When a breastfeeding parent falls ill, a common concern is a potential decrease in breastmilk supply. Illness can impact milk production, leading to worries about adequately nourishing an infant. Understanding the physiological reasons behind these fluctuations and recognizing the signs of a supply drop can help parents navigate this challenging period. Strategies exist to help restore production and ensure the baby continues to receive sufficient nutrition.
Understanding Why Supply Decreases
Several physiological factors contribute to a reduction in breastmilk supply during illness. Dehydration is a significant factor, as breast milk is approximately 88% water. When a parent experiences fluid loss from fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, the body prioritizes its own hydration, potentially leading to decreased milk volume. Even mild dehydration can affect milk production, while severe dehydration can impact both the volume and composition of breast milk.
Feeling unwell often results in reduced feeding frequency or shorter nursing sessions. Breast milk production operates on a supply-and-demand principle: less frequent removal of milk signals the body to produce less. The physical toll of fighting an infection can divert the body’s energy away from milk synthesis, as the immune system requires considerable resources.
Stress and fatigue inhibit milk production. Stress hormones like cortisol can interfere with the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the milk ejection reflex (let-down). When let-down is inhibited, milk may remain in the breasts, signaling reduced demand and potentially decreasing overall supply. Certain medications, such as decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, are known to reduce milk production by an average of 24% over 24 hours after a single dose.
Recognizing a Drop in Supply
Changes in infant behavior and physical cues can indicate a decrease in breastmilk supply. Infants might seem unsatisfied after feeds, exhibit increased fussiness, or have shorter nursing periods without audible swallowing. Conversely, some babies might attempt to feed more frequently or for longer durations in an effort to obtain enough milk.
A decrease in the infant’s diaper output is a key sign. Newborns should have at least six wet diapers per day after the first few days of life, with pale yellow urine. Fewer wet diapers or dark, strong-smelling urine can suggest the baby is not receiving enough fluid and may be dehydrated.
Changes in the parent’s breasts can also signal a reduced supply, such as less engorgement between feedings, breasts feeling softer than usual, or a lack of let-down sensation during nursing or pumping. A significant drop in the amount of milk expressed during pumping sessions is a direct indicator. While not an immediate sign, sustained poor weight gain or weight loss in the infant, especially after the initial newborn weight loss, is a serious indicator that requires prompt attention.
Steps to Restore Breastmilk Production
Prioritizing hydration is fundamental to restoring milk supply when ill. Breastfeeding individuals are advised to consume about 13 to 16 cups (3 to 3.8 liters) of fluids daily, including water, broths, and electrolyte drinks, especially with fluid loss due to illness. Drinking a large glass of water with each feeding can help maintain fluid intake.
Rest is equally important for recovery and milk production. Resting whenever possible, such as napping when the baby sleeps, can help the body recover. Asking for assistance from a partner or support system to manage household tasks or baby care can provide valuable opportunities for rest.
Maintaining or increasing feeding frequency is crucial to stimulate milk production. Breastfeeding or pumping every 2-3 hours helps signal the body to produce more milk, adhering to the supply-and-demand principle. Skin-to-skin contact with the baby promotes oxytocin release, which supports milk ejection and can help increase milk volume.
Consuming nutrient-dense foods supports the body’s recovery and energy levels necessary for milk synthesis. Focus on easily digestible options like soups, fruits, and vegetables. If medication is needed for illness symptoms, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure remedies are compatible with breastfeeding and do not further reduce milk supply. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can decrease milk production; other options may be safer.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Seek medical advice if breastmilk supply does not improve after implementing supportive strategies. If a parent experiences persistent low supply despite increased hydration, rest, and frequent milk removal, a healthcare provider can help identify underlying causes.
Signs of dehydration in the parent warrant medical attention:
Severe thirst
Decreased urination
Dizziness
Dark urine
If the illness worsens, including a high fever, severe body aches, or prolonged symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.
If the baby shows signs of illness, immediate medical evaluation is necessary:
Lethargy
Poor feeding
Significantly decreased wet diapers
A sunken soft spot on their head
Fever (especially in infants under three months)
Sustained poor weight gain or weight loss in the infant also indicates a need for assessment to ensure adequate nutrition. Symptoms such as breast tenderness, warmth, swelling, red marks on the breast, or flu-like symptoms could indicate mastitis, an inflammation of the breast tissue requiring medical treatment.