Still hungry?

[LittleStranger]

Hi, I've got concerns about my milk supply and hoping for some advice or reassurance.
Have looked on Kellymom and LLL websites but couldn't find what was looking for so have retreated here.

My DS is now 4mths and has begun to seem unsatisfied after a feed. I'll give him both barrels but he'll be upset and have another go on each side, and poss another before giving up. I kind of 'feel' like I'm not producing as much milk, certainly the let down doesn't feel very strong. This has coincided with my period returning (grr) so I'm worried that this is connected to possible low supply. Does anyone know if there's a connection?

On the other hand could be a growth spurt, but he' been like this for a week now, which is longer than growth spurts usually last isn't it?

Thanks for reading.

It is known for some women to have a small 'dip' in supply during ovulation & just before/during menstruation but it is only temporary (unless the mother 'tops up' during those times and continues to 'top up' then supply would lessen [supply would be recoverable though with extra bfs]). Kellymom.com has some info on how to deal with cycle related supply dips here.

It could also be the 4 month developmental growth spurt (often co-inciding with more frequent night wakings and lots more breastfeeding) hitting at the same time as your supply is regulating to baby's needs.

You mention feeling like you are making less milk, is that because you don't feel 'full' or engorged any more? If it is, feeling 'full' is just the extra milk that you make when your breasts aren't yet attuned to what baby normally takes. It's not biologically a good idea to make more milk than baby needs as it's full of a lot of good stuff you don't want to waste or put more energy into than needed (fats, anti-bodies, growth factors, hormones, minerals, etc) plus you can make more milk when baby needs it if they need it by swapping sides lots (don't need to just stick to 2 sides - baby can have 3, 4, 5,......) or even doing breast compressions to quicken the flow if baby seems particularly unsettled.

Just hang on in there, you are doing great. Is there a local bfing group you could go to to met other bfing mums (if they aren't going through it now, they either will have or will be about to!)

Hi, my DS is 8months and he is NEVER full. Well he is probably full but loves beng on the boob/eating solids. After a cetain length of time of being on the boob or when he's finised his dinner I take him off since I know he'll feed until hes sick. I then give him a dummy/toy to distract him!

He could be feeding for comfort like my ds does? Give it a try! if ds screams even after a few seconds of seeing toy/dummy then i give him more

Thanks so much for your advice ladies. Have had a really bad day with him, and it's great to have some moral support. Feel pretty useless as this is my second, so should know what I'm doing but DS1 was your typical 'easy' baby and never had any problems with feeding/sleeping etc. DS2 is exact opposite and really keeping me on my toes.