Sick and seem to have no milk

[nossi]

I'm sick with strep throat, a fever and a headache, and my 5 mo seems to be getting less milk.  I've been putting her to the breast every 1-2 hours, but she's been waking early from naps and more at night from hunger.  She's also had diarrhea for over 2 weeks, so I need to make sure she stays very hydrated.  Should I just supplement?  I'm fairly confident that if I pumped, absolutely nothing would come out. Any ideas?

[becj86]

As you drinking enough water and eating enough? that can reduce your supply if you're not. I think you're doing the right thing feeding frequently... That will help keep your supply up and she's quite possibly looking for comfort given she's ill too. DS always fed more when ill. Any chance she has strep throat too and the milk is helping soothe her throat?

[*Ali*]

Has your LO been checked for the diarrhoea? That seems a long time to have it.
Are you taking anything for the illness that could be drying the milk up?
Illness can reduce supply. I would just feed as often as she wants now. If she is having plenty of wet nappies then she is probably getting enough.

[Fiver]

Along with the illness in you and LO, could be that you're entering 6m growth spurt a little early.  As PPs have said, keep on feeding to keep up supply and hydration.

I read your other thread about the diarrhoea.  Have they ruled out any sort of parasitic infection rather than a virus?

[eva026]

Are you taking anything for the illness that could be drying the milk up?

uuu I had that, it was prescribed by a Dr who knew I was BF too!

[nossi]

I'm taking amoxicillin for the strep.  Would that dry me up?  Trying really hard to stay hydrated but my throat is killing me so it kills to swallow . Dd has been to GI for the diarrhea and he said he's seen it for as long as a month!  And in the absence of other issues, just wait it out.  He did say to call though at the end of the week if she still has it.  She's totally happy and the diarrhea hasn't bothered her at all.  The lack of sleep is really really hard bc I can't really recuperate without that rest.  Ugh. Not sure if its a growth spurt . I suspect it's just my reduced milk since I don't feel full at all- even at night.  And I usually feel full at least then.   Thanks for your posts.

[*Ali*]

No I don't believe antibiotics dry milk up. they can cause diarrhoea though so probably aren't helping her situation. Can't be avoided though. It might be worth asking your doctor about taking a probiotic that will pass through your milk as that can help with upset tummy especially with antibiotics. 

[Fiver]

^^ What Ali said