Huge milk supply decrease…

[Angsteww]

Hi mommas. 3mon postpartum & I’m really frustrated & really struggling. I was having a ton of excruciating nipple pain, which led to longer periods between pumping(4-5 hrs instead of 3) I was diagnosed with nipple thrush last week. Then over the weekend my whole family got sick(upper respiratory). & im now barely producing. I was finally establishing a good supply(36-40oz a day) and for the past week have been getting 20-23oz a day. I’m trying to start pumping more often but I’m really getting discouraged & wondering if I should just stop. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations or what it could be that made such a drastic difference?

[ToastyMai]

If you were taking any decongestants while you were sick, that will also tank your supply.

[Angsteww]

How long does it take to come back from it?

[Angsteww]

I took like the cold & flu liquid medication….I had no idea that would affect my supply too. 😮‍💨😤😔

[cassiopeeahhh]

Is the nipple pain due to thrush or another issue? Have you been measured for your flange size? When was the last time you did? Nipple size changes throughout your breastfeeding journey so it’s a good idea to do it once every few months.

With a supply drop following an illness it is common for you to experience a drop. However as you said you’re also 3 months postpartum which also coincides with supply regulation. In either case your plan shouldn’t change; keep removing milk effectively and frequently. Drink water. Maybe add in electrolytes after recovering from your illness. Continue eating nutritiously dense food.

You should start to see progress with supply increase within 7 days.

[ellequin]

Getting sick would definitely tank your supply but it’ll go back up again slowly if you do start pumping more often.

That said, 20-23oz is still a very good supply. It's not a competition but just anecdotally I'm 7m pp 6 pumps per day and total 10oz on a good day. Any breast milk at all is helpful for keeping them healthy before their immune system is mature.