Increasing my Breastmilk Supply DURING A FORMULA SHORTAGE!!! 2022 *REALISTIC*

HEY ALL! Big thank you to Ethos for partnering with me on this video. You can get a personalized insurance quote in 10 minutes for as low as $10/mo by using my code here: bit.ly/ethos-nicole
Decided to vlog this week as I try to increase my breastmilk supply during this crazy formula shortage. I include a few tips/advice including pumping ideas, supplements, & a lactation cookie recipe! We try to have fun along the way during a stressful week. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families currently struggling through this and i will leave some resources below that can hopefully help. Please "like" this video, it really helps our channel + thanks for watching friends!
Resources
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freeformula.exchange/
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[@Sydney-xw1cr]

Lactation consultant here: there is absolutely no clinical evidence that drinking more water than just drinking to thirst will increase supply. Your best bet is to let Aria cluster feed for a few evenings back to back rather than giving formula. That will send the signal to your body that your body needs to unregulate supply. That will be WAY more effective than just pumping afterwards. Increasing frequency is much more effective than just duration. Often times it takes 3-5 days of doing anything to increase supply before you really start to see the results.

[@Nicolelelagreen]

This makes ALOT of sense to me. I follow the moms on call schedule which suggests to feed at 3 and then wait four hours and feed again at 7pm so baby is super hungry and gets a nice full feeding in before bedtime. But I somehow feel like this caused my body to maybe not produce as much by 7? IDK. But I might give this a try, appreciate your input!!

[@Sydney-xw1cr]

@@Nicolelelagreen Interstingly, our milk supply is regulated my something called the Feedback Inhibitor of lactation. I won't go too crazy into the science but essentially when your breasts are full of milk it tells your body that you are producing too much milk and so you make milk at a slower rate. On the other hand, when your breasts are "empty", it tells your body you need to speed up the rate of milk production because you are not making enough. Therefore, when a baby cluster feeds and keeps you pretty well drained, you start making breastmilk at a much faster rate. Once this happens for multiple days in a row, your body takes that as a sign that baby just needs more milk and so it should produce a higher total volume per day. Most mamas have a lower supply in the evening, so that is when it is typically easiest to accomplish this. By going that four hour stretch, having full breasts may have been telling your body to decrease supply. Most mamas would MUCH rather cluster feed thwn power pump all evening (not to mention WAY more doable), and, in general, baby will be more effective than power pumping. But ultimately just know, the less milk in your breasts, the faster you will make milk.

[@kaylaperkins8309]

Hey, question (new mom) so maybe pump more times like 2 more times in the day to get up a stash? I’m 10 weeks postpartum

[@Still_blessedlouise]

I’m an exclusive pumper. I was with my first and was diligent and had a huge oversupply producing well over 70oz a day. Now with my second I am still exclusively pumping but it is much more challenging. I’m definitely not half as diligent as I was the first time around. I still have a good supply but I was hoping to be able to ease up a bit but this formula shortage has scared me. Good luck mama! The lord cares about the little sparrow so he definitely won’t forget you and your family. The lord will provide.

[@SchneiderBrittany]

Hey girlie! I am a second time mom but first time breastfeeding. My lactation consultant told me that a realistic pump session you really should only get out about 2-3 oz because the pumps don't pull milk out like a baby does. So don't panic if that's really all you get! You're doing an awesome job!

[@iyabomarvel8506]

That might be true for some woman but not most. Depending on age babies need 4 oz or more per feed and if you're only getting getting 2 oz total or 3 that may not be enough that's a predicament I'm in and I get less than 2 oz. Maybe 2 oz on a good day. An undersupplier. So it depends on the woman.

[@sharonhughesjohnson119]

I can’t believe you’re not working out! At the beginning of the video I was like DANG HER ARMS LOOK GOOD.

