A temporary dip in milk supply is common for lactating parents recovering from a systemic illness like COVID-19. While the sudden change can be alarming, this reduction is typically temporary and fully reversible. By understanding the physiological factors and immediately implementing targeted strategies for milk removal and self-care, a parent can effectively signal the body to rebuild production. A return to a full milk supply is highly achievable.
Understanding the Supply Drop After Illness
A full-body infection places significant strain on the body, diverting energy away from milk production. Systemic inflammation and high fever associated with a viral illness like COVID-19 can lead to dehydration, which directly impacts the water-heavy composition of breast milk. Dehydration is one of the quickest factors to reduce overall volume.
Illness also triggers a stress response, leading to an increase in the hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol interferes with the signaling pathways of prolactin (responsible for milk synthesis) and oxytocin (needed for the milk ejection reflex, or “let-down”). This hormonal disruption, combined with physical fatigue and reduced feeding frequency, creates a perfect storm for a temporary supply dip. Studies confirm this experience is directly related to the infection, showing an elevated risk of reduced milk production in recovering parents.
Direct Strategies for Milk Removal
The foundation of rebuilding milk supply rests on the principle of supply and demand, where frequent and effective milk removal signals the body to increase production. To re-establish a full supply, milk removal must be increased to at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, even if the amount collected is small initially. This frequency is more important than the duration of any single session, as it sends consistent signals to the milk-making cells.
A focused technique called “power pumping” can be introduced once daily to mimic a baby’s cluster feeding pattern, which boosts prolactin levels. A common schedule involves pumping for 10 to 20 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, pumping for 10 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and finishing with a final 10-minute pump. This simulates a period of high demand and maximizes prolactin surges. Ensuring the breast is fully drained at each session is paramount, as milk accumulation triggers Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL), a chemical that slows production.
Parents can improve drainage by using hands-on pumping, which involves massaging the breast during the session to encourage milk flow. Using breast compressions while nursing or pumping helps to empty the breast more completely and may increase the fat content of the milk removed. Full drainage is the primary signal for the body to speed up new milk synthesis.
Supporting Recovery and Production
Aggressive rehydration is a practical step to support milk volume, as breast milk is approximately 88% water. While drinking plain water is helpful, incorporating electrolyte-replenishing beverages is particularly beneficial, especially if the illness involved fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. This helps the body retain fluids more effectively for cellular processes, including milk synthesis.
Prioritizing rest is an essential, non-mechanical strategy, as it directly addresses the elevated stress hormones that interfere with the let-down reflex. Adequate rest helps to lower circulating cortisol, allowing prolactin and oxytocin to function more efficiently. Parents should aim to sleep whenever the baby sleeps and delegate household chores to focus on recovery and feeding.
Nutritional support should focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods to replenish the body’s reserves depleted by the infection. While no food can force the body to make more milk, some individuals report that traditional galactagogues, such as oatmeal, can be supportive. These dietary additions play a secondary role in a comprehensive recovery plan, but they are not a substitute for frequent milk removal.
Seeking Professional Guidance
If a parent has implemented the mechanical and supportive strategies for five to seven days without improvement in milk output, it is time to seek expert help. The most qualified professional for complex lactation issues is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). An IBCLC can conduct a thorough assessment, including a weighted feed, to accurately determine the baby’s milk transfer and create a personalized plan.
Immediate consultation with a healthcare provider is warranted if the parent develops signs of severe dehydration, such as dizziness or significantly reduced urination. Medical attention is necessary if a parent experiences symptoms of mastitis, including a sudden onset of fever, flu-like body aches, and a painful, hard, or red area on the breast. Monitoring the baby’s weight gain and diaper output is important, and a pediatrician should be consulted if the baby is not gaining weight appropriately.