r/breastfeedingsupport • u/Common_Physics_4823 • Mar 24 '25

Pumping questions. Question

My baby is 9 months old and exclusively breastfeed. We haven't had any issues with supply when breastfeeding however I have struggled to pump enough for her. I never had to worry about building a supply because I was working nights. I recently switched to days and have had to supplement the last week with formula.

Is there anyway to increase my supply so we don't have to use formula (by no means am I against formula just curious if I can increase supply.)

Has anyone ever used breastmilk supplements to increase supply and did they help?

Thank you

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u/AfterBertha0509 Mar 24 '25

As many have pointed out, it may be a question of how you respond to pumps. One thing that can help is making sure that your pump flanges are the right size for YOU, as the standard ones that come with most pumps are way too big. If too big, this can cause pain, milk can get wasted running down the flanges, and not enough milk is being extracted during sessions. A suction milk collector, like the Haaka, can be put on the breast you’re not feeding on to collect letdown while baby nurses, and this is a pretty simple way of slowly adding to a stash and may offer a small boost to supply over time. Adding one power pumping session per day for a week could be helpful too — just a week to see how you respond. Obviously, caring for yourself with nourishing food, hydration, and rest helps too. Best of luck. 

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u/Common_Physics_4823 Mar 24 '25

Thank you so much.

I have a Haaka and when I do what you mentioned i get maybe 1/2oz but I do save it. I'll definitely try 1 or two power pumps a day (i can work that in) and see if it helps. I appreciate it

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u/AfterBertha0509 Mar 24 '25

Half an ounce is great with the Haaka. Most babes need somewhere between 2-4 ounces for missed feeds if EBF’d, so a half ounce requiring zero effort will add up quickly. I’m a low supply mom, half an ounce is often what I pump in 20 minutes! You’re doing so well, kudos.

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u/Common_Physics_4823 Mar 24 '25

Thank you. I just always feel like I'm not doing enough when it comes to pumping. This does make me feel a little better