Moms get sick. It’s a fact! Stomach Flu can be no joke but no matter how bad you feel you still need to feed your little one, so we have looked at how to keep your milk supply up with stomach flu.
Breastfeeding and Illness – How to Keep Milk Supply Up With Stomach Flu
There are a few methods you can follow in order to keep milk supply up with stomach flu such as keeping a routine, proper resting, avoiding certain medicines, power pumping.
You are feeling awful with stomach cramps and nausea but how to keep your milk supply up with stomach flu is your first concern now you are a Mom? So from power pumping to a regular feeding schedule even when you feel at your worst can all make a huge difference to your milk supply.
What is Stomach Flu?
Stomach flu is otherwise known as viral enteritis or a tummy bug. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Stomach pain and cramps.
- Possible muscle aches and pains.
- Headaches.
- Low-grade fever.
You matt notice changes to your milk and many moms are concerned about their little one catching whatever it is your body is battling so we are digging into these topics to put your mind at rest.
Can I Continue to Breastfeed with stomach flu?
If you are sick and worried about passing it to your feeding baby then worry no more. Your breast milk has already created the antibodies against what it is you’re fighting so in actual fact continuing to feed your beauty is the best thing you can do.
You were more than likely contagious a while before your symptoms started so your baby would have been exposed to the stomach flu already. Feeding them will boost their immune system and help them fight any bugs in their system.
How Do I Know if My Milk Supply is Decreasing
As your body fights off any sickness bug it is normal for your milk supply to take a temporary dip. The good news is that it is only temporary.
To put it in simple terms there are only a few indicators that your supply has dipped such as:
- Baby has reduced their wet/dirty diapers – Breastfed babies are known to poop a little more than formula-fed babies so if you notice a change in the number of soiled diapers then it could indicate they are not getting enough milk.
- Lack of weight gain – Losing weight is a clear indication of a baby getting less food. Now while you’re ill it may go unnoticed but if you are aware of any sudden weight loss contact your pediatrics team.
- Dehydration – If you notice less urine, no tears, or a sunken soft spot then your baby could be suffering from dehydration.
As you can see the only true way to notice a dip in your breastmilk is to notice signs from your baby. It’s important to remember the following.
- Cluster feeding is normal – It doesn’t mean your baby isn’t getting enough, it could indicate a growth spurt.
- Your pumping less – This could be down to the time of day, how stressed you feel or even your pump could be not as effective as your baby suckling.
- Softer breasts – One way of your body adjusting to the needs and demands of your little one. Once your supply and routine are established then you can guarantee your breasts will change over time.
A milk supply drop after stomach flu can be relatively normal in circumstances where you are not firing on all cylinders. Don’t worry momma you should expect everything to return to normal once you are over the worst.
How to Maintain My Milk Supply Whilst Sick
When you are sick you may find that you struggle to breastfeed, whether from lack of energy or vomiting. Either way, you are going to feel exhausted.
Here are a few tips to help you protect your supply when you have stomach flu.
- Keep to routine – Routines are key for breastfeeding, your body will produce milk as long as it thinks it needs to. If you are under the weather sticking to your usual feeding schedule can help send those signals and maintain your supply.
- Rest – Breastfeeding is a job in itself so if you are suffering then it is important that you rest when you can. I know you may be thinking ‘how can I rest with a baby’ but this is your time to ask for help. You may be surprised how much family and friends can rally around you when you ask.
- Hydration- This is key for when you are well, never mind when you are sick.
- Avoid medications that affect your breast milk – Before you reach for the medicine cabinet seek advice to see what you can take whilst breastfeeding. Medications can impact your milk supply.
Taking care of yourself whilst suffering from stomach flu is key to maintaining your milk supply after stomach flu.
How To Increase Breast Milk Supply After Stomach Flu
So you are over the worst and find that your milk has dropped in supply. Now you are looking for ways to get back on track regarding feeding your little one. Increasing milk supply after stomach flu doesn’t have to be a mammoth task. Here are a few tips:
- Empty – If you need to boost your supply then ensure you are emptying your breasts. An electronic pump will be your savior so get pumping momma.
- Massage – Squeezing your breasts during sessions can help release ducts and allow you to collect more milk.
- Diet – Maintain a healthy balanced diet and your calorie intake. It helps to maintain your energy. Many moms swear by oatmeal to boost their lactation hormones or they could look at eating lactation cookies.
- Power Pumping – To power pump, you must follow the 20 10 10 rule. Pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10, pump for 10, and rest for 10. There are many ways you can power pump but finding what works best for you can help mimic cluster feeding.
Other Factors That Can Decrease Milk Supply
There are other factors that can make your milk supply decrease.
‣ Stress and Anxiety Mental health and your psychological well-being can take a beating in the first few months of being a mom. Hormones are flying around your body like fireworks, one minute you feel on top of the world and the next you are a heap of tears and anxiety. Maintaining a healthy balance in your life can be difficult especially when you aren’t feeling great but the number one rule applies always ask for help. For some unknown reason, we moms feel like we need to take on everything but it doesn’t need to be like that! ‣ DietWhen breastfeeding it is important that you eat a well balanced diet. Breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories a day so you must make sure you are replenishing the burnt calories. This can be tough when you have a tummy bug but eating small bland meals and snacks if you can will help maintain your supply. If you cannot stomach any food then you must ensure your keeping hydrated. Drinking water and other liquids will help with your milk supply. ‣ Supplementing With FormulaIf you are ill then you may feel like you haven’t the energy to keep up with the demands of breastfeeding. Guess what momma, this is fine! If you can continue to feed then great but if this is something that you’re finding a struggle then rest is just as important as keeping to schedule. You could add in a few formula feeds to give yourself a break but be aware that your breasts work on a supply and demand basis. If you are not emptying your breasts then you can expect your supply to drop.
Milk supply after stomach flu FAQs
Can having stomach flu affect milk supply?
If you are feeling ill, the common cold virus shouldn’t impact the amount of milk you have although if you have a virus that causes diarrhea or vomiting then a reduced milk supply is probable. Your body can only keep up your supply if it has the fuel it needs.
How long for milk supply to return after stomach flu?
You could try nursing more often or try power pumping. Either way by increasing your breast stimulation you are signaling to your body that your baby needs more milk. Keep this up for around five days and you should notice an increase.
What is considered a full milk supply?
Anything from 25 to 35 ounces a day is considered a full milk supply. If you are reaching this limit then you may wish to continue as you are to maintain this amount.
Do soft breasts mean low supply?
No. In fact, all this means is that your breasts have regulated your supply. You get more milk from softer breasts than if you are engorged.
Wrapping Up
When you become ill it is important that you look after yourself. There is no medal to be won for running yourself into the ground especially when you’re sick.
As with anything I understand that as a nursing mom you want to ensure your milk supply is not diminished while you are recovering so that’s why we covered all aspects of how to keep milk supply up with stomach flu.
It is unlikely that your supply will be significantly affected when suffering from stomach flu but if you are concerned for your own health or that of your breast milk volume then always seek medical advice from a registered practitioner.
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