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re-post: period causing milk to "dry" up

aishabyronaishabyron
in Stay at Home Moms

re-post from breastfeeding board 

Hello, so I'll get straight to the point. Since December, my 2nd period since DD was born 9/1/12, my milk supply has decreased 2 weeks before my cycle starts. In December I reached out to a VET of breastfeeding and she suggested that I pump/nurse as frequently as possible and to try fenugreek. I did and BAM my milk supply increased within a 24hr pd. Well now its the end of January and my milk supply has dipped WAYYYY low and I'm still nursing and using the fenugreek. 

Last week DD went to her pedi and he was a bit concerned because DD weighed in at 12.5lbs which put her in the 10th percentile. He told me to start her on cereal to increase her weight, which we will try it out tonight.

I REALLLLLY do not want DD to go on formula, but I don't think she will like once a month having decreased milk to 2 weeks, and its pretty stressful for me.

Are there any suggestions out there on what I should do? 

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Re: re-post: period causing milk to "dry" up

  • lollitotslollitots member
    I always had a huge supply of milk (I could have totally wet nursed triplets), however my supply also took a huge dip before my period. I also got my periods back quickly (don't you feel robbed???? Everyone else got period free time while bfing!). My poor kid would be nursing all the time to get enough. I found that I could pump during the other weeks and use that if needed. Don't stress. If you have to suppliment a little that is ok, you still are a great mom doing your best for your kiddo. Feed her the bm and then the formula so you keep you supply up.
    Proud Mommy to Kaylie 12-04, Alaina 5-06 & Annalise 6-08 imageimage
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  • aishabyronaishabyron

    Thanks ladies for the words of encouragement. I have been crying all day about this. I got some more supplements and I will Formula feed until this milk comes back. 

    ps: yes U feel super robbed!! stupid period came back when DD was 2 months!! 

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  • DochasDochas member

    You could also try stopping and then starting the fenugreek when your supply dips.  I responded to fenugreek, but then my body adjusted and stopped producing more.  Taking a calcium supplement also helped me - take it from ovulation until a day or 2 after your period starts.  You have to take a high dose and at higher levels it has to be a blend of either magnesium or zinc. I took 1500mg cal/750 mg magnesium.  As he got older and less patient (7 or 8 months) I did supplement with formula on the worst days.  I was never able to pump anything at all.

     Here is a piece from kellymom (whole article is https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/herbs/natural-treatments/)

    "The recommended calcium supplement dosage is between 500 mg calcium/250 mg magnesium and 1500 mg calcium/750 mg magnesium (the higher dosage is generally more effective).  "

    TTC since September '08 After 2 m/c - lap for stage 3-4 endo Oct '09 Bravelle w/Ovidrel trigger - iui on 11/07 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
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