Weaning Woes - for next time

[Mushy1127]

I had a very difficult time getting my boys to continue nursing past 9 months.  They both went on a 24+ hour long nursing strike shortly before my period came back, and then cut back nursing.  My oldest more or less dropped one "textbook" feeding at a time until he weaned at 15months.  Prior to the strike he was nursing a billion times a day, he was no textbook feeder!  After the strike he'd only nurse in my bed and I had to pin him down.  

But my little one.. oh man.  He was *awful.* After that strike he was just DONE.  He clawed and bit and fought me.  I ended up with stitches on my nipple at one point.  I continued to take quiet time and latch him on until his birthday but after that I just gave up.  We saw several LC's but there didn't seem to be much I could do be doing differently. 

I am pregnant now with #3 and I'd like to avoid that if I can.  I suspect once my period comes back my supply tanks and they lose interest. I can't imagine what else it could be.  This is my last little one, I'd like to hold on to him as long as I can.  

Thanks.

[Mushy1127]

Bump

[TifosiGirl]

I don't have any words of wisdom but I didn't want to be just a view. Big hugs, mama. I'm going through a nursing strike induced by illness with my 13 month old DD and I know how hard it is.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and I hope you and #3 have a long and happy nursing relationship!!

[Megan73]

Hmm. Women with low supply often take a drug called domperidone which is available by prescription in Canada and by mail order in the U.S. It's for gastric motility but has the side effect of increasing prolactin and hence milk supply. I mention it because for many women the prolactin boost keeps your period away. I didn't get a PP period with DS1 until I quit the dom when he was about 18 months. The normal starting dose is 90 mg a day but I'd weaned down to 30 mg a day and still no period. It might be worth a shot in your case.
I've also heard that magnesium supplements can prevent period-related supply dips.
Finally, if your period returns because your babe starts STTN or eating a lot of solids, co-sleeping (if you're not already) and going slow with solids might help. Unfortunately, some women just find their period returns earlier than others.

[Mushy1127]

I DID have a magnesium deficiency!  I found out about it about a year ago and take supplements now.  I bet that was it all along!