Supply Issues Part 2
In this second article, we will focus on how outside circumstances can influence the milk supply. Not surprisingly, a mother's milk supply is vulnerable to major stress and trauma. Some women may lose their milk supply altogether. If, for example, a mother is in a car accident or witnesses a violent crime, her milk supply may suffer while she copes through the physical or emotional stress that accompanies such incidents.
But minor stresses can also have an impact on the milk supply. Fortunately, mothers can recognize these circumstances and take active steps to either prevent them from disrupting the milk supply, or they can prepare for the interruptions. Here are some of the more common outside circumstances that many nursing mothers encounter.
Returning to Work
Many moms do not have the option to stay at home with their nursling. While returning to work may temporarily interfere with your supply, it does not have to be cause for weaning. Basically, when you return to work, you and your baby will experience a major schedule change. If you prepare for this, you can work towards a smooth transition.
If you have a few weeks to prepare, you can take these steps to help keep your milk supply going strong.
- If possible, tailor your job to fit your needs. Take longer lunch breaks so you can nurse your baby at mid-day, request pumping facilities (so you don't have to pump in a bathroom), and look into on-site daycare.
- Find a child-care provider who is sensitive and supportive of your need to continue breastfeeding. This person should understand that giving supplements as a "pacifier" can make it hard for your baby to want to nurse when you are together.
- Start pumping once or twice during the week before you return to work. This is easiest to do when baby is nursing - just pump the other breast.
Don't worry about making "too much" milk by pumping; your well-established milk supply will be needed when you are away from baby. If you are able to pump before returning to work, store it for later use. This supply can be used during the first few days that you return to work, after which you can pump the next day's milk while at work.
See the article Returning to Work for more information.
Illnesses and Surgery
Certain illnesses can cause a drop in milk supply. For example, if you come down with a serious strain of stomach flu, you may become dehydrated and you may not be nursing as frequently. This can affect your milk supply for a few days. Just drink plenty of fluids once you are well, and nurse frequently.
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