Help - food poisoning has affected my milk supply

[georgiegal]

After a nasty tummy upset a couple of nights ago, my milk supply has drastically reduced and 8 week old son is now constantly hungry.He's been on the breast pretty much all day and still isn't satisfied, when he comes off he starts crying and rooting again. After being so dehydrated I'm trying to take in as much fluid as I can but I still can't face the thought of eating much. I know it's not ideal but in desperation I have given him some formula which did settle him for a while. I just can't bear seeing him so obviously hungry - can anyone offer advice? breastfeeding was going so well for us before and I don't want this to be the end.

Hi GG. I'm sure someone more expert than I will be along, but I am pretty sure that one bottle of formula shouldn't be the end for you and your milk supply should soon sort itself out. Rest as much as possible, and drink as much as you feel able to. Don't worry about food intake. Your body has plenty of reserves which it can convert to milk, once you are able to relax. Remember women in developing countries, who have very little to eat are often still able to breast feed well - the body prioritises making milk.

Best of luck.

Totally agree with NotQuite - georgiegal, this is no more than a temp blip. When you rest, take your baby with you so he can nuzzle and feed ad lib, and keep your own fluids up (the resting and the fluids will have no direct effect on your milk, but you need both to feel ok again). It is ok for him to cry and start rooting again - that's how he creates more milk.

One bottle of formula will have no impact on your supply either

i had this after a stay in hospital, ds aws 17w
just feed feed feed. skin ti skin if poss. dont go out. eat and drink what you fancy. try to avoid formula if you can as your body needs as much demand as it can get. if you really need to top up, maybe just before bedtime. took about 3 days before we were back to normal

ah x post - listen to tiktok, she's fantastic!

Thanks guys, this makes me feel much better. I think I will head to bed with him and as you say SharpMolarBear, feed, feed, feed.

Could you face drinking fruit juices / smoothies? They may keep your energy up until you can face real food again. Otherwise I'd say just persevere with the bf - could it be a growth spurt too? 8 weeks sounds like one of those times to me.