Nursing during a cycle

[zozoshimom]

Hi ladies.  I think I sound sorta dopey...but I was wondering if its normal for your milk supply to dwindle while you're in a menstral cycle.  I nursed my eldest just fine and never had a cycle and now with my little guy, there seems to be almost no milk at all.  I've been pumping like mad and maybe ending up with an ounce, if I'm lucky.  I think I've just finished and this morning I was able to pump eight ounces but two hours later, I was only able to pump two ounces total.  I'm wondering if something is going on.  I've been taking fenugreek supplements and eating tons of oatmeal (i've heard that it helps).  Is there anything else I can do? I'm really quite dedicated to giving my little guy breastmilk and would rather not have to supplement with formula.

[~Adorkable~]

first of all welcome to mothering.com!

a few questions, how old is your nursing babe?

is he acting different and hungry?

is his diaper output changed?

[zozoshimom]

He's 10 months old.  Does eat solids well.  He's had an ear infection and has been very congested.  His diaper output hasn't changed.  He seems normal but doesn't really wanna nurse.  He's teething so it seems he'd rather use me as a teething ring.  This morning I did get him to take a pumped bottle (about 4 ounces) and another one before his nap. But who knows....lots going on as far as he's concerned so I wonder if his decrease in nursing has impacted my supply that drastically

[~Adorkable~]

sounds like you have a lot of things going on that could be making things vary from day to day. if his output is ok and he seems like he is getting enough nutrients i would not worry too much and just keep offering it like always. if pumping is normal for you them a few pumping sessions can't hurt.

i bet being congested is the biggest factor right now.  have you every tried a Nosefrida ? i just recently got one and only used it once but it was a life saver when my babe was having trouble nursing in the middle of the night because he was stuffed up.

as for the teething, i am actually pumping right now to make another batch of "Mommicicles" my kids adore them, specially when teething. i use these molds  i see they are sold out right now, but i think there are a few other types that are very small volume and good for tiny hands.  this is one of the few reasons i still pump from time to time.

[zozoshimom]

Thanks! I'll try the Nosefrida.  I think that will help a ton.  I'm just going to keep pumping at least every two hours to see if that helps to bring back the supply.  This is a huge disappointment as I'm usually more like a dairy cow.  :)

[wehrli]

chiming in to say that the Nosefrida saved us when DS was congested and couldn't/refused to nurse... he hates when I do it but it helps SO much!

[Peony]

Yes it is normal to have a dip in milk supply around your period due to the hormones. It will rebound.