>Permission to post
>
>I am working with a mom who is exclusively breastfeeding.
>Her daughter is 3 months old. Mom started menstruating again at 5 
>weeks postpartum
>For 3 days prior to every period until 3 days after her supply drops 
>drastically and baby is easily frustrated at the breast and wants to 
>breastfeed all the time. So for 12 days of every 28 day cycle 
>breastfeeding is a huge challenge.


While it is true that some mothers do notice a change in their baby's 
behaviour round about period time, it's best  dealt with (IME) by 
simply responding to it, and feeding the baby as often as he seems to 
need.

The other thing is, this mother can only have experienced this twice 
- once at 5 weeks and once at 9 weeks. Even if the baby is now 13 
weeks that's only three times - not possible to be so sure there is a 
pattern here, really. Could she be 'over thinking' it?

At thia age, the baby's increased need for feeding could be unrelated 
to her periods, and he could just want to feed more often for 
closeness and comfort. The timing is chance.

Unless there are other health issues in the  mother and the baby, my 
view is this does not need to be treated even with dietary 
suggestions, but obv the mother will benefit from support and 
understanding. I'd also want to know *why* calcium and magnesium 
might affect supply at this time :)

Others may disagree, though.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc, tutor, UK
-- 

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