Breastmilk can't run out...

[HelenLG]

I know that this a fact, but my brain is getting a little concerned.

I've been sick for nearly a week now, generally fluey and running a temperature. I can't really swallow so haven't eaten much and drink water seems to make me feel really dried out. So I'm really struggling to take care of myself.

I thought DS might be catching it, but he seems perfectly fine now. But he's feeding every hour and for ages. Everytime I pick him up he's trying to get into my top and then I latch him on and he doesn't come off again. He's actually been there for a whole hour on some occasions.

He's 23 weeks, and he was being weaned, but had constipation so we stopped weaning on Monday.

He's just having a growth spurt isnt he? It's not that my body isn't producing enough milk?

I don't want to reintroduce solids whilst I'm not well in case he drinks less BM and catches what I've got. He was having the occasional bottle of formula from DH in the night to give me a break but we've gone back to EBF to try and up his immunity...

It could be a growth spurt or even just that he is still feeling a little bit under weather and needs the extra comfort.

My DD (23 weeks) is also being weaned and has had a cold this week. She never got "ill" as such and was bright and happy but she needed feeding alot more frquently and for longer periods until she was better. Now the cold has fully passed she is feeding normally again.

I've heard that you being sick/dehydrated can make your supply dip a little temporarily, but it should bounce back again.

Have just start my period now so guessing that could be to blame as well.

Yep, I found that when I was ill my supply dipped. Was a right pain as took a little while to re-establish it all.

He might be feeding more frequently to 'up' your supply - i.e. to counter any dip which has come about as a result of your sickness. Once you are back on your feet, things should settle back to normal.

Your supply could have dipped a bit due to lack of fluids - Kellymom says this can have an effect if you're ill, as well as infrequent feeding due to illness. But as lagrandissima says, your supply should adjust as long as you let him feed as often / as long as he wants.

Hope you feel better soon.

It like he's a new born again. I'm finding it so frustrating. I feel hot and shakey and have a five month old crawling all over me and pulling at my top.

I am beginning to feel better now so hoping all will settle soon, thanks.

Hope you're feeling better today. Breastfeeding can feel rather relentless at times, especially when you're feeling tired and poorly. But it can also feel great, and is good for them at this time of year with all the bugs going round, so keep going if you can. Try to keep in mind that this time next week you'll probably be feeling loads better. Well done for keeping it going so far!