Sudden drop in milk supply (DS is 11 months old)

[ExSpawniamusChorus]

I'm a bit concerned by the fact that my milk supply has suddenly reduced significantly over the last couple of days. I had my first AF since the birth about 10 days ago, and it dipped a little then, but seemed to get back to normal.

I have also noticed that DS has been 'off' feeding for the last couple of days, and has now come down with a cold (as of this morning). He woke up with a dry nappy this morning, which is very unlike him.

I've obviously been trying to get him to feed as miuch as poss, but he's resisting it furiously. I'm also trying to get him to drink water, but he's not drinking much of that either. (NB - he doesn't seem 'worryingly' unwell at all....just a runny nose and scratchy sounding throat).

Any ideas how to get my (usually bountiful) milk supply back up to par?

It sounds like a bit of a funny question, but how do you know your milk supply has reduced? If it's because you're not getting as engorged as you used to, this is normal, and not an indication of supply problems ...

If he has been feeding less for a few days your supply will drop slightly as he is not ordering enough. When he feels better and gets his appitite back your supply should go back up. It might mean a few night wakings while this happens but it is normal.
Keep an eye out for wet nappies though. If he does not have one soon you need to check he is not de-hydrated. Dull eyes and loose skin on tummy etc. If you are worried go to the gp for some rehydration sachets but to be honest BM is the best thing for him if he is poorly (although they might tell you otherwise - they are not v good a BF advice imo)

ExSpawn. This happened to me too. I know now how little he was drinking as when I managed to give him a bottle, he only drank 3oz at a time! I was shocked. And he was only feeding 3x per day (even then, I had to 'make' him feed).

In the end, I think my supply did try up - I had had major oversupply issues for first 6 mths, then settled down for next 4 months, but the last month seemed very little, particularly around period time - no need for breast pads was quite a novelty for me! I'm not sure how this happens, with a breastfed baby who doesn't take a bottle, but it really did seem to for me...

I'm definitely sure my supply has dropped, as I haven't felt any let-down sensation when DS has been feeding for the last couple of days. Usually it's very forceful. I also tried expressing this morning (I wanted to see if DS would take milk from a cup as he wasn't interested in the boob) and I only managed to produce a dribble (about 20 ml). I don't express often, but can usually produce 120 ml in the blink of an eye.

Should I keep expressing after offering boob to DS? Will it help maintain my supply while he's on 'strike'?

By the way, he's got a wet nappy now

MerryMarigold - so what happened? I was planning on BFing well into the second year...I'll be gutted if my milk just dries up!

DS has been having at least 4 feeds a day until now.

ExSpawniamusChorus

It is very unlikely that after nursing for 11 months your milk will dry. Go get a breast pump and pump in between feedings. This will increase your milk supply.

Beaware there are things that do affect your milk supply.

Lack of fluid intake, certain medications especially antihistamines, not nursing, and hormones. So make sure that you are drinking plenty of water and if you are taking meds for cold or allergies be aware that it can slow or stop milk production.

I honestly think it is because he is poorly. Please don't panic. Give it a few days and I am sure you will be back here telling us all is well

Is he eating his solids? Maybe he is just filling up on those and he will balance out again soon.

I agree that expressing will help but if you have not done it for a while you won't get much off esp with an 11 month old as your supply is so used to him and his demands now. Don't let the small quantities put you off.

My DD is 10.5m and I never feel a let down now and never leak or feel really full. I am even back to my original bra size but still plenty to keep her going.

HTH

Exspawn, maybe it has dropped, but it doesn;t matter. It will increase again when he comes back to feeding normally. Breastfeeding is far from fragile at 11 months. No need to be concerned at all., but if your baby seems unwell, you can encourage him to feed....no need to fight though.

Exspawn, I just wanted to echo the posters above and say that it just sounds as though your body is responding to his needs and that it will pick up again in the same way. I only fed DD1 until 8 months and this time am still feeding at 16 months so all this was new to me too.

Nowadays DD2 can go with or without and I can even go away overnight and only need to express a bit in the morning - it's a revelation. If you want him to take more fluids (altho he sounds fine)you could add a bit of apple juice or cordial to his water. You should see my two guzzle when they get cordial at friend's houses - poor deprived kids.

BTW I wouldn't bother expressing to cup feed and would just give him cow's milk assuming he already has this on cereal etc.

Thanks for all these responses. It's very reassuring!! Especially about milk-supply not being 'fragile' at 11 months. I think that's what I was worried about.

I probably haven't been drinking enough over the last few days either.

Yes you're probably right - go and get a glass of wine right now!!

lol....(hic)