The new pregnancy is in the driver's seat, hormonally speaking, so it's
hard to predict how that will affect her milk volume. This baby, lucky
enough to have a half-year-plus of breastfeeding to mature the gut, is
in the corridor for starting solid foods. Any formula needed to support
good growth could be viewed as another of the solids.(There was a
similar discussion of this topic in the Lactnet archives.) It would
offer a wider range of nutrients than rice cereal or applesauce or other
common early foods.
Of course she'll work to maintain whatever supply is available. Someone
had suggested using a supplementer, although that's might be hard to
introduce with an older baby (who would find it either annoying or too
much fun.) It might help to focus on both of them enjoying the
breastfeeding, so the exact number of ounces is less the issue. Older
babies are so dis tractable anyway, so it might good to nap with the
older baby, use some skin to skin contact, lots of smiling and chatting,
and food and a drink from a cup followed by "dessert" at the breast so
the nursling isn't looking for a huge volume, and is patient enough to
drain the breast well.
If she focuses on sustaining the relationship, the milk will be back for
both her babies. And what a gift she gives to the older child with a
sibling. (OK, there may be some up-and-down days, but in the big
picture, we all need a team.)
Margaret Wills, LLLL, IBCLC, Maryland
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