Question about lactation

[motherofthree]

Kavya passed away December 26th. I'm now 17 weeks pregnant. I am already lactating a bit. It's quite a bit earlier than with either of my previous pregnancies. Do any of you Moms out there that have had another baby so soon after a previous pregnancy with or without a loss know if this might be because this pregnancy is so close to Kavya's? I don't think I stopped producing milk after Kavya died until March. I was just wondering; I had such a hard time with my milk seeming to last forever after Kavya died, and this morning after my shower it just kindof took me back to that place when I noticed a bit of fluid on my nipples. My first reaction was that sinking feeling that I had every time I thought I was done producing and leaked a bit more.

Anyway, I'd appreciate it if any of you mamas out there could help me out...I'm not really frightened that it's happening, just more curious as to why so soon. I don't think I was ready for that part of my pregnancy to hit me just yet. Thanks,

Beth

[Marcus Momma]

i think mine is trying to come in too. I have smelled the milk smell and it freaks me out. I got pregnant with MArcus 6months after i had my son josh and got mine in at 5 months and i got pregnant with this baby Nathan 6 months after Marcus died so i am expecting mine to come in soon

[JenniferBrown]

Ok, gonna ask a question... please bare with me.

Are you producing milk or colostrum? You should have colostrum in your breasts, yes even this early in your pregnancy. Milk... no. It should be the clear, sort of sticky, fluid.

For me, I had my losses and then 5 yrs later had my daughter. I nursed her until 8 weeks before my son was born and he nursed for 1 year. There is almost a 2 year gap between my son's. My youngest son nursed for forever but during my pregnancies with my daughter and my youngest I had colostrum leaking around 18 weeks (with my daughter) and 16 weeks (with my youngest).

It is totally normal. :) Your breasts are just preparing themselves for your new baby. Ok, here's a little graphic thingie for you to remember.... try NOT to express the colostrum out though.... it can cause contractions!

[motherofthree]

Jennifer,

colostrum right now - it's still clear. Thanks for the info! Nice to know I'm not some kind of freak (well...at least not that kind, ha ha).

Beth

Does it tend to come in earlier for each pregnancy? I've never thought of it before.

[JenniferBrown]

Colostrum came in earlier for me.. I can't say between my daughter and son's pregnancy though... She was nursing until 8 weeks before he was born. BUT once she did stop nursing my breasts went from having milk to having colostrum in like 2 weeks! Weird huh! (then again I KNOW I'm a freak, lol)

[Vicki]

Here is a link to the La Leche League . . . they have a parents forum there just like ours and you could ask the same question there and probably get some additional information from an amazing organization geared to lactating moms . . . it's been 31 years since I breast fed but I joined this when my daughter was born and they helped me through alot of feeding issues and made me feel confident that my problems were pretty normal . . .

http://www.llli.org/

Vicki

[Lacey Canaday]

I have still been lactating for almost a year now,,, i am only six weeks and the milk is already leaking agian. My doctor told me that was due to the fact that i pumped for sophia in the nicu like 15 times a day for 15 each breast. the high volume that i had to pump for her is the reason that my milk lasted this long.

[Sandy Viola]

Just to be on the safe side I would have your MD check your thyroid functions as pregnancy can cause you to become hypothyroid and cause lactation when you otherwise wouldn't be lactating. Not a serious problem but worth checking into.

[Dave Cisco]

Man, did I ever stumble onto the wrong thread.:)

Neeeevermind........

[motherofthree]

Man, did I ever stumble onto the wrong thread.

Men!!


have your MD check your thyroid functions

I'll mention this to him; I know they were checked when I had a physical after Kavya was born, but a lot can change in 7 months. Thank you.


Vivki - Thank you. I had a lot of trouble breastfeeding with Priya, so I was thinking of going to them this time (my hospital lactation specialists were nearly useless). Maybe I'll check them out earlier this time!

[PJBAC]

Though I think every woman is different, mother nature definitely lets you know she is gearing you up. Both pregnancies for me were early lactations. First time around with the twins, I was kind of grossed out( I went from a A/B cup to a double D) but then I managed to nurse them for 6 months(my goal was 1 yr, but I was wearing myself out). With Boden, it came early too so I thought 1 year and I was hopeful that my "girls" would shrink. No such luck, they slapped me in the face after we lost Boden by not drying up (it took forever) and still continue to do so periodically, 10 1/2 months later. I know my input was not helpful, but at least you know that you are not alone...

[JenniferBrown]

Man, did I ever stumble onto the wrong thread.:)

Neeeevermind........

:D Men, they never cease to amaze me! ;) :p