I wrote a few weeks ago about having an abundance of breastmilk. I think I jinxed myself. My supply has slowed, I am pumping more ofter to help build back up but now my period started. Is this normal? I thought I wasn't supposed to get a period while breastfeeding.
I noticed, and so did my sisters and best friend, that when the period starts the milk slows WAY down. I dont know why, but it did for me with all four. I would force a TON of fluid and drink mothers milk tea. It helped a little.
I know people who got one 6 weeks later to the dot. It varies. Yes, supply can go down at first when you get your period, but it should come back up. Kellymom.com has more tips, but generically eat oatmeal (I ate it in cookie form), stay hydrated, and try not to stress.
You can get a period while breastfeeding. You can ovulate with or without a period while breastfeeding. (I know so many people who have become pregnant while breastfeeding. I'm not saying you don't know you can!) I have heard that supply can slow when the period starts. Like others have said, up your fluids and get some tea. That might really help!! Also, I think actually breastfeeding your baby on demand encourages supply more the pumping.
I didn't miss a month-- 2 weeks after the post partum bleeding stopped the period started-- worse than EVER. Normal is a RANGE. Some women never miss a month even though they're nursing the baby and pumping to build a "back to work" stash, others NEVER get a period until AFTER they've TOTALLY weaned-- even if they nurse well into toddlerhood. Most are somewhere in the middle. And yes it IS normal to notice ups and downs in your supply related to your cycle....
I took mothers milk tea ( pill form at the health food store) and pumped after each feeding for a few days when I was home and this helped. Hang in there! It can fluctuate but don't give up!
It's an 'old wives addage' that you can't get PG or have a period as long as you breastfeed. I, as well as my girlz (2 breastfed their babies) began to 'lose' our breastmilk @ 3months, I started my cycle @ or about the second month. The Docs say no worries, but be prepared to switch over to formula soon if your milk simply goes away. That doesn't mean all of these things will happen to you, just an FYI.
Use herbs to boost your milk supply when you're having your period. Try Breastea from http://www.breastea.com it has worked great for me!
