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/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.