[@Olmo603]

Lactation consultant ASAP. Pump or feed between 1am-3am. Pump or feed every 2-3 hours

[@monsevazquez1995]

Try pumping BEFORE feedings instead ☺️ because when you pump till no more comes out basically feeling like it’s “empty” then nurse your babe for a feeding, since babies suction and saliva are so good at sending signals to your body to produce more milk 🤍 it will. My lactation consultant said your breast are never really “empty” but I know if feels that way when you pump but your baby will help you produce more then your pump will when you do feel “empty”. ☺️

[@jordynferrari4161]

Yesss!!! Great video! So glad you did a video on this! We are capable mommas!💛

[@mihaelaroman4718]

Scary times. I never gained weight during pregnancy, I ate extremely healthy, just like you Nicole, I live through FlavCity and I have been following him for a very long time. The moment I gave birth I looked just like before, not an ounce heavier. However, eating super healthy and light lowered my milk, and I have to eat a loooot, sandwiches, carbs, you name it, so I can produce enough milk for my baby and I start looking like being pregnant again:) but who cares as long as my precious baby has food to feed. I will lose it hopefully at one point. And yes, life insurance is everything. One night less a month and here you have the monthly payment for a good insurance policy.

[@valerieg.9242]

Breastfeeding is based upon supply and demand. Doesn’t matter what you eat or drink. Thank you for sharing all your experience because I know many parents are struggling on what to do. I am guessing you are now sleeping thru the night as the baby is now not night nursing but the best way to keep a consistent supply is not skipping that middle of the night feeding. That is typically the first session that is dropped and would also provide milk that has a higher concentration of melatonin. We never did sleep train until after the year mark and continued night nursing until about 16 months. Prayers to all the nursing parents attempting to do what they can to figure it out! Move milk to make milk!

[@sarahl4914]

Girl! When you were showing the formula you use, your bicep was popping! 🔥

[@ayeA20]

It makes me tear up every time I hear about the shootings :( I can't imagine. I agree with you; my problems are so minor compared to losing a loved one.

[@jaclyncorbin3312]

I loved Bobbie! My son could only handle the most sensitive formula and even then he struggled but Bobbie was the first one he had no problem with!

[@danielaparpalov8451]

Love yours videos 💕 very helpful, learned some new things. Currently pregnant with my second baby so breastfeeding tips was perfect for me. Also Jace is incredibly adorable and such a intelligent little boy 🙂 God bless your family!

[@katrinaborden5019]

Love your videos! I am an exclusive pumper and find setting my alarm in the middle of the night to pump really helps keep up my supply. It is a pain but I think going a full night sleep without pumping is a long time to go when trying to increase supply. Plus, hopefully you can pump in peace then. Hope this helps!

[@essentiallylau]

What I do with the last feed is that I feed her almost 3 oz of pumped milk from the night before (after she goes to sleep). And I top it off by nursing. I had very low supply at the beginning of my breastfeeding journey so I tried so many things!

[@essentiallylau]

Thank you for taking about the recent events. It's so sad.

[@mommyjaslynn]

Excited to watch

[@elizabethderksen3036]

Thanks for this video!! With my first baby I felt so ashamed for not producing enough at the end of the day. But it’s good to see I’m not the only one and that it’s something we can work on. Sending you love!

[@boundlessC]

Dear Nicole Thank you very much for this video. I also have an electric pump from medela and I bought the medela easy express pumping bra to be handsfree while pumping and when I‘m wearing shorts with a strechy band at the top I can tuck the pump-thing in there…so I can cook while pumping…😊 It does look quite funny…but it works…;)

[@americahernandez8700]

I'm an exclusive pumper with a 4 year old and a 6 month old and portable pumps have really helped for hectic mornings. I have tried way too many pumps and the two portable pumps i like so far is the baby buddha and pumpables. Elvie and portable cups can actually decrease milk supply because they don't stimulate as good as a traditional pump so I would only use them once in a while. I personally love the spectra as a primary pump its so gentle and has a nice vibration to it that really helps stimulate letdowns for me. 2-3 ounces after baby nurses is actually really good even though it would be nice to get more. I know it doesn't feel like it especially when you see other moms making so much milk but anything you get after baby nurses is extra milk. The best way to trick your body to make even more is frequent stimulation. I'm trying the supplement moringa because i heard that it can help increase the milk supply but honestly I've tried it all and nothing works like frequent stimulation. Breastfeeding on demand, pumping/power pumping every 2-3 hours or after baby nurses, eating enough calories, trying to not stress and get good sleep are key to increasing your milk. Supplements may help but not without the other things. I hope you figure out what works best for you. Good luck mama you've got this

[@JustinandJanessa]

Ugh pumping is so much work. Haha I tandem breastfed the twins for 2 months and thought that was difficult... but once I went to exclusively pumped for 8 months definitely wish I would've breastfed... would've been less exhausting 🤣😬 Such a good video! Definitely encouraging for all mommas out there. 🤎🤎

[@nicolepotts8098]

Currently watching as I'm power pumping haha!

