Bfing and stomach bug. . . DISO Support!

[lexbeach]

My twins are 13 months old, and breastmilk is their main source of nutrition. They are very frequent nursers. . . nursing every hour when we are home, every two hours when we are out and about, and two to three times in the night. Everything was going so well until we all got hit with the terrible horrible stomach bug last week. Luke and Jasper were really sick for about 4 days (vomiting and diarrhea), Dp and I each had it for about 18 hours. I was really worried about my supply because I couldn't drink/eat anything, and the boys weren't really nursing, more just sucking for comfort.

We are all feeling better now (it's been a little over a week since the bug first hit), but my supply is really sufferring. The boys are sooo fussy. . . all they want to do is nurse. They'll nurse for 10-15 minutes straight and then do the sign for "more" and get really upset that there isn't more milk coming out. I've basically just been nursing them 24 hours a day for the past couple of days.

I am exhausted. My body feels so drained from the virus and then this constant nursing, and caring for two very fussy little guys.

Luke lost about 2 pounds with the sickness (10% of his body weight) and is obviously starving now. I wonder if I should give him some sort of a supplement. I've been pushing the solids, but he's not that interested. Should I try cow's milk? I don't want to supplement out of fear of hurting my supply even more, but I don't want him to be hungry, ykwim?

Will my supply recover? Has this happened to anyone else? How long did it take for things to get back to normal?

Thanks for any help!

Lex

[fireflies~for~me]

I have heard that Goat's Milk is far more digestible than cow's milk...

[Frazzled Mama]

I can emphasize with you. I had the same bug last week, nursing a 20 month old and am pregnant in my 3rd trimester. I was so dehydrated that I actually passed out because my blood pressure dropped.

My suggestion is to offer some sort of fluids to the boys in small amounts every hour. You should also double your fluid intake to make up for what you have depleted with the vomiting/diarrhea. As long as they are still nursing your supply should slowly come back up. If they are eating solids, try giving them things like fruit with natural fluids in them to keep them well hydrated. I wouldn't give them any extra suppliments such as formula though since the worst is probably over.

My DS had the same GI virus a few days earlier than me and nursed like a maniac for comfort. He did lose a little weight but that is expected with this kind of thing. He has since put most of it back on this week. If they don't seem to be doing any better in a day or so, I would take them in to the Ped for a checkup.

BTW, what you and the boys had probably was the Norwalk Virus thats been going around. Check the CDC site for more information about it.

[velcromom]

You could also try some Mother's Milk tea to help boost production and add fluids. My friend went through the same thing last week and was able to get supply back on track with marathon nursing and the tea.

[phathui5]

Your supply can definately recover. It still works on supply and demand. The more they nurse, the more your body will make. Other things you can do are:

* Try to rest
* Drink lots of water
* Eat oatmeal
* Get some fenugreek for yourself

[lexbeach]

Thanks for all the replies!

I am happy to report that my supply has indeed recovered. The wet diaper count is back where it should be, and Luke and Jasper are satisfied after nursing. I did start drinking a bunch of MMT, so that may have helped.

I did not have to supplement with any liquids, but Luke is eating A LOT more solid food than he was pre-sickness. He's been waking up at 6:00 a.m. doing the sign for "eat" and "more." We spend the whole day preparing little snacks and feeding him. I think he's already gained back the weight he lost. I am hoping that his interest in solid food will last since it is nice to be able to satisfy his hunger without breastfeeding him. Now, if only Jasper would start eating. . .

Thanks again!

Lex