[axiomae]

I'm posting a lot of threads I know, but this forum really helps me, thanks ladies! I've been struggling with supply since DD (5 months, 3 weeks) was a newborn. I had worked really hard at building my supply and we had got ourselves into a nice little groove, with DD only requiring two formula top ups a day of about 120mls each, which I was happy with. This week, however, my supply has dropped quite considerably. Last night was the first night that she didn't fall asleep again on her night feeds, for example.

I was thinking then that this could be related to two things which happened coincidentally, without me thinking anything of it. The first was introducing solids. DD's been on solids for 3 weeks now, but only really 'got it' this week. She's eating four or five spoons of puree at each meal and a bunch of finger foods like cruskits, cucumber and even some lamb! Could this have decreased how much milk she needs to take?

Secondly, I decided this week to go on a bit of a diet to lose the last few baby kilos. I only have about 3-4kgs to lose to fit into my wardrobe, and now the weather is heating up I don't want to buy new clothes but just fit back into my old ones. I started my standard "drop-a-few" diet which is basically 5 low-carb meals a day. Lots of lean proteins and salads etc. I did lose 1.5kgs this week, so it obviously works. But then I thought, maybe THIS is why my supply has dropped? Anyone experienced a supply drop while dieting? I've stopped this morning and will eat more from today just in case.

Anyone have thoughts or experiences with either of these things?

[HeroOfCanton]

Has it been hotter where you are lately? You might also need to up your water intake to compensate for the heat if it is warmer.

[axiomae]

Thanks Browncoat - yep, have been chugging that water!

Anyone else?

[lucky 2]

The WHO recommend building from 0 to 2-3 meals per day from 6 to 8 months.
I was wondering how many meals a day your baby is having. Perhaps it is excessive for her age?
Certainly the more food she is having will increase the chance that it will cut back her appetite for milk.
All the best.

[stardust81]

I generally have a pretty good supply, but definitely find it can be drop considerably if I am dieting. I am currently on a restricted diet as DS2 has multiple food allergies and I have had to consciously increase my eating in order to keep my supply up.

[trishalishous]

I find dieting affects my supply. Im currently losing weight at 600g-1kg a week, through calorie control (portion control and reducing my late night binging in my case)
1.5kg is a huge loss in a week.

[axiomae]

Thanks for your responses - I was wondering if it was the dieting. I ate a whole takeaway of greasy noodles last night to make up for the calorie deficit! I know 1.5kgs is a lot in a week, I wasn't expecting that either. It was probably a lot of water weight which would decrease supply. I'll give it a rest for a while.

DD's having 2 meals a day. A good breakfast of fruit and rice cereal and then a smallish lunch, which I mainly give her finger foods BLW style (although I'm not really doing BLW). She munches and sucks on things but doesn't eat much there. I should have a better look at the WHO guidelines, thanks

[Suz01]

What about expressing after each feed to help stimulate more milk. I.e. supply/demand theory?