Hey mama, I see you. First off, I want you to know that you are freaking killing it in your breastfeeding journey. You are providing for your baby + doing a kickass job.

Breastfeeding is a huge responsibility as a mom and it can bring a f*ck ton of stress. I get it. The sole responsibility of feeding your child is left on your shoulders and that can bring a lot of undue stress and worry. While going through the beginning stages of nursing with your baby and learning to latch correctly, how to nurse comfortably and learning all the nuances of nursing, The last thing you need as a new mom is to see a freezer packed full of breastmilk. Because guess what? That's not the norm for the majority of breastfeeding mamas. 

And yet, all you see over social media are these elaborate milk freezer stashes putting you to shame and making you doubt yourself.

Should I be pumping?

Am I pumping enough?

How much extra do I need to have a freezer stash?

Anytime you try to take a moment to unwind and scroll, it’s constantly in the forefront of what you see. Moms wearing it as a badge of honor; making you think this is the “expectation” rather than the LITERAL RARITY. While it’s great to have a stash for when you’re away from baby; it’s not an expectation.

Seeing these crazy milk stashes gives you the feeling that this is “normal” and what is to be expected of you. If you’re not pumping and creating this elaborate milk stash your “failing” as a mother. I’m here to tell you that’s not true at all. Breastfeeding is not easy and yet you’re doing it and rocking it! I know the guilt will start to creep in because your milk stash doesn’t look like that, but please remember this is not the norm.

The LAST thing a nursing mom needs is more stress. Stress is actually a huge factor in decreasing your milk supply. When your body is under stress your cortisol levels rise and rising levels of cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply. And what’s the #1 thing a breastfeeding mom worries about?...HER SUPPLY. A dip in your milk supply is only going to cause more stress and this vicious cycle continues.

Or on the other end of the spectrum....maybe you decide to nurse and pump to create the freezer stash you want, but in the end, this results in you having an oversupply long term. An oversupply can bring complications of its own, such as mastitis, which isn’t good either.

"Okay, Kiera, so how do I pump and build a healthy stash effectively?"

- Know that the average output per session is 0.5 - 2 ounces total; both sides included!

- Add warm heat to breast before and during pumping

- Gentle handle compressions

- Pump at least every 3 hours, as well as at least once during the night if baby is sleeping 5+ hours to protect your supply

- Lower your suction. Higher suction does not equal more milk.

- Make sure you’re using the right flange size

- Your primary pump should be a double electric pump. Handsfree pumps are great for convenience, but should never be your primary pump.

- Replace your pump parts every 3 months or so, depending on how often you use your pump

Still confused AF when it comes to milk supply? Reach out and let's schedule a 1:1 consultation. I got you.