Stress & Supply Issues

[Liquesce]

My son (8 months) has always been a light nurser and hence a slow gainer, but so long as he was growing I was ok with that. A month ago, however, my husband passed away, and things have been going steadily downhill from there. He went from 14 lbs 9 oz in the middle of December to 14 lbs 3 oz a week ago to 13 lbs 14 oz yesterday. Initially I simply didn't notice a change in the amount of his wet diapers, however in this past week I have definitely noticed a decrease. Because of his age I'm ok with him not being exclusively breastfed and supplimenting some, but obviously (like everyone supplimenting here) I'd rather get back off of the formula boat as soon as possible rather than to set myself up for a situation in which suppliments become his primary nutrition.

I've read all the increasing-supply advice, but my question is this: has anyone here had experience with increasing supply lost due to stress rather than other factors? Does the cause of the problem affect what is more likely to work? My concern is that it might be that so long as the stress is still something present -- and, obviously, so personal a grief is not something that can be remedied just by making a conscious effort to relax -- efforts to increase supply might be meeting a causative brick wall.

[PatioGardener]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I can't imagine what you are going through.

I have read a little bit about stress and milk supply in times of crisis (after natural disasters, during civil unrest etc) but I have no personal experience with this issue. My reading (much of it was WHO material) indicated that milk supply is not initially affected, but let down is. Stress can (and often does) cause a delayed let down. This can mean that baby nurses for just as long as before, but receives less milk.

Perhaps some Mommas here have experience with delayed let down, and will be able to give some ideas about how to help in that area.

[cdahlgrd]

:

I have no experience with this. So, this is just an idea. I would use my imagination to visualize rivers of milk and love flowing into my baby, the whole time I was nursing. I would also pray for peace and help.

You may try some of the normal ways to boost supply, pumping after nursing, mother's milk tea, oatmeal, drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine, etc. That won't hurt.

But be very gentle with yourself and your baby! You are soooo much more than food for your child. Don't forget that!!

I will keep your family in my prayers!!

[nikkihoi]

s mama and so sorry for your loss.

I've been having supply issues myself and I'm sure some it has to do with stress trying to find the time to pump with a high needs baby. Anyhow, it dawned me yesterday, "why not try taking some Rescue Remedy?" Whether it truly worked or not is yet to be seen but I did end up with ounce more with the last couple of pumps I did yesterday.

If you're not familiar with RR, it's homeopathic remedy you can find at most health food stores: http://www.bachflower.com/

Good luck and many blessings

[avent]

A good homeopathic remedy for grief such as this is Ignatia. You can take a 200C dose and see if that helps. PM me if you need more help (I'm a homeopath). The baby will get it through your breast milk, which is a good thing, as it is likely needed for him as well.

Also:make sure you're eating enough and getting enough liquids. People in grief often cut way back on food intake.

[MaryJaneLouise]

This sounds kind of trivial, but I think it's important. Make sure you eat or take enough B vitamins; they are important during time of adrenal / stress overload.

I take Coenzyme B-complex caps by Country life (from the health food store). The B-6 is in a form that is more easily assimilated / converted than most B supplements.

to you and your family!

[prettypixels]

Stress can absolutely affect supply.

"Have you been under an unusually large amount of stress? Stress can affect let-down and pumping output."
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/p..._decrease.html

It makes sense, really. Stress affects EVERY aspect of your body, why not your milk supply?

Mama, I am so sorry about the loss of your husband! Just do whatever you need to, to take care of yourself. Supplement your baby in the meantime and don't let that ADD to your stress. You can consider using an SNS or lact-aid if you want to, to supplement at the breast... but the lowest stress way would be to use bottles. Try the playtex natural latch nipples in latex, my LC recommends them for switching back and forth between bottle and breast. I know common wisdom is to start at the breast and finish with the bottle, but there is also the "finish at the breast" method which might work well for you...

http://www.lowmilksupply.org/finishatthebreast.shtml

Something to consider.

I am so sorry for your loss!

[kbuglove]

My LC suggested today this is the reason for my low supply. I lost my mom when I was 6 months pregnant and now being a new mom I miss her dearly and still dealing with a great deal of grief. Adding this to sleep deprivation, no time to exercise and so forth has me wound-up. She suggested rescue remedy and of course try to release some of the emotions I'm carrying around. She also reminded me the breast are the main part of the woman for nurturing, and it's hard to nurture when you are drain, and depleted which shows up in the milk.

It all made sense to me and hit home with how I'm feeling.

Anyways sending lots and lots of love your way!!