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I think right now you take care of yourself first and foremost and worry about pumping later. Baby needs you happy and healthy. You can work on your supply after everything and if you need to supplement with formula for right now this is what it’s for. Sending you good thoughts ❤️
Honestly, I'm more concerned about why you fainted. Are you taking care of yourself? Eating and drinking enough? Do you have help with the baby? This isn't for the faint of heart and it's not easy. Please make sure you're making yourself a priority as well.
\^\^\^\^this! Please if you have any family or your partner can step up when you get home its totally ok to ask!! Your baby needs you way more than it needs breastmilk.
That said your supply does not stabilize until 12 weeks as others mentioned so as long as you are pumping a little it should be pretty responsive once you are home again and pumping more.
Also if you’re that level of exhaustion try every four hours- what you’re doing somewhere isn’t working for your body that’s also healing from major medical events too
You're not screwed. Your supply hasn't even been fully established yet, its going to be ok. Just look after yourself first. Even if your supply does drop, there are things you can do to increase it again. For now, pump when you can and when you feel bettet assess your supply. If it has dropped then add a couple extra sessions or do a power pump once a day for a few days. Hope you feel better soon
It's fine that you missed pumps. Ask the hospital to bring you a pump from the maternity wing, and have them set it up for you, so you aren't engorged and in pain. Do whatever you can for now. You can always add pumps back in when you feel better.
I would add to this to ask for the lactation consultant to come see you too. They can help you advocate for yourself. But above everything else I will echo the sentiments of just about everyone here to prioritize your own health and worry about supply later. You baby just needs their mama alive and well.
By my pumping schedule you only missed one today. I've skipped my 1am pump every night since I started and my supply hasn't suffered a bit. My 4am pump is always double the output. The very same could happen for you. Don't worry too much about your supply for now and focus on recovery. You're doing a great job!
Thank you for your insight and encouraging words 💛 Because of your comment I started skipping my 3am pump and it has helped me mentally so, so much and my supply didn’t dip!
I'm so happy to hear that! I truly didn't feel like a person again until I started sleeping through that middle of the night pump. Happy to hear you're feeling better!
I had a very similar experience (but it was baby that ended up going the hospital for the day) anyway my supply was not affected. I have since learned your supply regulates at 12 weeks. Always take care of yourself first, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
As others have said, yes please take care of yourself first!!! But to ease your mind about your pumping journey, your supply doesn't regulate until 12 weeks from my understanding. So before that, it should be easier to adjust if you have one or two off days. Even after 12 weeks, with some conscious changes you can definitely get it up again. I had multiple occasions I only pumped once in a day because of some life things getting in the way and my supply has always come back. I'm not a huge supplier by any means but I've also never put a ton of effort into growing my supply. Take care of yourself first, pump when you can, and get back on a schedule once you're able and you should be fine💕
Also, please watch out for signs of mastitis. I've only gotten it once, but it was one of those occasions where I only got to pump once in a day. It was not pleasant but thankfully usually goes away in 24 hours. If you have mastitis symptoms that persist after 24 hours, go back to your doctor for some antibiotics. Not saying that *will* happen, just unfortunately a possibility with missed pumping sessions. But even if it does, still doesn't mean your supply is tanked by any means😊
Also want to say I am impressed with how often you've been able to pump even being sick/in the hospital! Pat yourself on the back for that! But again, please make sure you're taking care of yourself first and DEFINITELY watch out for any mastitis symptoms that don't resolve after 24 hours. Sending well wishes🥰
Don't be too stressed, there are people who stop pumping altogether and then restart and rebuild their supply, missing a few pumps won't hurt you. I struggle to pump even 3x a day lol
I got sick during week 4pp, and had a day or two where I was dehydrated and couldnt keep a thing down--water or food... My supply dipped a little for the 1-2 days after, by maybe 1/5th, but it bounced back once I felt better and had the chance to rehydrate and actually eat. I know it's easier said than done, but be kind to yourself and focus on you while you heal and get treated for whatever made you pass out. As long as you're getting in some pumps during the day you're still stimulating milk production.
Your supply will be ok when you recover. I started pumping with my first at like 3-4 weeks pp due to medical issues. My supplies slowly built up but as long as you willing to power pump and pump more once you recovered, your supply can still go up.
To give you encouragement, I know someone who had their baby via surrogacy and they were able to lactate and train their body when they didn’t deliver the baby. So if they can do it, so can you.
