How come these mothers are getting their periods back so early.  They
are either unusual, on the birth control pill, or not breastfeeding
exclusively.  The two latter reasons are good reasons in themselves for
a diminishing milk supply.

Many mothers do experience a decrease supply during menses, but as the
menses usually only return later than 6 or 7 months, when the baby is
already eating other food, frequent nursing, giving the child more
solids, usually holds the fort until the milk increases.  But if, in
response to decreased milk, the mother supplies the baby with bottles of
formula, the baby may start to prefer the bottle (where milk is coming
from with good flow--they're not stupid, these babies).

Treatment with domperidone (20 mg qid) or, in the US, metoclopramide (10
mg qid) over the tough period (no pun intended) may be helpful.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC