Caffeine withdrawl/milk supply issues

[lovepiggie]

Hi all!

I need help please... I've cut out caffeine with the intention of donating milk to a milk bank in the future. I didn't go off cold turkey, I slowly reduced the amount I was drinking... I've been 3 days caffeine-free!

My only problem is - since day 2, DS has been fussy at the breast. He nurses, then lets go, signs "milk", and then tries again. He repeats this several times. He hasn't slept as well, and I wonder if it's because he's not feeling full.

I can only assume the milk supply issue is due to my caffeine withdrawl. I've had all the other symptoms - headaches, fatigue, etc.

What can I do to help produce more milk without drinking coffee again?

[jojomamma]

Sounds like your supply dropped from the stress of the withdrawal, not a lack of caffeine. Therefore, this should pass when your system is back to normal. In the meantime, it is probably most important to get as much rest as you can. Also, make sure you are eating foods high in fats and cholesterol. Our milk should have lots of fat and cholesterol for our baby's brain development. My supply went up when I started eating more calories and eating egg yolks, butter, and taking cod liver oil. But my quick fix for low supply is homemade chicken soup. It's easy and it works every time. I heard that barley works too but I haven't tried it yet.

[maddymama]

Hi Mama,
I agree with jojomama, it sounds like the frustration of going caffeine free is what is affecting your supply more so than the caffeine withdrawl itself. I agree that you should try to rest, rest, rest. Also, make sure you are hydrated. Sometimes if you stop drinking coffee your forget to drink water or juice instead. :-)
Good luck!
~maddymama