Milk drying up in pregnancy? (not me!)

[starangelk]

My dd self weaned when I fell pregnant, it was one of the indicators of my pregnancy. She flat out refused the boob but I continued to pump for a few months so she could have the benefits of the milk. Then my supply ran out, I think due to full time expressing and a tired Mummy who was pregnant, had a toddler and working. I'm not sure it had anything to do with being pregnant and running out of milk. I hope that makes sense.

[Sterla]

My milk dried up when I was around 3 months pregnant - at least I think it did. That was the time when DS stopped wanting to feed to sleep like he always had and I couldn't squeeze anything out myself. DS kept dry-feeding for a month or two, but eventually he stopped wanting it and had fully weaned by 22 month (2 months short of my goal). I'm sure it is different for everyone though - perhaps the younger the child the more likely they'll keep going because they feel they need it more?

[MantaRay]

My first DS self-weaned when I was 4 1/2 months pg. Milk supply does reduce during pg, and sadly some babies/toddlers decide that the time has come. Luckily though many others go on to feed happily through the pg. At times they might not be getting much milk, but what they are getting is good for them and they still get all the other good things about breastfeeding. Wish your friend luck and suggest she just keep feeding as normal. Hopefully her lo will just go with the flow.

[Barb Glare]

Everyone's pretty well covered it. Nothing is out of the norm with your friend. It is common for fertility to return around the 14-15 month mark and many mothers seem to choose (or not) an age gap of about 2 years with their children. The hormones of pregnancy generally reduce the milk supply for the older baby. This poses no problem for the breastfeeding toddler as he/she can make up the shortfall easily from other foods (and does not need formula, of course) and they are still getting "some" breastmilk in addition to their solid diet. Most toddlers continue to breastfeed (many mothers take this opportunity to wean, but if a baby is still welcome at the breast they will usually keep feeding - not in every case, but most cases) Then, when the baby is born, obviously milk supply flourishes and many mothers find that continuing to feed the older child eases the adjustment of having another baby in the house for the older child.

[Heaven]

Oh yeah, I forgot that too. I found that when DD2 came along there was no jealousy from DD1. I wondered what she would be like sharing her 'booby' but she loved it. She would stop and say 'I didn't drink it all, I left some for DD2' nawwww. And a BFing toddler is an awesome thing to have when you're engorged So if she wants to keep feeding I think she definitely can and let her know there are many benefits

[PumpkinZulu]

So, this thread was abou me

[Sterla]

I wondered that when I saw your FB post this morning!

Congrats again!

[Olive]

Lol PZ I did wonder!!

[feeb]

I clicked this morning when saw your fb and also though other day when teni said something in another thread!

[TeniBear]

Oh dammit, did I give it away?

Yay, I can talk about it now I'm no secret keeper, I'll tell you that!

[MantaRay]

Wow congratulations PZ. I hope your question has been answered!

[Heaven]

Hahaha. Sneaky!

But anyway, it will be fine. Now I know it's you I definitely know you can do it! xx

[~ Mylitta ~]

Congrats PZ If you ever want anyone to chat to about feeding through pregnancy or tandem feeding, you're always welcome to PM me or you can add me on facebook. I'm always happy to share "wisdom" about things like that

[Jellyfish]

You can do it PZ!! Plenty of people around here who have been there to help you as well

[Heaven]

Ditto what Mylitta said. PM me any time xx