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How I Survived My First 4 Months of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding was not easy for me.
It took a lot of work to get my supply up — and even more work to keep it up. I have PCOS, and that can affect milk supply, so I knew I might face challenges… but I wasn’t fully prepared for how emotional it would be.
My daughter was born at 39 weeks, weighing 5 lb 15 oz. She was completely healthy, just small. She latched well in the beginning, but it was very painful at first. My nipples cracked and bled for about a week before things improved.
During that time, I switched to pumping only because it was less painful than nursing directly.
The Supply Struggle
Then came the harder part — I was barely making enough milk for her.
The lactation nurses weren’t concerned because she was gaining weight. But when you have a crying baby who seems like she wants more, it’s hard not to question everything.
We did supplement with formula, but I always made sure she emptied my breasts first. Then I would top her off with formula if she still seemed hungry. After that, I would “dry pump” to signal my body to produce more milk.
It worked — for a while.
Then she had a few days where she didn’t feed well, and I didn’t think I needed to pump. My supply dropped again. That’s when I realized how sensitive supply can be — especially with PCOS.
I ended up adding regular pumping sessions back in on top of breastfeeding.
Four Months Postpartum: What Finally Worked
By four months postpartum, I found a rhythm.
I pump 1–2 times a day:
- Once in the morning (right after feeding her) because supply is naturally higher then.
- Occasionally later in the day if needed.
I freeze some milk in Evenflo Tray and keep some in the fridge for evening top-offs. I noticed my supply was much lower in the evenings, and that’s when she was the fussiest. She sometimes struggled at the breast and even with the bottle.
For my own peace of mind, knowing she got a solid 3–4 ounces before bedtime helped so much. Instead of lying there wondering if she got enough, I could relax.
The Formula & Supply Lesson
Even though I supplemented with formula and/or pre-pumped milk, I always made sure to pump to protect my supply.
A doctor explained it to me very simply:
“The problem with formula is every ounce you give your baby is an ounce not taken from your breast.”
That stuck with me.
If milk isn’t removed, your body assumes it’s not needed — and makes less.
So sometimes I would give her a couple ounces of formula while I pumped for 15–20 minutes. Then I would feed her whatever I pumped — even if it was just drops.
After a few days of doing this consistently, my supply would usually increase again.
Some days she needed no formula.
Some days she needed up to 6 ounces.
It depended on her — and I learned to follow her cues instead of fighting them.
Supplements That Helped Me
I also started taking supplements that I believe supported my supply. These were recommended by my lactation nurse:
Liquid Gold definitely helped — but I had to introduce it slowly. When I started taking it, I got clogged ducts and had to add:
Clogged ducts are incredibly painful. These two supplements were recommended by a lactation consultant and really helped resolve them.
I started with just one Liquid Gold capsule per day. After a couple weeks without clogs, I increased to two capsules daily.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding with PCOS is possible — but it may take more intention and consistency.
For me, success looked like:
- Nursing first
- Supplementing when needed
- Always pumping to protect supply
- Being flexible
- And giving myself grace
If you’re in the thick of it right now — I see you.
It’s exhausting.
It’s emotional.
It can feel defeating.
But you are not failing.
You’re feeding your baby.
And that’s what matters.
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