Things I wish I knew about breastfeeding as a FTM😪

I've been exclusively pumping for about 3 months now, with my LO getting 80% expressed breast milk (EBM) and 20% formula. Here’s what I wish I knew about breastfeeding as a first-time mom (just-enough supply):

1️⃣ YOU GOTTA PUMP. EVERY. 3. HOURS

Yes, you read that right—you have to pump every 3 hours, especially in the early days after giving birth. #momlife Breastfeeding is ALL about supply and demand. If you don’t empty your breasts, your milk supply won’t increase. Once your supply is more or less established, you can stretch out the time between pumps. When I started, I had a decent supply by day 3 postpartum, enough to fully feed my baby with EBM. Each pump session yielded about 75ml per side. However, being at a confinement center meant that I didn’t have to care for my LO at night, so I didn’t wake up to pump. I only pumped when I felt engorged. By day 11 postpartum, my supply dipped to 30ml per side. 🥲 Looking back, I should've been more diligent so I didn’t have to play catch up with my milk supply.

What I’ll do differently next time: I’ll bring my pump to the hospital and start pumping immediately. Rly have to be more diligent + disciplined!!

2️⃣ REST, DIET & HYDRATION IS KEY

Breastmilk is over 80% water, so staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining your supply! I aim for at least 3L of water a day. 💧 Also, don’t skip meals! Ironically, getting enough rest is essential to produce the hormones needed to make milk, so try to rest as much as possible whenever your baby is sleeping. 😴

3️⃣ Understanding Pump Modes & Settings

I’m using the mighty (and bulky) Spectra S1 😂. When I first used the pump, I was so confused by the different modes—C1, C2, C3? L1, L2, L3, L4? Searching for online guides didn’t help much because the US Spectra models are slightly different from the local sets. But actually, it’s all the same and not as complicated as it seems! After consulting with a lactation consultant (LC), I finally understood how to properly use the pump.. 😑

🌸 Tips for first time mamas using the spectra!! 🌸

Squiggly line = massage mode

No squiggly line = expression mode

Start with massage mode for 2 minutes or until letdown, then switch to expression mode. For vacuum levels (L1,L2 etc), turn it up until you feel discomfort, then go down one level—pumping should never be painful!

4️⃣ Power Pumping (60 mins) or Cluster Pumping (110 mins)

If I notice my supply dipping, I substitute one of my regular pumps with a power pump session the next day. Don’t expect immediate results—repeat it for a few days, and you’ll see the effects. That said, don’t miss your other pumping sessions!

5️⃣ Don’t Miss Your MOTN Pumps

Before I gave birth, I kept seeing the term ‘MOTN’ and didn’t know what it meant. Prolactin levels are highest from 2-6 am, so you shouldn’t skip your MOTN (Middle of the Night) pumps if you want to maintain or increase your supply. 😪

6️⃣ Exclusive Pumping Is Not Cheap

Whoever said breastfeeding is cheap?! That was my thought before I gave birth. Sure, you save money on formula, but you’ll also need to spend on many other things. Pumps can set you back hundreds of dollars, and pump parts need to be replaced regularly. Plus, there are supplements to increase or maintain supply and add nutrients to your milk, which sets me back about $100-$200/month.

7️⃣ Fed Is Truly Best. Focus on feeding the baby, not the freezer.

Don’t stress if you can’t keep up with your baby’s demand. It IS okay to supplement with formula. 🍼 Breastfeeding is a different journey for everyone, so don’t stress too much over it. At the end of the day, as long as your baby is fed and happy, that’s what truly matters. 🥹❤️ Pumping can be incredibly lonely, especially the MOTN pumps. Don’t stress it if you don't have enough milk to build your freezer stash. Focus on feeding your baby, not the freezer.

TLDR:

7 things I wish I knew about breastfeeding as a first-time mom with a just enough supply:

1️⃣ Build supply as early as possible

2️⃣ Rest well, eat well, and drink more water!

3️⃣ Understand your pump settings & how they work

4️⃣ Power pumping/cluster pumping can boost supply

5️⃣ Don’t skip your MOTN pumps

6️⃣ Breastfeeding isn’t cheap

7️⃣ Fed is best ❤️

Any other tips from experienced mama who manages to maintain their supply while dropping pumps? Do share them with me pls! 🥹

#RealTalk #postpartum #breastfeedingjourney #pregnancy #pregnancyjourney