Breastfeeding at @ 7.5 months....HELP!

Hi K.:
I was a die hard breastfeeder for the first 8 months and, just like you, my supply dropped dramatically starting around 7.5 months. I had read that this happens as your baby grows older, althouth I thought it would work the opposite way -- the bigger she got the more supply I would have. We started supplementing with formula around 8 months and by 10 months she was not interested in nursing at all, so we stopped. I didn't want to give her formula at all, but it turned out to be fine (if not a little expensive). If you're totally opposed to supplementing with formula, I would turn to your local La Leche Legue, in addition to any advice you get here. The hot days may be dehydrating your body causing your milk supply to drop. Drink more water! There are also supplements you can take to increase your supply.
Also, that diaper rash could be heat rash -- our baby, who has never had diaper rash, just got a bad case of heat rash and the doc said to let her walk around with no diaper to help it air out throughout the day. Just a thought!

K.,
It is normal for your milk supply to decrease if Alex is not nursing as much. Also, at least this happened to me during my menstrual cycle, my milk decreased dramatically. My daughter is 18 months and down to nightime only nursing so I don't even pump anymore and do not get engorged. If you are concerned, possibly try pumping in between feedings as often as possible. You have made it this far so hang in there.
The foods could be a reaction but not necessarily. Try introducing only one to two new foods a week to help narrow it down. Possibly try a different brand of wipes or diapers. As much as I liked huggies brand, both of my kids broke out from the.
Good luck! You are also very fortunate to be able to be a stay at home mom. Enjoy!

I would suggest cutting back on foods awhile longer. You can exclusively breastfeed for up to a year. Also, attend some La Leche League meetings in your area. You can get lots of great free help there. If you're near Cincinnati, the number is 357-MILK to get the list of meetings.

Hi K.,
I nursed my daughter exclusively until we started her on solids at 6 months, and continued to breastfeed until she was about 8 months when she decided she couldn't lay still long enough. My supply was starting to drop dramatically at about 7 months as well, despite adding in pumping times, etc. However, someone suggested I try OATMEAL to bring up my supply and it worked! I had never heard of that before, but I gave it a shot. Any local La Leche League group should be able to help you, too. There is also an herb called Fenugreek that seems to increase some womens' supply like crazy, but I never tried it because I'm not too sure of using herbs.

Also, LOTS and LOTS of water helps.

As far as the diaper rash is concerned, it most certainly could be an allergic reaction, but could also be heat rash.