I have a perplexing cases that I would love some objective feedback on.  I
have mom's permission to post.  The mom is ex-military who has been putting
off getting back into "shape" due to breastfeeding but has finally decided
to go back to her exercise routine.  The baby is 7 1/2 months old, on solids
2x a day, baby gets formula when mom is working out if needed.  Mom feels
milk supply has gone down in last 2 weeks - baby is waking several times a
night to nurse where he was only waking once.  Mom's exercise routine
consists of an hour of weights a day and 1 to 11/2 hours of aerobics -
either kick boxing or running.  She reports using Slimfast for one meal a
day but actually eats 6 small meals a day on the advice of Dr to help
control migraines, Elevil (? spelling ) medication recently increased
slightly.  Mom has been on mini-pill for 5 weeks instead of getting another
Depo shot.  Dad recently left town ( still in military), they are moving
cross country at beginning of June.  Has restarted fenugreek and is trying
to pump more to increase supply along with the all night nursing.  Can the
exercise be causing the lower supply?  She is drinking fluids through out
the day but less than a gallon.  Reports baby's output and BM's the same.

I suggested the following things to her

1) rule out pregnancy - hasn't gotten period back , consider alternative
contraception
2) increase fenugreek to 3 capsules 3 times a day
3) pump and nurse as much as possible
4) monitor water intake - how much is too much?
5) consider that baby may be waking due to other reasons and nursing for
comfort
6) hang tight until the folks at lactnet provide imput.

Did a light bulb go off in anyones head after reading this post?  Eagerly
awaiting suggestions.

TIA

Lori Werrell, BA, IBCLC
Leonardtown MD

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