BFing while Pregnant and on Progesterone Supplement

lulu3061

I am currently nursing my 10 month old and am pregnant, approximately 7-8 weeks along (not exactly sure because of BFing, and dating US isn't until next week).  My progesterone levels are low again this time around so I'm on a supplement again.  I have noticed since starting the progesterone that my supply is tanking which has never happened before.  We are not at all ready to wean but I'm not sure what to do about the tanking supply and I know that progesterone is a big cause of milk supply issues.  

I currently eat oatmeal each day, take B vitamins, drink enough water, etc.  Does anyone have any suggestions or know anything about progesterone and nursing?

TIA! 

Qmommy

Unfortunately progesterone is a supply killer.  It over powers the hormone necessary to produce milk abundantly and there really isn't anything you can do about it.     With that said, you don't need to wean but you may need to supplement with formula to ensure your LO is getting enough nutrition.  You can judge this based on her happiness (is he/she hungry all the time and extra fussy?) and on her diaper output (is he/she peeing enough times through the day?)  

Some women are able to maintain their supply through out their pregnancy (I think the percentage is 30%) while others notice a supply decrease.  Some women notice the decrease right away (1st tri) while others don't experience a decrease until closer to 20 weeks.

I got pregnant when DD was 9 months.  My supply decreased around 19 weeks with DD, luckily she was 12/13 months when that happened and my supply has since changed back to colostrum.  DD is still nursing strong.    

I highly recommend reading Adventures in Tandem Nursing.  Even if you want to wean before the next baby is born the book covers nursing while pregnant extensively.  I have found it extremely helpful. 

Good luck and Congrats on your new little bundle. 

lulu3061

Qmommy-thank you. I'm struggling with whether to continue taking the progesterone as the doctor says it's "not necessary but can't hurt". I don't know if I could forgive myself if something happened to the pregnancy but at the same timely, I'm not comfortable taking away from my son either. He's never taken a bottle and won't touch formula. Grrr. This is not a fun decision.

Qmommy

Will he drink from a straw cup?  Talk with his pedi about slowly introducing WCM, soy milk, coconut milk, or hemp milk into his diet since you may be experiencing a supply drop and he refuses formula.  

Do you know how long you should be on the progesterone supplement?   Like you, I think I would stay on the progesterone because if something were to happen to the pregnancy if I stopped taking it (even if it had nothing to do with my progesterone levels) I would feel terrible.  Know that you're not taking anything away from your son if you decide to stay on the supplement.  Your supply may have started dropping in the 1st tri anyway.  You can still nurse him so he gets the connection with you (as you know BFing is much more than just milk).