6 vials of blood = less breastmilk?

[germin8]

I had my annual physical... and because the nurse was stepping out of the office soon, they took my blood before I saw the doctor. (so, they didn't know I was breastfeeding... not sure if that matters... thus, my post)

LONG STORY: Well, she said my doctor (new to me) likes to order a lot of lab/bloodwork. So, she took 6 vials! And, urine sample. I don't know how much they actually needed but I just needed to get my biometrics (LDL, HDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose). And the doctor ordered to test my B12 and Vit D. B12 b/c I'm vegan... and Vit D seems to be the popular one these days.

My DD slept right through the 3A-5A timeframe I use to pump so I didn't get to pump this time... but, it seems my supply is really low compared to other days. My bloodwork was taken on Tuesday, it is now Thursday.

SHORT STORY: So, does taking several vials of blood affect breastmilk supply?

[SubliminalDarkness]

Not unless you're anemic. You can donate blood when breastfeeding, and I did many times.

[germin8]

Oh no. Not what I wanted to hear...
I better figure whats going on. I'm hoping my DD just ate more than usual since she didn't wake up b/t 1A & 6A night to feed.

Thanks for the reply.

[Quinalla]

Have you replenished your fluids that you lost? If not, then it could affect your supply somewhat. It also may just be the stress of visiting the doctor's office or some other outside factor (less sleep last night, outside stress, etc.) that caused a dip in your supply.

[SubliminalDarkness]

Dips in supply are really common. It just happens. And especially if your measure is by pumping, then you can see all kinds of fluctuations.

I agree with the PP, make sure you're drinking enough water, try to relax and not be stressed about anything. It may not be your supply at all, but maybe you just were too tense to let down well for the pump?

[sacridote]

Has AF returned yet? When I was nursing my daughter I always had a huge drop in supply right before my period started. Of course, that made her nurse more so the supply would go right back up after I started.

[germin8]

Thank you for the responses. I've since started drinking more water. AF has not returned. Maybe it was stress or lack of sleep, or quite possibly, fasting for 11+ hours prior to my 11:30AM appointment.

Since then, things have returned to what they were. *whew*