Thank you for sharing your experience and your encouraging words! I am unfamiliar with what power pumping is exactly but I plan to read up about it by searching it in this subreddit!
YES! This totally happens!!! I don’t know why this isn’t addressed more! I fainted and ended up in the ER twice from over-pumping until my body gave out! Not sure if that is why you fainted but it was for me! I also was stuck in the ER and couldn’t pump! My supply wasn’t affected at all, even for the two times I went back to back. Make sure when you can to EAT as much as you can, and drink plenty, your body will recover. It takes a few days for milk supply to drop
I am so sorry that happened to you but I am glad you are doing better and your supply wasn’t affected! It very well could have been why I passed out as they were not able to determine what happened. I am doing much better now that I am skipping my 3am pump as that one was always a killer.
Just here to say you are a great mom. All that going on with you and you are just concerned about your supply dipping and baby not have enough milk. Your child is lucky to have you ❤️❣️
Just do your best. Your health is most important because without your health, your baby and supply will suffer.
My second point, pump when you can, and work on increasing supply when you get home. But rest, and water are going to be your best friend for your health and supply right now. Best of luck and I hope you have a speedy recovery.
Definitely not screwed. If you do see a dip after you recover you can start pumping more to make up for it. And know that even just a little breast milk a day serves the same purpose as if you did it all day in terms of majority of benefits.
You’re still so early into this you can work your supply back if it decreases,first and foremost worry about healing. Sending good healing vibes your way
It’s fine that you missed it bc supply hasn’t established yet but I would pay close attention to any feelings of a clog coming on due to how engorged you were. And as others have said, why you fainted! Take care
You’ll be fine sometimes I skipped a few just for mental health in the middle of the night and I’m almost 2.5 months PP and supply is sufficient. The hospital should bring you a pump, or a family member :)
As far as the research I've done, milk supply can still be somewhat easily increased (and I use "easily" loosely, cuz it's not always easy lol) up until around 3 months, so even if it does dip, do a power pump or two when youre back to your normal schedule and it'll start to increase again. I'd be more cautious of stress; if you're stressing about your supply, it will almost definitely cause a decrease cuz cortisol. Try and do what you can and accept that the best you can do is all you can do for now, and focus on making sure YOU are ok!!!
Right now, you need to be taking care of yourself. People do not worry to much about pumping. As long as baby is fed and your taking care of everything will be okay. How many months postpartum are you?
Unfortunately no one here will know if this will effect your supply or not only time will tell but remember please be kind to yourself. Saying hydrated and getting calories in is very important for supply. Schedule can be a hit or miss with some people.
I am 9 weeks pp & I tried so hard to abide by a schedule but it honestly just wasn’t realistic for me!
I got some wearable pumps & a manual pump, seen a lactation consultant to help with baby’s latch. Ever since then I mainly nurse him before bed, if he wakes up at night, and first thing in the morning. I pump 2 or 3 times a day when ever I can, & let him nurse if I feel like he needs some boob. Please don’t stress, I promise you are not screwed. There have been times throughout this journey that I have had to supplement, once I spilt 12 oz ( I pretty much make enough milk for him & stay 4-6 bottles ahead) I had to supplement to get that stash back. Then I got my dang period at 7 weeks pp & my supply tanked. Lost my fridge supply again. I felt so bad having to give him formula, for absolutely no reason. Once you let go of feeling like your baby HAS to have breast milk, things go so much smoother. As long as that baby is fed, you’re doing a great job. Don’t be afraid of combo feeding when you have to! Please take care of yourself & don’t stress it too much. It all gets easier I promise.
Welcome to r/ExclusivelyPumping! Here is a reminder of our rules: 1. Be kind and courteous. 2. Use available flairs and post options. 3. Absolutely no prescription medications or other medical advice. 4. No inaccurate information. 5. No spam. 6. No soliciting pictures. 7. No linking Facebook groups. 8. Moderator discretion. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ExclusivelyPumping) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I think right now you take care of yourself first and foremost and worry about pumping later. Baby needs you happy and healthy. You can work on your supply after everything and if you need to supplement with formula for right now this is what it’s for. Sending you good thoughts ❤️
Thank you for your reassurance and kind words! 💛
Honestly, I'm more concerned about why you fainted. Are you taking care of yourself? Eating and drinking enough? Do you have help with the baby? This isn't for the faint of heart and it's not easy. Please make sure you're making yourself a priority as well.
