Does your milk supply drop when you are sick?

Understanding Milk Supply and Illness
When a breastfeeding mother falls ill, one of the common concerns is whether her milk supply will be affected. The relationship between sickness and milk production is nuanced and influenced by several factors, including the nature of the illness and the mother’s overall health.
The Impact of Illness on Milk Supply
Research indicates that milk supply can indeed drop during illness, primarily due to the stress and physical toll that sickness takes on the body. When a mother is unwell, she may experience fatigue, discomfort, and hormonal changes that can lead to a decrease in milk production. Stress, particularly, is a significant factor; elevated cortisol levels during illness can inhibit milk supply, especially in the early weeks postpartum when mothers are still adjusting to breastfeeding.
Moreover, the act of breastfeeding itself can be affected. Mothers may find it challenging to maintain their usual feeding schedule when they are feeling unwell. For instance, if a mother tries to rest and skips feedings or pumping sessions, this can further impact her milk supply. Experts note that even shortening nursing sessions or eliminating them entirely to catch up on sleep can lead to a decrease in milk production.
The Role of Stress and Hormones
Stress is often cited as the “No. 1 killer” of breast milk supply. The combination of physical illness and the stress of caring for a sick child can exacerbate this issue. Hormonal fluctuations during illness can also play a role, as the body prioritizes recovery over milk production.
However, it is important to note that while a temporary drop in supply can occur, milk production typically rebounds once the mother recovers. Continuing to nurse on demand or pump frequently during illness can help mitigate the drop in supply and support a quicker return to normal levels.
Breastfeeding While Sick
Interestingly, breastfeeding while sick can have benefits for both mother and baby. The antibodies produced in response to the mother’s illness can be passed through breast milk, potentially providing the baby with some immunity. Furthermore, maintaining breastfeeding can help stimulate milk production and keep the supply steady, even during times of illness.
In conclusion, while a mother’s milk supply may drop when she is sick due to stress and changes in routine, it is generally a temporary situation. With proper care and continued breastfeeding or pumping, mothers can expect their milk supply to return to normal as they recover.

Does your breast milk change when you’re sick?

According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), there is strong evidence, too, that breast milk changes when you’re sick. When a nursing parent is under the weather, antibodies against that infection begin to be produced immediately and are found in breast milk.

Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

Can being sick cause low milk supply?

Getting sick. Just catching a virus or bug such as the flu, a cold, or a stomach virus won’t decrease your milk supply. However, related symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased appetite definitely can.

What causes a drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

How to rebuild milk supply after being sick?

Encourage your baby to breastfeed frequently and offer both sides to give your breasts the message to boost milk production—you’ll probably notice a difference within just a day or two. You may find breastfeeding while lying down lets you rest and nurse your baby.

How do I fix my milk supply after being sick?

Encourage your baby to breastfeed frequently and offer both sides to give your breasts the message to boost milk production—you’ll probably notice a difference within just a day or two. You may find breastfeeding while lying down lets you rest and nurse your baby.

How to increase milk supply after being sick?

“Sometimes — but not always! — being ill can be stressful on your body, and you may see a dip in your supply,” tells Lori Theisen, Nest Collaborative IBCLC. To recover and protect your milk supply, she advises that you “Stay hydrated, eat well, get lots of rest, and nurse on cue.”

What are the symptoms of drying up breast milk?

If your milk supply is decreasing, you’ll notice:

• Your baby stops gaining or begins to lose weight. Younger babies will gain between 1.5 and 2 pounds each month.
• Your baby is showing signs of dehydration.
• Your baby is fussy or lethargic and struggling to stay awake while breastfeeding.

Do soft breasts mean no milk?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick?

While you’re sick, though, protect your baby from as many germs as possible. Babies have a higher risk of catching the flu and having health problems from it. So: Wash your hands well and often.