Hello + Help *BFP warning*

[bombonny]

Hello all, it has been a LONG time since I posted on these boards, but I have a problem and wondering if you all have any thoughts.  First of all, I like that intro where you explained that you don't need to intro to ask a question - NICE.  I'm going to give a little background anyway.  So, it look me about 3.5 years to get pregnant with our son (IVF), and it's been amazing.  He is just about 10 months old, and is such a little sweetheart.  Breastfeeding has been going wonderfully (meaning, of course, we dealt with issues as they came.. all good), and it really has been an important part of my motherhood journey... we both love it!  That is until a couple weeks ago when my supply dropped suddenly.  I knew that it was possible that I was pregnant seeing as we had actually tried the previous month, but I was in a bit of denial about all the symptoms... considering that it had taken so long the first time.  When I started to get nauseous, I shut off the denial and took a test... sure enough, I'm pregnant (confirmed at the doctor yesterday)  

So, my question is:  did anyone see an immediate drop in supply when they were pregnant?  I pump during the work day, so it was pretty obvious.  My supply dropped to about half.  If I eat a couple extra snacks and stay on top of my water, I can maybe get another oz.  So, I am supplementing about 9oz of formula and assuming I'm making about 14-16oz a day myself.  My instinct tells me not to push it, as my new baby obviously needs this extra energy it's consuming.  However, anyone in this situation have any thoughts/advice/offerings of solidarity?  Haha!

[vvvvvfee]

my anecdotal evidence is probably not much help since my DS1 was 2 when i got pregnant with DS2, but i did notice a drop in supply during 1st trimester. i was no longer pumping at that point, but i could tell there was less in there. by second trimester, my milk had dried up completely (although this did not deter DS1 from nursing!).

unfortunately, though, you're battling against your hormones- for most women, eventually the pregnancy hormones are going to overrule the lactation hormones and cause a supply drop. you can do all the usual supply-boosting things, but it will only help so much.

i would try to push solids with your LO as much as you can so perhaps you could reduce your pumping a bit to make it easier on yourself. you could also ask your pediatrician about introducing WCM a little bit early-- i think it's no problem if LO is gaining well (and also you're still providing some BM).

congrats and GL!

[bombonny]

vvvvvfee, Thanks for the thoughts. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to make it to a year in this situation. At the rate I'm going, I'll probably dry up at that point too, as I wrap up the first trimester. I upped from 2oz to 3oz of formula after nursing at night last night. This morning was the first morning that he smiled at me after nursing instead of crying because he didn't get enough - phew!! I guess we'll stick with the 9oz... it is what it is!

That is good advice to up the solid foods. Right now, he is getting about 3oz at 3 meals, so he could go up. I will do that for sure! I will talk to my doctor about WCM, though I'm not sure he's ready. I tried introducing cheese a couple weeks ago, and he threw it up. He does okay with yogurt though. We'll see. Thanks!

[olivia]

May 4, 2017 16:04:49 GMT -5 bombonny said:

vvvvvfee , Thanks for the thoughts. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to make it to a year in this situation. At the rate I'm going, I'll probably dry up at that point too, as I wrap up the first trimester. I upped from 2oz to 3oz of formula after nursing at night last night. This morning was the first morning that he smiled at me after nursing instead of crying because he didn't get enough - phew!! I guess we'll stick with the 9oz... it is what it is!

That is good advice to up the solid foods. Right now, he is getting about 3oz at 3 meals, so he could go up. I will do that for sure! I will talk to my doctor about WCM, though I'm not sure he's ready. I tried introducing cheese a couple weeks ago, and he threw it up. He does okay with yogurt though. We'll see. Thanks!

I hope you are doing well! Fingers crossed that you made it.
Sometimes it is really hard for a mother especially when she really tries and want to breast feed. These kind of drops can happen and I think it is a very important step to add formula too so the babies are happy and well fed. 
Introducing solids at an early stage is always a good option too but not during the first few month. How did introducing cheese go? I'm right now also giving my daughter yogurt but I'm not sure about the cheese. Maybe it also depends on the brand, I might try out with a soft one like brie.
I'm curious how you dealt with everything!
Yours,

Olivia