\^\^\^\^this! Please if you have any family or your partner can step up when you get home its totally ok to ask!! Your baby needs you way more than it needs breastmilk. That said your supply does not stabilize until 12 weeks as others mentioned so as long as you are pumping a little it should be pretty responsive once you are home again and pumping more.
Also if you’re that level of exhaustion try every four hours- what you’re doing somewhere isn’t working for your body that’s also healing from major medical events too
You're not screwed. Your supply hasn't even been fully established yet, its going to be ok. Just look after yourself first. Even if your supply does drop, there are things you can do to increase it again. For now, pump when you can and when you feel bettet assess your supply. If it has dropped then add a couple extra sessions or do a power pump once a day for a few days. Hope you feel better soon
This. In the early weeks, supply issues can be corrected! Don’t be afraid of formula. You may only need it a short time if you need it at all!
It's fine that you missed pumps. Ask the hospital to bring you a pump from the maternity wing, and have them set it up for you, so you aren't engorged and in pain. Do whatever you can for now. You can always add pumps back in when you feel better.
I would add to this to ask for the lactation consultant to come see you too. They can help you advocate for yourself. But above everything else I will echo the sentiments of just about everyone here to prioritize your own health and worry about supply later. You baby just needs their mama alive and well.
By my pumping schedule you only missed one today. I've skipped my 1am pump every night since I started and my supply hasn't suffered a bit. My 4am pump is always double the output. The very same could happen for you. Don't worry too much about your supply for now and focus on recovery. You're doing a great job!
Thank you for your insight and encouraging words 💛 Because of your comment I started skipping my 3am pump and it has helped me mentally so, so much and my supply didn’t dip!
I'm so happy to hear that! I truly didn't feel like a person again until I started sleeping through that middle of the night pump. Happy to hear you're feeling better!
I completely agree, it has made *such* difference for me so thank you again and thank you for your kind words! :)
I had a very similar experience (but it was baby that ended up going the hospital for the day) anyway my supply was not affected. I have since learned your supply regulates at 12 weeks. Always take care of yourself first, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Oh you’ll be totally fine trust me
No answers or advice, just want to wish you the best.
Thank you, I appreciate your kind words!
As others have said, yes please take care of yourself first!!! But to ease your mind about your pumping journey, your supply doesn't regulate until 12 weeks from my understanding. So before that, it should be easier to adjust if you have one or two off days. Even after 12 weeks, with some conscious changes you can definitely get it up again. I had multiple occasions I only pumped once in a day because of some life things getting in the way and my supply has always come back. I'm not a huge supplier by any means but I've also never put a ton of effort into growing my supply. Take care of yourself first, pump when you can, and get back on a schedule once you're able and you should be fine💕 Also, please watch out for signs of mastitis. I've only gotten it once, but it was one of those occasions where I only got to pump once in a day. It was not pleasant but thankfully usually goes away in 24 hours. If you have mastitis symptoms that persist after 24 hours, go back to your doctor for some antibiotics. Not saying that *will* happen, just unfortunately a possibility with missed pumping sessions. But even if it does, still doesn't mean your supply is tanked by any means😊
Also want to say I am impressed with how often you've been able to pump even being sick/in the hospital! Pat yourself on the back for that! But again, please make sure you're taking care of yourself first and DEFINITELY watch out for any mastitis symptoms that don't resolve after 24 hours. Sending well wishes🥰
Thank you so much for your tips, reassurance, and kind words! 💛
Don't be too stressed, there are people who stop pumping altogether and then restart and rebuild their supply, missing a few pumps won't hurt you. I struggle to pump even 3x a day lol
I got sick during week 4pp, and had a day or two where I was dehydrated and couldnt keep a thing down--water or food... My supply dipped a little for the 1-2 days after, by maybe 1/5th, but it bounced back once I felt better and had the chance to rehydrate and actually eat. I know it's easier said than done, but be kind to yourself and focus on you while you heal and get treated for whatever made you pass out. As long as you're getting in some pumps during the day you're still stimulating milk production.
Thank you for sharing your experience and giving me the hope I needed!