[@sophiewaistell8199]

I've exclusively breastfed and still nurse at night (he's 18 months old). This video reminded me of when I was pumping as I was going back to work. I remember the sore nips and sleepless nights. My little one still woke in the night for a feed so I used to pump right after that as he preferred one breast compared to the other. I had to stop as his favourite breast was getting milk blisters which was so painful. It is so hard but you're doing so well, especially with caring for two children at once! I had the mam electric pump which was pretty good once I got the hang of when to pump. You soon learn when your breasts produce the most milk.

[@laurendeanne1648]

Those same cookies are so good rolled into balls and put in the fridge...not naked..just no bake style and they rlly work for me. I can't stop making them lol

[@krissystephens4364]

hopefully you see this, I use two Haakaas for hands free pumping. It takes longer but if you suction them on correctly you can get just as much milk as you would get with an electric pump. In order for them to work properly you have to keep the suction tight by continuing to squeeze all of the air out. I also hate using my electric pump. So when i want to give my nipples a break or go hands free i use the Haakaas. For my other pumping sessions I use the medela hand pump and place the haakaa on the opposite breast then i swap breast. I also ALWAYS put the haakaa on after i hand pump. It does a great job at getting those final drops out. The best advice I got was to always completely empty your breast and the putting the haakaa on after i pump helps me achieve that. I hope this helps!

[@amyellex]

If evening feed is where there isn’t enough milk that is the time I would power pump to increase supply. Your body will increase supply for the time of day it is demanded. 3 Oz milk is a good amount per pumping session.

[@MentalHealthMonday]

For me, drinking at least 2 liters of water a day, eating oatmeal, and drinking a body Armour drink I can keep a good supply. I agree that being consistent is key! Good luck hope you find something that works for you

[@aubreypatterson877]

Oatmeal is key!

[@deborahcapeles4085]

I nursed for 3 days and got a crack that was so painful and decided to pump until I healed but just ended up exclusively pumping for 11 months. I stopped until I had enough for my girl to have milk at least until 1. It was definitely the hardest thing I’ve done and took so much discipline and help from people to watch my girl. But it was my goal and I did it but man it’s hard!! I guess because that’s all I did I can’t imagine nursing because that really didn’t work out for me 😅

[@PAKK95]

I was a full time pumping mom plus formula cause I didn’t produce enough with my son for 7 months and man it was stressful to bottle feed for 20 min and then pump for 20 minutes every 3 hrs. Lord willing I can breastfeed for baby #2 and beyond lol but my prayers go out to those who are formulae feeding. What a scary place to be to not know where your baby’s next meal will come from!

[@klovatobaby]

Such a great video :-)

[@anastasiakholod2222]

Did you try HIPP German formula. Great reviews. Babies don’t have burps after it, tastes good even for me, compare to other formulas where you can’t even smell it. They have it available, it is pricey , but I don’t care cause of quality of it. To increase breast milk supply the best time to pump is actually around 1-2 am , yes, at night. Cause of hormones which produce milk. I just do not know if it possible to do having 2 kids. That is the reason I gave up increasing my supply when it started to go down. Plus I was so scared of teeth that started to grow so I gave up breastfeeding and returned to pumping, why return - I pumped whole year with my first kid.

[@tylerh8405]

FYI, if you’re a previous Bobbie customer, you should be able to get more formula from them (just make an account with the same email that you used when you made your last purchase).

[@northeastgirl100]

Getting 3 oz after the morning feeding is great!!

[@kpsa77]

Yes!! Especially after already feeding a baby! 👏🏼

[@caitlin9823]

Did the cookies help!?

