Does not eating enough affect my ability to make milk?

Question

I have had mastitis for the last two days. I haven't been able to eat. I was too sick. I have been making 1/2 the amount of milk I normally do. Is that because I had eaten enough? I have been drinking a lot of fluids.

Answer 1

http://www.unicef.org/malaysia/media_855...

“There is a common misconception that malnutrition greatly reduces the amount of milk a mother produces. Studies show that the amount of breastmilk produced depends mainly on how often and how effectively the baby sucks on the breast. If a mother temporarily produces less milk than the infant needs, the infant responds by suckling more vigorously, more frequently, or longer at each feeding,” says Mr. Youssouf. “This stimulates greater milk production.”

In such situations where the mother is under-nourished, UNICEF stresses that it is better to address the nutritional status of the mother, rather than ignoring it.

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mo...

What IS needed for maintaining an ample supply of milk?

The main thing needed to maintain an ample milk supply is simple --

The more often and effectively your baby nurses, the more milk you will have.

Occasionally, a mother's calorie or fluid intake can affect milk production:

    * Calories: In general, you should simply listen to your body and eat to appetite - this is usually all you need to do to get the calories you need. Counting calories is rarely necessary unless you are having problems maintaining a healthy weight. Excessive dieting can reduce milk supply, but sensible dieting is generally not a problem.

    * Liquids: It is not necessary to force fluids; drinking to satisfy thirst is sufficient for most mothers. Unless you are severely dehydrated, drinking extra fluids is not beneficial, may cause discomfort, and does not increase milk supply. It is not necessary to drink only water - our bodies can utilize the water from any fluid.

    * The main message on calories and fluids -- Eat when hungry & drink when thirsty.

Answer 2

No, I think it has more to do with you being sick.  Be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat what you can.  Nurse as often as your baby wants to nurse and don't put any restrictions on feeding your baby.  The more you feed your baby the more milk you will produce.  Get plenty of rest and just concentrate on getting better.

Hope you feel better soon.  It really sucks to have mastitis.

Answer 3

I was told that eating and drinking does help produce milk. Because as your child is breastfeeding you are losing everything you put in. So you arent producing the nutrients you need for your milk.  I totally ate all of the time and never gained a single pound. (O, how I miss that)  

Answer 4

I would guess that it is a combination of the mastitis, lack of drinking, and lack of eating. All of those things can contribute the amount of milk you make. Are you on antibiotics? Those also can supress your milk supply. Try to eat as much healthy stuff as you can and drink a large glass of water before and after each pump/feeding. Good luck!

Answer 5

Not except in extreme cases.  Your body will draw of its own resources (esp. calcium) to keep producing milk, as long as there is the suckling demand.

It's good you've been drinking a lot of fluids.

If your have been nursing your baby less because mastitis has made it difficult, that likely has resulted in a diminished demand for your milk, and thus a reduced output.

I hope your mastitis clears up quickly and easily.  If you allow your baby to nurse as much as he/she wants, and allow little or no other food, your supply of milk will come back, and even increase. Of course, baby will be hungry and cranky for two or three days while your body catches up again.

Please don't take my advice as the best knowledge.  Talk with your medical practitioner.  A midwife or nurse with specialied knowledge of breastfeeding may be a better source than your physician.