supply has tapped out as it has not really increased beyond that. I have 5-6 more weeks until I expect the baby and I really want to EBF. Is that realistic or is it really difficult to get enough of a supply in your experience?

Thanks for sharing!

Candace it sounds like you are doing great. Are you adopting a newborn? Your supply should pick up once you start nursing too. What kind of pump are you using? Did you do the full protocol?
Clogged ducts are no fun. Check the bra you are wearing and make sure it isn't too tight. You can also take lecithin and it helps keep the clogs away.

Hi laurie! Thanks for the encouragment. I am expecting my daughter via a gestational surrogate in early June. I did do the full protocol and was on bcp for about 6 months. I am using the PISA with no problems.

I started taking the lecithin and it did work well to thin out the milk but it seems to have thinned it to a halt! My supply has not increased since I started it. Do you think it has any adverse effects?

I am hoping that once I start actually nursing my body responds to her demand more than it does with the pump...oh the worries lol!

Candace,
I also have experienced a lot of clogged ducts since I started nursing. I have found not using an underwire bra to really help. My clogs have been the result of "milk blisters" on the nipple and I had to break them up to get rid of the clog. I had one that lasted for 4 days and really affected my supply. Just keep pumping through it. I also felt like my supply was at a standstill around 1 1/2 - 2 ounces a session. But I think that was all my baby needed at that time. When she started demanding more, my supply did increase. It takes a lot of trust. Remember in the beginning the baby won't need much milk. Probably only 1- 1 1/2 ounces every 2 hours for the first week or so. Your supply should increase when your baby arrives and you still have plenty of time to increase before she gets here. The thing that helped me a lot was having a baby scale to measure intake. It helped to put my mind at ease that she is getting enough. Good luck.
Jennifer

Thanks Jennifer. I may purchase a scale as well. I just don't know if I will be obsessive with it and make myself worry more! You are an inspiration though!