Breast Feeding and Menstral Period

My son is 6 months old and he has only had breastmilk and we started rice cereal and veggies last month. Since I started him on solids I started my menstral period I have had it for the last two months and when I do my milk goes down to almost nothing, what should I do? I have tried drinking double the water, eatting more, getting extra sleep. I don't want to stop breastfeeding, but it is really hard.

[Mikeal'smom]

Maybe you should try contacting a lactaion specialist- they may be able to give some insight to what is going on, and what you can do to help it, I would try calling your local hospital and see who they might rec. for you.  Good luck!

[wantingtobepg]

maybe you could use a breast pump to increase your milk flow.  i would also get it checked out though, i haven't heard of that happening.  good luck.

[AndiJ78]

Before feeding him solids, nurse him. If you start replacing feedings with solids, your supply will drop. Milk supply works on a supply and demand process. Solids under a year are not meant as a means of sustinence, they are for practice more than anything. I also agree that contacting a lactation consultant is a good idea, they can give you info on other ways to help with the milk supply. Overall, nursing will be the way to do it as that is the way nature intended it to work ; )

Andi

[cutiemama]

As soon as I introduced solids at about 5 1/2 months, my milk supply diminished and I ended up with terrible mastitis :( I was ready to start weaning soon anyway so the reduced milk supply was a good thing. However, if you want to continue nursing, the best thing to do is to take the previous listed advice and make sure you nurse before all your solid feedings and/or start pumping again since both those tasks will trigger your brain to start producing more milk.

[myproblem]

You could try pumping while yourmilk supply is good. This will give you a back-up supply, as well as increase your daily supply.