[@amandad2062]

its not available:(

[@bossmama7069]

I 'm an exclusive pumper, with my first I just pumped what I felt he needed and stopped. I was always slightly stressed out because I felt that if I ran out then what? So with my second, I went go hun gun. I pumped every 3 hours, I set a timer and everything, and I pumped a whole 30 mins and before I knew it, I was pumping 40 oz or more a session. (which would mean I could pump over 200oz in one day) So much so that I had no choice but to pump in the middle of the night because I'd be so dang full. My first born got another round of breast milk and I also fed his little brother. I did this for a whole year. (Each one gets a year) I didn't eat anything that would increase my milk supply. Now I'm about to have my third here in July and I plan on doing the exact same thing for her that I did with my second. All my extra I plan to hopefully donate. I did pump every 3 hours with 2 littles with me constantly. I was not easy but we got into a routine and it worked. My first born got used to it. I'd set aside that time everyday to go into a room with both of them, shut the door, and sit on the bed and pump. My boys would hang out with me, my oldest would watch tv, and that's how we managed. I think the key to a good supply is consistency. Keep at it, don't waver, it doesn't take your body long to realize you don't need that much milk anymore. You gotta tell your body, hey, let's pretend I got twins here. And yes, it sucks, every 3 hours, or even 4 hours. It's hard I wont lie, but the family got used to my pumping schedule and so can you. Housework can wait, make pumping your life, that is the most important thing you will do all day long. Schedule everything else around your pumping schedule. LOL, like I said, I went gun ho hun, it became a passion. Of course, if you have to change up your schedule make your 30 min session right before you have to pick kids up from daycare or w/e your doing.

[@oliviafrederick5505]

A DISNEY MOMENT?!? PLZZZZ 🥺🥺🥺

[@ninabntz2517]

I know you said a lot of people been giving you advice. But I just want to comment one thing that worked for my mom and for me that my great grandmother used as well , was just a simple “Horchata de ajonjolí” is a puertorican drink is natural, easy to make. I thought I couldn’t produce and then I was producing so much. Of course you can look information about it and try if you want. 😊 I know every body and journey is different and unique but is worth the try, like I say is natural and taste good too 😊

[@iyabomarvel8506]

@nina bntz Can you provide the recipe for the drink I'm struggling with my supply

[@ninabntz2517]

@@iyabomarvel8506 sorry for the late response, hopefully your milk supply got better What you do is toast about 1/4cup of sesame seeds and then in a blender put the sesame seeds (it will become like powder) Mix it with milk about 2 cups(or you can add a bit more) in a pan and heat the milk (no need for the milk to be boiling) and then strain the milk You can add sugar and cinnamon stick for flavor Is a strong flavor- I don’t really like the flavor 😂 but it does the job 😊

[@katrinalovesmakeup1]

Just a reminder : the only way to truly increase your breastmilk supply is “supply and demand” pump/nurse Elvie and Willows are very hit or miss :)

[@mariarodriguez2545]

I have the elvie and want the willow for my next baby. The elvie works good but leaks if you bend over or are moving around with a toddler.

[@katerand6988]

How did you determine that you weren’t making enough for that last feed of the day? I think I may be having the same issue but I am not sure if my gut is right

[@annemariedR]

Thanks for sharing your experience! And heard about the tragic shooting, so said for all the familys and lives lost so young:( Im exclusively breastfeeding my 4month old son. I was wundering; how did you know you didn't have enough milk in the evening?(i start to wunder if that might be a reason for my boy to be waking up every half our and having trouble falling asleep.. Goodluck to all the moms and dads struggling and stressing if there Will be enough milk for your babies!

[@lifeoutnumbered]

Actually leaning back should give you better suction and help you relax and give you better flow.

[@mckenziehayden6682]

Momcozy has a portal breast pump that is sooo affordable!!

[@stephaniepadilla9618]

There is the mom cozy too and is more affordable

[@katem7267]

I really feel for you guys in the states with this formula shortage - I can’t even imagine the stress this is causing families! So heartbreaking 😔 We combination feed our 4 month old boy majority breastmilk but 1 bottle of formula in the evening so my partner is able feed him and I can catchup on sleep. I’ve been trying to up my supply aswell because I feel like I’m only making JUST enough for my baby which i guess is good in a way but if he has a hungry spell one day then I worry I won’t be able to feed him. I’ve done power pumping and find that has increased my supply. The thing I wanted to ask, is have you noticed if Aria has gotten distracted while feeding at the breast at the age is she now? My boy is out here lookin around, cracking smiles, being so silly and not actually getting a proper feed 🙈 I don’t know what to do about it!! Lol so I pump during the day and give him a bottle because he’s more likely to take and finish a bottle than feed properly from my breast but it’s sooo much damn work that I’d eventually love to stop doing that! Agh!!

