Breastfeeding past 12 Months -- Supply Problems

Hi L., I can sympathize. This reduction in supply is normal, and is concurrent with his decreased need of it.

I continued at least one nursing session a day with my older son until he was 2 1/2. It's a very special time of day for both mom and baby. I was in the military so I was at least full time at work. By your son's age, my son was no longer taking the day time bottles, but we nursed when I got home. At this age and beyond it's primarily a comfort thing, so if he wants to nurse, let him, but he's not nutritionally dependent on it any more. Just make sure he's getting whole cows milk regularly through the day and a balanced diet of table foods. He's ready for it. You don't have to give up nursing altogether. Even one session at bedtime will maintain that special bond.

Bottom line is, you shouldn't worry about decreased supply since he's ready for cows milk (whole fat of course). You can still provide that comfort but don't worry he's not getting what he needs. Table foods are sufficient at this age.

Check your pump. It could be that something is loose causing the suction to be less and tanking your supply. Fenugreek, oatmeal. Look up galactogogues.

I nursed my first son until he was about two and a half. I know how important nursing beyond the first year is. Just because they reach their first birthday doesn't mean it's time to wean. Children get more than just food from nursing.

Have your OB put you in touch with a lactation consultant or call La Leche League.

i also nursed past one year. the thing about extended breastfeeding is that the goal changes. nursing becomes more about bonding, resting, cuddling and trusting. not about nutrition. my advice is to quit pumping. your baby can get the nutrients he needs from table food and whole milk from a cup. what you share now is the expereince at your breast, not so much the milk itself. let him nurse in the morning, when he gets home and before bed. you will have plenty of milk for those times. say goodbye to the pump and goodbye to the stress. i hope this helps. when i sensed our nursing days were drawing to a close i had my husband photograph my son from over my shoulder while he was nursing. the pics are only for me but are such a sweet momento of the good old days...

Well my problem is a little different...I had to have a breast reduction and was promised that I would be able to breastfeed. Unfortunately I just don't make enough to breastfeed exclusively. I have searched all over for something to help and I am waiting for an herbal supplement from a company called motherlove. I ordered the more milk special blend. I really hope it works because I would love to be able to breastfeed exclusively. It seems promising. I'll let you know if it really works.

Take Care!

The less you nurse the less you will have....thus the more you nurse the more you will have!
The question is, what's important to you!
But by his age, it looks as though it's time to go table food, weaning.
Hard to give up I am sure, it's a sweet bond. I had to do something to replace that with lots of tickling, book reading and one on one to get through that stage!!
Sounds like you've done him REAL good by nursing him!
God Bless you!

I successfully nursed for 20 months and also dealt with a supply issue when my son was about 10-11 months old. I got in contact with a breastfeeding clinic when I was visiting my mom in MS and the doctor (an M.D.) recommended I take 2000mg of calcium (calcium citrate) and 1000mg of magnesium per day. I also contacted the La Leche League who suggested I take the herbal supplement Fenugreek, which can be found at GNC. I did both, and noticed my supply increase enough that my son was nursing until he was satisfied. Before when he couldn't get enough, he started biting my nipples out of frustration. I'm glad to report that the biting stopped once I started taking the calcium, magnesium, and Fenugreek! I split it up throughout the day, taking one of each in the morning after breakfast, one calcium and one magnesium at lunch, and one of each at dinner.

If you have any questions, email me! Good luck!