The decision to breastfeed or bottle feed is a personal one that every mother has to make. While most people know that breastfeeding is considered healthier than bottle-feeding, that doesn’t make it automatically the right choice for everyone. Whether they are on certain medications or have long work hours, or simply choose to use baby formula, some mothers simply do not breastfeed.

And in some instances, they cannot.

One of the things I was pumped about through my pregnancy was breastfeeding. I bought a nursing bra early on and was so excited about being able to give my baby what I thought would be an amazing gift. My plans didn’t go quite as I had expected.

While six months pregnant, I developed preeclamsia and was ordered to bed rest at a hospital over 3,000 miles from home. Away on fall break from school for a business trip, I delivered my baby three months premature, and at one pound, one ounce, it was physically impossible to nurse.

Lactation consultants did their best to help me pump milk, and at first I made enough to feed her. For her first month of life, she received my milk. But as she needed more and more milk, I made less and less. We couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me—blockages, lack of a full diet (we were on a budget so far from home), and stress were all considered factors. On the day I saw them put formula into her feeding tube, I wept. (Of course, that was a fairly regular occurrence at the time.)

I now realize that babies can survive on mother’s milk or formula, and sometimes you just have to go with what’s best in your own situation. I am so grateful for the two times I was physically able to actually nurse her, and for the month of colostrum and milk I was able to provide. I am grateful every day for my daughter’s survival, for the team that kept her alive—and for that formula that kept her fed.

Since it is World Breastfeeding Week, I thought I’d share some tips that I learned during my quest to make milk. I hope they will help those of you who need them or want to try them out.

Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet. But you already knew that.

Pump regularly. If you can’t feed your baby, continue to pump milk when he or she is not with you every few hours.

Keep a photo of your baby on your pumping gear. This may help trigger the “letdown” response. I also tried carrying a warm water bottle around with one of my daughter’s blankets and an outfit at the Ronald McDonald House, where we stayed. I even rocked it. Sometimes this would trigger the letdown.

Gently rub your breasts in a warm shower. Do a little pitter-patter motion on your chest with your fingers very lightly to simulate a baby’s touch. See if the warmth from the water will help trigger the response, too. Warm towels and heating pads could also help.

Try different types of pumps. If one doesn’t work, another might; the stronger ones helped me.

Drink “mother’s milk” tea. You can find it with the herbal teas at the grocery store. I warn you, it’s not very tasty—and it didn’t help me—but others have sworn by it.

See a lactation specialist. If all else fails, he or she may be able to help.

Do you or did you breastfeed? Did you choose to bottle-feed instead? Why or why not?