Sick DS, supply going down.

[Xavismom]

Hey Mamas. My DS is 12 mo, and has his first real cold. His nose is really stuffy, and it makes it hard for him to breastfeed. I am using saline drops, and steaming up the bathroom occasionally to try and clear him up, but even when we get him unstuffed, he still is reluctant to nurse a whole lot.

He is still having wet diapers, so I know he is at least getting enough to stay hydrated at least.

He normally still nurses for about 90% of his daily intake, but his nursing the past 4 days has been cut down to at least half.. and I started noticing a difference last night and this morning in my breasts and milk volume. When I can get him to nurse, he seems very frustrated. It seems to me the letdown is slower to start, and it doesnt quite feel the same to me. I normally have a very strong supply and when it letsdown, DS drinks deeply for quite a while... I notice today that after the letdown, he is only able to drink deeply for a much shorter time. And then he gets very upset, and cries and pushes/pulls on my breasts, or tries to drink from the other one. It seems to me he is very upset over the amount of milk.

I am drinking mothers milk tea, and I started taking fenugreek capsules today. Is this normal and ok to happen with a sick LO? Should my supply bounce back when he is better? I am so nervous because he is NOT big on eating solids, and if my milk goes down or away, I dont know how we will cope. 

[Asiago]

I am unable to answer your question but had a thought. Can you pump to keep up your supply and offer the milk in an open cup to him? Perhaps that would be easier for him to consume, still offering breast as often as possible though. I hope your son is feeling better soon.

[maddymama]

This happened to me with DD1 when she would get sick... my supply would drop for a day or two, but then she would nurse alot and it would come right back up.  I also found myself offering to feed alot more often when she was sick to make up for the loss of "depth" in the feedings, going more towards "breadth." if that makes sense.....

Good luck!

~maddymama

[mom2happy]

It will come right back, just keep nursing when ever he wants.

If you feel a little nervous about it, just pump each side a little to let your body know to keep making it.