I got my period and my milk is disappearing!

[mari72]

I've been bf my daughter for 19 weeks wothout any major problems, she feeds on demand and the longest she goes at night is 7 hrs-although lately its been 5. I got my period on friday and since then my milk seems to have dramatically reduced, she's been feeding 2 hourly except for the evening and then she only managed 7-11.30. My breasts look totally different too, not as veiny and definitely smaller (and very soft) Up until Thurs night we were just fine-any advice? Is this temporary or am i going to have to give up-which is easier said than done as Ellis won't touch a bottle

 

[Mervs Mum]

I think you might be tying two coincidencies together. My guess is that your milk is actually established given that she's 19 weeks. You wont fill and empty anymore. You will produce as she feeds so your boobs wont feel any different anymore - this is normal.
Couple that with extra feeding, which could be a growth spurt or her showing signs she's getting ready for weaning (if you have already started maybe she's ready for more solids) and you can be forgiven for thinking your supply is the problem.

 

[mari72]

I haven't filled and emptied for while but my breasts were a good cup size bigger than now. Last night i expressed during ellis's 'long' sleep-unfortunately she woke early and wanted fed half an hour after and there was nothing happening!! I tried to give her the milk i'd expressed but she refused it from me and her dad (with me out of sight) We had to wait two hours until my milk came back in. Now i realise i've contradicted myself somewhat by saying i have no/little milk but i expressed some but i do feel there is a diminishment in my supply. Is 19 weeks too young to think about weaning? And i'm scared if i start weaning my already reducing? milk will disappear. Thanks merv's mum for your quick reply

 

[Sarah88]

Personally I would be inclined to hold off thinking about weaning until you're sure that she is ready. My guess is that it's a growth spurt. I would wait for a few more days/ week and see if it pans out. Also perhaps getting a hold of a Lactation Consultant so she can give you some more information and help to know for sure.

 

[mari72]

I'm not keen on starting to wean her at all and as i said everything was going pretty well until Thurs night. The reason i expressed last night was to stimulate a little extra supply but it seems to have bit me on the bum,am now very wary of expressing (although as Ellis won't take a bottle there seems little point in expressing anyway.) I love breastfeeding, i'm so proud that i've been able to give my daughter such a good start and i want it to carry on until at least 6 months-guess i'll just have to be patient and see how it works out as you said sarah. In the meantime loads of water, healthy food and lots and lots of baby contact (am putting her to breast to feed every two hours whether she mumps or not) hopefully the witch will leave and my hormones will return to baby nurturing mode. Thanks again for help x

 

[Mervs Mum]

Mari. I think you probably just have to trust your body. There's no need to start weaning just yet - I was just trying to get you to see that you might 'feel' different for other reasons and that it's unlikely that your milk is simply disappearing.

Here's another question.....you couldnt be pregnant could you.....

 

[mari72]

Well its not outwith the realms... actually did a test on thurs and was so unnerved by your question just did another (inspite of period) def not preg. And the weaning had gone through my head too but v reluctant and honestly don't think ellis interested. a couple of sites i'd looked up said menses can affect milk so was/am bit concerned. Been ok so far today although let down is bit delayed and ellis bit impatient!!!

 

[Mervs Mum]

I've been wondering if I might be recently and at least 1 member was saying she fell preg on the mini pill AND still had 2 AFs before finding out she was 12 wks gone....

Back yourself girl. Your clever (.Y.)s havent let you down so far - I cant see them doing it now