I knew going into my pregnancy that low supply was a possible issue I could face as my sister had low supply. When baby was born, the nurses and my lactation consult noticed that he was not getting enough and we started pumping by the end of Day 1. I was unable to get anything at all so we started to supplement.

In the weeks to come I continued to pump 8-12 times a day and took many supplements to try to increase what little supply I had. At 2 months postpartum the most I ever collected while exclusively pumping was 8 oz total in a day. I went back to work soon after eight weeks, got my period, and my already low supply tanked. I could not get it up despite all my attempts of power pumping and multiple supplements. I kept going with a micro supply for a few more months as I felt I had to. Finally, my family took a trip to Disney and I knew this would be a great time to put up the pump. I would only pump when we were either in the car or at the hotel and I weaned myself mentally off the pump. It was a super challenging time, as I felt like I had failed my baby and was giving up. Now with second pregnancy I have been researching and making a plan that will hopefully make breastfeeding a little less mentally challenging as well as maybe leading to a better output.

“I wanted to be the best mother for my baby. At the time I thought breastfeeding was a big part of motherhood. [I’m proud of] having the mental strength to try my best and move on when I needed to.”

— Rosalee Very

How old was your baby when you realized you had low milk supply? What concerns led you to learn this?

One day old – jaundice and low blood sugar.

What were some of your goals when you first started your breastfeeding journey? How did these goals shift throughout the time you were lactating?

Exclusively breastfed was the goal, but I was OK with anything in the end.

What advice were you given, if any, to increase your supply? By whom?

To take supplements and pump more.

Did you feel supported by your medical providers? Why or why not?

No, my doctor assumed that with weight loss and exercise my supply would increase; however, this was not the case.

What is one thing that you wish someone would have told you when you began your low milk supply journey?

Be easy on yourself. Every drop counts. Do what is best for you – formula is OK!

Is there any support from people other than medical providers (e.g. lactation consultants, family, friends, peers) that you wish you had gotten during your low supply journey?

Friends who had “normal” breast feeding journeys.

Did you feel prepared for the possibility of low milk supply? Why or why not?

I thought I would be prepared with the information I had from my sister and her experience; however, it was not enough, as it hurt much more than I anticipated.

What is one thing that you would like all medical and lactation professionals to know about chronic low milk supply?

Run the labs and listen to your patients.

In one sentence, why does low milk supply matter to you?

I wanted to be the best mother for my baby. At the time I thought breastfeeding was a big part of motherhood.

What is one thing about your low milk supply experience that makes you proud?

Having the mental strength to try my best and move on when I needed to.