supply and menstruation??

[coolicol]

I was pumping a full bottle each session about 2 weeks ago. (6 ounces after doing a few weeks on fengreek, stopped it in early December)

Last week I had a flu shot, cortizone injection and got my period on MOnday of this week.

This week I am LUCKY to pump one ounce - regardless of time (AM PM pre or post feeding)

Does anyone know if periods affect supply?

I am still feeding all breast milk - and once if not twice at night. (15 week old)

Will start fenugreek again if need to - just curious if the low pumps might be from mentruation? any ideas?

Thanks
Colleen

[madelsmama]

Many moms experience as dip in supply during mensruation. Though I've not yet tried it, sounds like calcium/magnesium supplements can help.

http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/natural-treatments.html#calcium

[coolicol]

Thanks I will check out the link. I also wondered if it could be something weird with my pump.

I always pump double sided and today when I was playing with it (checking to see if it was my breasts or the pump) I noticed if I hook just one side and "plug" the other (medela pISA) there seems to be some air pushing through the plug.

I wonder if my vacuum is "off"

obviously grasping at straws.

colleen

[dextersmom]

I definitely notice a dip in supply just before I get my period and then while I have it. It's like clock work. Usually a couple of days in to my period, it bumps back up though.