Tandem Nursing

Hi there,

I am now 13 weeks pg & still nursing my 14-month old. My milk supply has dropped dramatically over the past 3 weeks. I work 2 days/week (8-hour days) and I pump 4x while at work. Pumping 4x, I am now only getting a max of 2 oz. now. Seems almost useless. However, my 14-month old DD is still sucking her little heart out. She still wants to nurse about 6-7x/day. She doesn't nurse as long, but she still wants to. She has never accepted a bottle, though I've continued to try. I just feel bad that she is working so hard for nothing. What to do?

She may be nursing simply because she wants to nurse for comfort. Although that may make you uncomfortable (to nurse w/ no milk supply) many moms do it when they loose their supply for various reasons (adoptive moms, moms with supply issues, pregnant moms, etc). Your baby may decide that she doesn't want to nurse after you loose your supply completely, she may decide that she doesn't like the taste or she may want to continue through out your pregnancy.

Do you want to Tandem Nurse? If not, you may want to wean DD sooner rather than later in order to keep her from getting jelouse of the baby nursing. If you would consider it, you can be lazy about weaning and let DD decide for herself over the next few months.

HTH, I will try to get back to you if you have any questions.

Melissa

If you keep nursing, I don't think your milk supply will disappear completely, and it will start to increase again during the third trimester. 14 months is very young to wean, if she and you are still willing. Pumping will only help so much--I think you could give yourself a break from pumping that often if it will make things easier for you. She will be rewarded with more milk as your pregnancy continues, especially after you give birth (if you so desire). Good luck with your decision.

Hannah