[@enterflora]

4 month fussies! Yes this is totally normal. I wish I could say it gets better but often it doesn’t. They just stay distracted 😂 I have a silicone breastfeeding necklace for my son to grab and fiddle with, or I play with his free hand, and that does help a little bit. You kiddo will still be getting enough milk if you offer boob when they ask for it.

[@enterflora]

The formula shortage sounds scary! Milk production is lowest in the early evening and highest in early hours of the morning, which is annoying if trying to get your baby to sleep! I was always told breastfeeding itself increases supply, which usually means feeding at night and as much as possible. I’ve never done anything else to produce milk. Feeding schedules and encouraging a baby to sleep through the night can disrupt supply unfortunately. I feed my 7mo 3-5 times between 7pm and 7am, responsively as he wakes up asking for a boob. He feeds several times a day also, every 1-3 hours. I read somewhere that in some cultures without access to formula it is normal to breastfeed 50-100 times a day! I always keep that in mind when I’m tired and touched out at 4am 😂

[@elizabethcarroll8526]

Thank you for trying so hard to continue breastfeeding. I couldn't produce enough and the formula shortage is scary. On a baby forum that I'm in, a woman said she just felt like stopping breastfeeding even with all she was producing and it upset me a little.

[@allysonhillard4321]

I despise the pump. Like girl’s least favorite best friend! But with that being said, I use the Elvie every night before bed and then only breast feed during the day. We combo feed as well, but I am able to get extra ounces out of my pump session each night to help out. It takes some stress away since the kids are down when I’m pumping, so it’s my “alone” time. I will note that pumping does a number to my hormones, so my poor husband gets the brunt of the cold shoulder at night 🤷🏻‍♀️ BUT if you are wanting to continue your journey, the Elvie is SOOOO worth the $$, made such a big difference in my mental health while pumping (got it 6 Mo in with my first, now have my 2nd who is 6 Mo). And if you’re thinking about having more babies, you’ll more than get your moneys worth!

[@stevenmercado5205]

WHAT HAPPEND

[@sandrarichardson8673]

Thank you for your inspiration ,it really help🌷🛐🌷❗By the way I think you have a loving family I really do; and you're very BLESSED❗ Try not to worry you're going to make it❤🛐 (Milk); you have that determination ❗ GOD BLESS You All, IN The Name Of The FATHER The SON And The HOLY GHOST AMEN ❤🛐❤❗❗

[@tinbernas5947]

We've recently launched a book business called Personalised Children's Books, they are personalised learning books and we have FREE downloadable materials for your kids! I'll be happy to send it xx

[@nicolegerard2907]

All those pumping mamas along with breast feeding mamas are warriors. Scratch that all mamas are warriors. I just hated pumping with firey passion whilst being a working mom. Ugh breastfeeding is already difficult on its own let's make it harder and throw on a pumping sessions in which you're tethered to wall into fully load schedule. Unless you want to get really expensive pump that you put into your bra which I am pretty sure the capacity which they hold is less so if your on the go you a shit out of luck. I shouldn't be complaining my heart breaks for those formula mother's right now. I wish there was something I could do as citizen that would put any dent in any politicians mind over something like that. My next is due in oct so if I can produce this time hopefully I can get extra supply to the banks. That's unfortunately all I got 😞.

[@ayeA20]

Why are you trying to pump? I was told that breastfeeding on command works.

[@Nicolelelagreen]

I’m still breastfeeding her throughout the day but her last feeding I don’t make enough milk

[@Nicolelelagreen]

And yes I work, youtube is my work lol so I do live on a schedule 😅😜

[@ayeA20]

Oh, I see, I know it is hard not to have anxiety and stress, but I would try to relax and drink as much water as possible. I wish I could go back to exclusively breastfeeding but drinking more water and stressing less because I also hated pumping. Good luck, and God bless!

[@Nicolelelagreen]

@@ayeA20 I feel you!! I hate pumping too! And YEA I totally need to de stress because I really think that affected me this week. Much love mama 💕🙏🏼

[@aliciaiaffaldano6632]

Oh man… I really felt this vid. I’ve been trying to pump ONCE a day to increase my supply.. jokes. And I only have 1 kid 🫠