What to do when pregnant and milk supply runs low/out?

Ania - posted on 03/28/2012

You are probably right about him weaning because of low milk supply. That's ok, my son weaned too at that age while I was pregnant (still am :)) To address your issues:

1. my son drinks cow's milk only with cereal. I give it to him for breakfast and sometimes for dinner so he gets enough calcium. If that does not work I buy him cheesse strings that he likes a lot and give him 1-2 a day as a snack

2. Sleep....ugh...We always struggled with that, but the only advice I have for you is that kids are very adaptable if you stick to strict routine he will get it and I'm not talking about crying it out or something drastic like that. Just setting up boundries. Set up bedtime at around 8 pm (that is reasonable for kids that age) you can start with lying down with him and then when he is still awake move him to crib and sit there and wait until he falls asllep, hold his hand if he wants to after a whilie a week try to reduce the time that you stay in with him etc...There might be some crying especially at first because he will not know what is going on and that his routine is changed, but that is ok, comfort him, maybe not with breast, but be positive so he does not see you making sad faces and stuff like that, because that tells him something is wrong, when it really isn't...you will know exactly what to do once you come up with your own customized plan. I don't know your son's temperament so it is hard for me to give you advice, but what I mentioned above worked for me. It takes time and effort and few weeks (does he sleep all night by the way?) maybe without sleep for you, but it is worth it especially when the second baby comes.

Mandy - posted on 03/28/2012

my theory has always been you do what you have to do to get them to sleep. i need my son to go to sleep more than i need to sleep alone. i sit with him (he is 19mths) while he goes to sleep, as i did with my older 2 who now sleep by themselves.



i wouldnt be worried that at 22 months if he isnt feeding as much. there are LOTS of calsium rich foods, not just dairy like milk and cheese and yogurt, but leafy green vegetables have calsium aswell.



i was still feeding robbie when zac was born, there is 18 months between them and robbie weaned as my milk dropped down. i was happy he did wean as it saved me doing it before zac was born. i was still feeding zac when i fell pregnant with the baby i am pregnant with now and he persevered but i weaned him as he wanted to feed all night long and i just couldnt do it anymore.



i got told lots that i would miscarry because i was still breastfeeding at the same time as being pregnant, but that isnt the case.



good luck and you do what you have to and what works for your family.

Jenni - posted on 03/27/2012

Yes, we do things for sleep. Wanna hear what I do? Each night I stay up with my 3 yo until 1 am because she is not tired. I have done this for a long time. I have never breastfed though a pregnancy, but I am a retired LLL leader. I have a friend who breastfed 3 kids all at the same time through pregnancy. So, I would just keep nursing if he wants to. If it gets painful, then you might have to take a break or shorten the nursing sessions. At this point his lower interest is a natural weaning process. Pregnancy brings on a natural weaning time.....gives the child a time to wean slowly, kind of forces the weaning process and during this time the milk can change and he may not like the taste as much either. He may just nurse once a day and when baby is born, may start back to nursing more often....which is good in my view to help with your supply, any nipple pain....fullness.....It will all just happen naturally. Just let things happen. At 22 months he will be fine. Milk isn't as important as we think. We drink raw milk....better for you.