Can having a cold affect milk supply?

[Tindel]

My lo is 6 weeks old and we've been ebf, but I've been trying to build up a stash of expressed milk and pumping for about the past week. I've been able to pump at least 80-100 mls in one session, but the past few days I've only been able to get 30-40 mls in one session. I've picked up a cold in the last few days, would that affect it? Or is my supply tailing off? LO is feeding regularly and gaining weight - he is now on the 91st centile, so not worried about him, but I would like to continue pumping for the time being. Any tips, please?

Sometimes, a mild illness can have a temp. effect on supply, but it is also normal not to be able to continue expressing large quantities of milk after a period of time...and 80-100 mls in one session is large!

Have you been using any cold remedies?

I think the most likely reason for it is that it does just become less easy to pump large volumes of milk as your supply settles down to match your baby's individual demands.

Lemsips etc can have an effect

Have you been eating and drinking well during your illness?

I haven't taken any medicine, but I know I've been drinking less. Will work on that and see what happens. Thanks for the advice

I had a stinking cold a couple of weeks ago and I think that it affected my supply. Dd was fussy, started to cry at my breast and I couldn't feel the let down. It wasn't helped by the fact that dd was also snuffly. it only lasted a few days though, as soon as my fever went normal service was resumed and dd was back to taking big gulps of milk rather than being a red faced, foot stamping crying machine!

Your supply is probably settling hence the drop in outputs, you can try power pumping after each feed to boost it back up, or pump one side while lo feeds on the other.

You need to eat and drink enough to keep yourself well and comfortable. You don't need to drink or eat lots to make milk. Just to thirst and hunger as normal.

How are you feeling today?

Still a bit snotty and tired, but better than I was. Didn't get time to pump today, but will give it a go again tomorrow