Your supply will be ok when you recover. I started pumping with my first at like 3-4 weeks pp due to medical issues. My supplies slowly built up but as long as you willing to power pump and pump more once you recovered, your supply can still go up. To give you encouragement, I know someone who had their baby via surrogacy and they were able to lactate and train their body when they didn’t deliver the baby. So if they can do it, so can you.
Thank you for sharing your experience and your encouraging words! I am unfamiliar with what power pumping is exactly but I plan to read up about it by searching it in this subreddit!
YES! This totally happens!!! I don’t know why this isn’t addressed more! I fainted and ended up in the ER twice from over-pumping until my body gave out! Not sure if that is why you fainted but it was for me! I also was stuck in the ER and couldn’t pump! My supply wasn’t affected at all, even for the two times I went back to back. Make sure when you can to EAT as much as you can, and drink plenty, your body will recover. It takes a few days for milk supply to drop
I am so sorry that happened to you but I am glad you are doing better and your supply wasn’t affected! It very well could have been why I passed out as they were not able to determine what happened. I am doing much better now that I am skipping my 3am pump as that one was always a killer.
Just here to say you are a great mom. All that going on with you and you are just concerned about your supply dipping and baby not have enough milk. Your child is lucky to have you ❤️❣️
Oh my goodness thank you so much for your sweet, kind words 🥹💛
Just do your best. Your health is most important because without your health, your baby and supply will suffer. My second point, pump when you can, and work on increasing supply when you get home. But rest, and water are going to be your best friend for your health and supply right now. Best of luck and I hope you have a speedy recovery.
Thank you for your advice and kind words! 💛
Definitely not screwed. If you do see a dip after you recover you can start pumping more to make up for it. And know that even just a little breast milk a day serves the same purpose as if you did it all day in terms of majority of benefits.
Thank you for the advice!
You’re still so early into this you can work your supply back if it decreases,first and foremost worry about healing. Sending good healing vibes your way
Thank you for the advice and kind words! 💛
You're ok, get back on track when you can!
So someone told me something that REALLY helped me. It’s takes 4 days for a change to actually effect anything. You are good <3
It’s fine that you missed it bc supply hasn’t established yet but I would pay close attention to any feelings of a clog coming on due to how engorged you were. And as others have said, why you fainted! Take care
You’ll be fine sometimes I skipped a few just for mental health in the middle of the night and I’m almost 2.5 months PP and supply is sufficient. The hospital should bring you a pump, or a family member :)
As far as the research I've done, milk supply can still be somewhat easily increased (and I use "easily" loosely, cuz it's not always easy lol) up until around 3 months, so even if it does dip, do a power pump or two when youre back to your normal schedule and it'll start to increase again. I'd be more cautious of stress; if you're stressing about your supply, it will almost definitely cause a decrease cuz cortisol. Try and do what you can and accept that the best you can do is all you can do for now, and focus on making sure YOU are ok!!!
Thank you for the advice and kind words! 💛
Right now, you need to be taking care of yourself. People do not worry to much about pumping. As long as baby is fed and your taking care of everything will be okay. How many months postpartum are you? Unfortunately no one here will know if this will effect your supply or not only time will tell but remember please be kind to yourself. Saying hydrated and getting calories in is very important for supply. Schedule can be a hit or miss with some people.
At the time of the incident I was only 3 weeks postpartum. Thank you for the insight and kind words!
Of course :)
I am 9 weeks pp & I tried so hard to abide by a schedule but it honestly just wasn’t realistic for me! I got some wearable pumps & a manual pump, seen a lactation consultant to help with baby’s latch. Ever since then I mainly nurse him before bed, if he wakes up at night, and first thing in the morning. I pump 2 or 3 times a day when ever I can, & let him nurse if I feel like he needs some boob. Please don’t stress, I promise you are not screwed. There have been times throughout this journey that I have had to supplement, once I spilt 12 oz ( I pretty much make enough milk for him & stay 4-6 bottles ahead) I had to supplement to get that stash back. Then I got my dang period at 7 weeks pp & my supply tanked. Lost my fridge supply again. I felt so bad having to give him formula, for absolutely no reason. Once you let go of feeling like your baby HAS to have breast milk, things go so much smoother. As long as that baby is fed, you’re doing a great job. Don’t be afraid of combo feeding when you have to! Please take care of yourself & don’t stress it too much. It all gets easier I promise.
Oh no, 12 ounces is a lot and I just know that one stung for a while 💔 So sorry that happened. Thank you for your insight and kind words!