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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Milk supply dropped significantly

10 replies

dreamerkr · 17/03/2023 12:08

I’ve had an infection for the past 10ish days, with a fever on and off, sore throat, etc and 5 month old DS has had it too. I’ve been breastfeeding as usual (I combo feed) and it’s been okay although I’ve noticed a decrease in milk supply but there is milk when I’m feeding him. I usually do have to top up with formula though. However this morning I decided to pump after ages, and I got absolutely nothing. Not a drop. I breastfed an hour and a half before that and baby was getting milk although it was less. I’m so stressed and I don’t know what to do. I do breastfeed him mainly, several times a day but how did I not get one drop pumping? I usually get 4-5oz while pumping. Any help guys?

OP posts:
Twizbe · 17/03/2023 12:21

Don't panic.

What you express is no indication of your supply. At 5 months you supply is pretty established as well.

Why do you think your milk has dropped when you're feeding him. What's he doing?

Did you take any medication containing a decongestant such as lemsip?

BouncingWorms · 17/03/2023 12:24

you’re typically a bit dehydrated when you’re ill, honestly given you’re already combi feeding get better and then worry about supply

Original poster
dreamerkr · 17/03/2023 12:27

Twizbe · 17/03/2023 12:21

Don't panic.

What you express is no indication of your supply. At 5 months you supply is pretty established as well.

Why do you think your milk has dropped when you're feeding him. What's he doing?

Did you take any medication containing a decongestant such as lemsip?

He doesn’t seem satisfied after a feed and usually I will top him up with some formula. Yesterday, only half an hour after breastfeeding he went on to drink almost 5oz of formula. I do feel like I have milk as I can feel a letdown but I usually get quite a bit while pumping too and not getting even a single drop is really worrying.

The only medicines I’ve been taking are paracetamol (4x a day) and amoxicillin.

OP posts:
Original poster
dreamerkr · 17/03/2023 12:28

BouncingWorms · 17/03/2023 12:24

you’re typically a bit dehydrated when you’re ill, honestly given you’re already combi feeding get better and then worry about supply

I’m a lot better than before although I’m still taking antibiotics. Could these be having an effect on my milk supply? I must have been dehydrated although I was drinking as much water as I could.

OP posts:
Scalessayeek · 17/03/2023 12:36

Hydrate, pump after every feed and try not to stress. I also took brewers yeast (on Amazon) in tablet form. You take a few tablets with every meal and they helped A LOT. I’m not one for homeopathy but it was crazy how much it improved it within 24 hours. It isn’t permanent and does drop again though but hopefully the pumping will also help.

Scalessayeek · 17/03/2023 12:37

Natures Aid Brewers Yeast, 300 mg, 500 Tablets (Natural Source of B-Vitamins, Amino Acids, Minerals and Trace Elements, Vegan Society Approved, Made in the UK) amzn.eu/d/hgrfRfZ

These are the ones I purchased after reading the reviews!

BouncingWorms · 17/03/2023 12:45

Most antibiotics are fine.

Just my experience but when you’re ill your body has different priorities, it will still make as much milk as needed ‘on demand’ but you’re likely to store less, which isn’t really a problem except that feeds are a bit longer and pumping is harder.
Go back to your old routine with pumping and it’ll probably sort itself out, although you might have a few empty bottles to start with. And if baby wants to feed for c longer let him.

Original poster
dreamerkr · 17/03/2023 12:49

Scalessayeek · 17/03/2023 12:36

Hydrate, pump after every feed and try not to stress. I also took brewers yeast (on Amazon) in tablet form. You take a few tablets with every meal and they helped A LOT. I’m not one for homeopathy but it was crazy how much it improved it within 24 hours. It isn’t permanent and does drop again though but hopefully the pumping will also help.

Thank you so much, I’ll definitely check it out 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
dreamerkr · 17/03/2023 12:49

BouncingWorms · 17/03/2023 12:45

Most antibiotics are fine.

Just my experience but when you’re ill your body has different priorities, it will still make as much milk as needed ‘on demand’ but you’re likely to store less, which isn’t really a problem except that feeds are a bit longer and pumping is harder.
Go back to your old routine with pumping and it’ll probably sort itself out, although you might have a few empty bottles to start with. And if baby wants to feed for c longer let him.

Thank you ☺️

OP posts:
Twizbe · 17/03/2023 15:11

If he's unwell as well he will be feeding more partly because it's comfort and medicine for him.

Drink. Rest, feed. It might take a couple of days for everything to settle down.

Have a look for a breastfeeding group near you. You can go at any point to get information and help.

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