Menstruation while nursing

[newmommac]

Hello,
My daughter is 4 and a half mos. (19wks) and she is exclusively breastfed. I recently returned to work about 2wks ago (part time only 3 days a week) and during that time she recieves two feedings about 5-6oz each. I feed her before I go to work around 8 am and then I pump at work around 12pm. I have been trying to pump twice at work but it has been hard and sometimes I dont get to pump from 12-5 when I nurse again. I just got my period and I did not expect for it to come this soon. Could it be because I am missing a nursing 3x a day. Will this decrease my supply (my period)? Also, I am having trouble pumping the 10-12oz at work that my daughter is eating while I am gone. Do you have any advice on what I can do to get more milk, right now I only get about 5-6oz while at work and have to go into my freezer supply for the rest.

[debbie_page]

Sometimes just being separated from your baby, ie going back to work, will cause you to satrt your period and therfore ovulate again. I would suggest reading Working Without Weaning, an excellent book on building and/or keeping up your milk supply. Nursing your baby as often as you can when you are with her will help a lot. Taking fenugreek and blessed thistle works for some moms.
Debbie
www.thenewbornbaby.com

[newmommac]

Thanks. Thursday-Monday I am home with her nursing all day long on demand so hopefully this will help me to maintain my supply. As long as I do this, my milk shouldn't dry up right?

[debbie_page]

It shouldn't. I know it may mean more feedings, but it is a great way to increase your production. Is she feeding at night?

[newmommac]

it depends she has been sleeping through the night since about 4 weeks old (12am-7am) but lately she has been waking up in the mid of the night to nurse. I dont know if it's b/c she has been getting distracted during the day and is hungrier at night or if it's a comfort thing b/c she has her first tooth popping thru.

[debbie_page]

If you are OK with nursing her at night, then it is a great way to increase your supply. Sounds like you are doing a fabulous job!

Debbie
www.thenewbornbaby.com