Milk Supply at 8 months pp

[Fl89]

8 month old LO has been breastfed since day 1, never had any issues thankfully. Got my first period last weekend which lasted 3 days which was normal for me pre-pregnancy. Have just spent 48 hours away from LO but pumped every 3-4 hours (when he would normally feed). Accidentally missed one session so went 6 hours without pumping but had 2 x successful pumps after that and a couple of good feeds with baby. Today I feel my supply has plummeted. Collected at least half of what I normally do in my haakaa, and my boobs are feeling super soft at all times. I know our bodies are so in tune with our babies, could being away from him have affected my supply or could it be my period returning? I would have thought that by 8 months my supply would be well regulated and unlikely to decrease overnight, has anyone else been in this situation? I’m so worried that this could be the end of our journey ☹️ TIA x

It'll be fine as long as you continue to feed. My first period came at 6 months and it definitely plummeted my milk supply for a few days. Baby was a bit frustrated and had to work harder for milk but it was fine. Mine is 9 months, still feeding loads.

I also miss a few feeds here and there if I'm going out for the day and it's not been an issue.

Just don't be tempted to replace with formula. Persevere and baby will get what he needs.

@WhatHaveIDone889 this is really reassuring, thank you so much! If you don’t mind me asking, did/does your little one sleep through the night? Mine (generally) does and I’m not sure if it’s maybe worth getting up in the middle of the night to pump as I know they say that’s when prolactin is at its highest and can help boost supply

Hi, I’m 8 months pp too!
I had this with my second. In fact, I thought he wanted to stop feeding at 18 months or so, he only fed at night time and sometimes missed it as dad put him to bed. My milk supply really reduced. But all of a sudden he wanted more and I was back to feeding 3 times per day (comfort!) and I was amazed at how quick my milk supply increased. In summary I think if you keep offering feeds it will increase or pump in between feeds. Your sleep is precious so I personally woudknt bother waking up to pump in the middle of the night! Good luck.

Your body will adjust and your supply will get back to normal.

I usually have a drop in supply around my period but it’s just hormones, it soon gets back to normal.

I had a tummy bug when my first was 9 months and that really hit my supply hard, I pumped at work so I knew that it had pretty much halved for a few weeks but it soon came back and he was breastfed until he was 2.

@Fl89 dear god no, at 8 months do not wake up at night to pump. Get that sleep!! Your supply is established, just feed when he's hungry.

Mine does wake to feed once only around 4.30/5am. I can never go back to sleep so I have to go to bed at like 9pm but it's fine.

He went through a phase of not needing a feed at all 7pm-6am when he was 6.5 months and it didn't affect my supply at all. 2 weeks of absolute bliss, never replicated yet 😂

Thank you all so much ladies, I just kept putting him on and I think we’re back to normal 🙌🏼 All your advice & reassurance is very much appreciated x