Navigating the Rollercoaster of Milk Levels and PPD

It was unexpected but thrilling when my son was born a month early. However, despite his early arrival, there was one issue – he had trouble latching on to my breast. That meant I had to pump for milk and do it 6 to 7 times daily. It was not easy, mainly because I was also battling the baby blues before my postpartum depression (PPD).

The daily uncertainty of my milk supply

Some days, I would pump for just an hour and get plenty of milk. On those days, I felt rested and relaxed, which positively affected my milk supply.

But I would pump for 30 minutes on other days and only get a few drops. When that happened, it only made my PPD worse, and I would cry as I stared at the baby bottles. At those times, it felt like my body was letting me down.

The emotional toll of postpartum depression

It's not just the lack of milk that affected me, PPD also played a significant role. I was overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and worthlessness. It was like riding an emotional rollercoaster, constantly on edge. The uncertainty of not being able to provide enough milk to nourish my son only added to the stress and anxiety.

Trying to boost my milk supply

I tried everything I could to increase my milk supply, like taking supplements, drinking more water, and trying recipes I got from other moms, all before acknowledging that each mother's body and circumstances are different and I needed professional guidance.

But nothing seemed to work consistently. Every day was a trial, and I felt like I was failing as a mother.

Getting support from a lactation consultant

At a certain point, I realized I couldn't do it alone. I needed someone to talk to and guide me through my struggles.

That's when I reached out to my doctor and lactation consultant. They provided me with the practical advice and emotional support I needed to make it through. With their help, I could identify what was causing my low milk supply and create a sustainable plan that worked for me.

Navigating PPD at the same time

Navigating the rollercoaster of milk levels and PPD is no easy feat. It takes time, patience, and support. But with the right help, overcoming these challenges and coming out the other side healthier and happier is possible. As someone who's been through it, my advice is to never give up and always remember that you're not alone.

Connecting the dots between milk supply and PPD

Navigating the rollercoaster of milk levels and PPD is challenging, but recognizing the connection between the 2 is essential.

Moms experiencing PPD must not only seek help for their mental health but also remain proactive in maintaining their milk supply. By establishing consistent breastfeeding or pumping routines, practicing stress-reducing activities, getting plenty of sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated, moms can be better prepared for motherhood's challenges.

And never forget finding support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals is also critical in helping cope with the challenges that come with PPD.