Need to increase supply for ill toddler?

[wittyusername]

My DD is nearly 16 months old and has had a fever since Tuesday evening. Been to the doctor's this morning but she couldn't discern an obvious problem and said it was probably viral as teething doesn't cause temperatures like DD's been getting (38.6C)

Anyway, I wasn't too worried yesterday although she's gone off solids as I was BF on demand. However today I noticed that her nappies are not as wet so I tried to pump some milk... I didn't even get 1 ounce I wonder if my milk supply is lower now I'm back to work p/t, though I always BF at least twice a day? DH thinks it's cos I haven't eaten or drunk much today, any ideas?

Also any ideas on how to restore DD's appetite? She refuses water and will only sip very occasionally.

It's horrible when they're ill, sympathies.

DS had a nasty D&V bug a few months ago (he was around 20 months) and had been down to morning/bedtime feeds for a while. I also work part time. I just offered as much as possible, also offering sips of water. Ice and ice-lollies (you can make 50/50 jruit juice and water) are good for tempting them if they don't want to drink.

My supply seemed to catch up and for about 48 hrs I was pretty much feeding him exclusively.

Hope your DD feels better soon. Eat and drink to your hunger/thirst, but it should not impact milk supply either way. HTH

Thank you!

I'm such a worrier these days, I've never seen DD ill like this and I can count the number of colds she's had on my hand - unlike when I was a kid, I constantly had a runny nose

I think she may be picking up on my anxiety, I so want her to eat... hopefully the ibuprofen should kick in soon, it worked like a dream last night.

Think I'll have to take tomorrow off so I can BF her more...

Can you just bf her more often? More efficient than pumping, and better at building up supply. And if she'll nurse frequently you won't need to worry about the rest of her appetite.

Will do, she's running to me for the boob every 10 mins or so anyway!

Will definately take tomorrow off so that I can feed DD and boost my milk supply.

I found pumping very hard after 11 months. I think your supply shifts even further towards supply on demand, and so unless you're a child, you aren;t going to get milk out! THat's not entirely true, as I got full even after 18 months, if I missed a couple of feeds, but def pumping not a guide to supply.

Agree with the others, bf more, can't posibly hurt!

Quick update: DD still avoiding "proper" meals but willingly took DH's biscuit and ate 5 chips

Will keep on with the BF. Thanks all, my confidence is a bit fragile these days...