[BabyBird]

So for the last few days I have been living in my bathroom. I am feeling better today but REALLY dehydrated. I almost went to the ER in the middle of the night for an IV because drinking anything turned my belly into knots. I have finally been able to drink a little gatorade this morning and had some chicken noodle soup. I usually pump once a day in the morning and I still got almost how much I normally get but I noticed it was VERY diluted. Like almost see through...not creamy like usual. I am thinking I have no nutritional value in my milk right now since I have hardly eaten in 3 days. The next feeding she took 3 times as long to eat and had to take both sides when usually we do every other. I think she got enough and I will keep trying so that I keep stimulating more production but I have a couple questions...

Should I dump the milk that I pumped that doesn't look very "creamy"?
What else can I do besides trying to rehydrate, continue nursing to stimulate, and take fenugreek to increase my supply again? The bad part is that I have to work tomorrow so I have to pump then and that never helps my supply. The fenugreek usually helps. Any other tips??
Also, I am afraid my supply will be permanently lowered...do you think I can save it?? I am worried!!

I don't think it is permanently lowered. Just keep with the nursing, hydration, and supplements. I would also try and eat a lot of small meals throughout the day to get your nutrition up. Like eat something every couple of hours. An apple and cheese, some chicken and a salad, some toast with butter and jam and some peanut butter, things like that. I hope you are feeling better!

I also wanted to mention that kellymom says moms intake doesn't affect milk fat, but the emptiness of a breast does. Still, it can't hurt to increase your food intake in small frequent meals since you were sick. The site does say breast compression does increase the amount of fat in mom's milk. I am assuming because compressing it while you pump or nurse gets it more empty.

[Celry]

I was also going to say that your supply shouldn't be permanently low. You can try to also eat some oatmeal to help it get back up to where it was quickly. I assume you already know you can eat it in anything and not just as oatmeal. I would suggest letting the milk settle in your fridge. That way you can see how much fat is on top before you decide if you should dump it. One of the biggest things you can do is not to stress over it.

[KCMomma]

Don't have much advice, but just wanted to say I hope you feel better. Poor girl.

[BabyBird]

Thanks girls...I am feeling better today. Just wiped out! My supply has been surprisingly ok (just ok) today. I was afraid I would have to give her a bottle but she has done well at getting what she needed. I have been drinking gatorade and eating little bits here and there.

[xanada101]

Ugh I am glad you are feeling better.... it sucks being sick. I was gonna suggest oatmeal too. As far as supply issues, my supply goes up and down all the time... but I always seem to have enough... Your supply will go back up just keep nursing and pumping

[stlgirl]

Get well soon!!