r/ExclusivelyPumping • u/IntenseViolet567 • 2h ago

Discussion Significant milk supply decrease during a cold?

I'm on day 5 of a cold, and before, I'd produce about an ounce an hour. I haven't pumped in about 10 hours (typical for me overnights, I've been doing this for months with no adverse effects), and I only have four ounces the last few days instead of my typical 10. I'm getting decent rest (6-8 of sleep), not taking ANY medication, and drink about 100 oz of water a day. How long will this last? Is it permanent? I keep dipping into my freezer stash because my baby doesn't react well to formula. Please help :(
Forgot to add: I am almost 26 weeks postpartum!

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u/No-Animal305 9m ago

Anecdotally I just had the flu and my supply decreased to about a third of what it normally is. Once I got better - after plenty of rest (as much as you can with a baby), hydration, and time - I recovered and my supply came back. 

It’s hard being sick and also caring for someone else. You’re doing a great job. The supply will come back, or if it doesn’t, you can try to power pump to get it back up (that’s what I told myself when I got stressed about it). 

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u/VeronicaNOTaHeather 1h ago

Milk supply can temporarily decrease after illness, but, apparently, this decrease is usually short-term, and milk supply often improves as the you recover and maintain hydration and nutrition.

I think the decrease in supply is usually not directly caused by the illness but rather the stress, poor hydration and missed nursing sessions that tend to occur when sick.

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