Flu & Breastfeeding

[sweetpeabee]

Yesterday I was diagnosed with the flu. LO is 4.5 months old and breastfed or gets bottles of pumped milk when I am at work. I called my lactation consultant yesterday and she recommended that I do take the Tamiflu that was prescribed and continue to BF on demand (apparently there are already antivirals in the breast milk so it is the best way to keep LO from getting the flu).

I am terrified about my supply dropping off because I am not able to keep much in my system right now. I know I am not taking in enough calories (getting sick to my stomach every time I try to eat) and borderline enough fluid. At the LC's suggestion, I have been trying to drink Gatorade for the extra glucose and electrolytes.

What have you ladies done to keep supply up when you are sick? 

[beckyrosen]

I'm sick right now, sinus headache and sore throat. I'm drinking hot tea with honey to try to keep my fluids up. I don't have experience with having the flu though.

[melody330]

Drink lots of water, and rest. When I am sick I stay in my bedroom an DH goes solo for the day. He comes in a brings me baby when he needs to nurse, but otherwise I Just rest and hydrate.

[sweetpeabee]

Feb 6, 2015 10:58:46 GMT -5 melody330 said:

Drink lots of water, and rest. When I am sick I stay in my bedroom an DH goes solo for the day. He comes in a brings me baby when he needs to nurse, but otherwise I Just rest and hydrate.

This is pretty much what we did all day yesterday. I couldn't stay awake for more than 1/2 hour at a time. I will try to keep doing this today. Thanks for the tips. 

[Deleted]

Evey time he brings you the baby try to eat and drink something and then go back to sleep. Your supply may take a bit of a hit but should rebound just fine when you are well

[ellabee]

Like pp said, try as much as you can to eat and stay hydrated. For me, whenever I get sick the supply drop is inevitable despite how well I try to take care of myself. It'll even sometimes drop on the day I'm starting to feel better, or the day after.

Even if your supply does take a hit - keep nursing on demand and it will come back. Don't let it discourage you. It's just another hiccup along the way, that you can easily overcome!

[sweetpeabee]

Feb 6, 2015 14:42:26 GMT -5 ellabee said:

Like pp said, try as much as you can to eat and stay hydrated. For me, whenever I get sick the supply drop is inevitable despite how well I try to take care of myself. It'll even sometimes drop on the day I'm starting to feel better, or the day after.

Even if your supply does take a hit - keep nursing on demand and it will come back. Don't let it discourage you. It's just another hiccup along the way, that you can easily overcome!

This is what I needed to hear. I am worried about going back to work because I know I don't get as much when I pump. Hopefully LO will nurse a lot during the time that I am home (especially because it is the only time I get to cuddle with her now that I am sick). Thanks ladies. 

[fish8412]

Gatorade, water, tea, juice, Popsicles, jello, crackers, lots of rest. Feel better!!

[casey]

Feel better. Just rest, do what you can for nutrition and hydration, and trust it will come back as you bounce back. Donuts and turkey dinners really do help.

[Deleted]

sweetpeabee, Are you feeling any better? I know it takes a while to kick out the flu bugs, but hopefully your immune system is in full attack mode!

[sweetpeabee]

Feb 9, 2015 15:08:16 GMT -5 @amyg said:

sweetpeabee, Are you feeling any better? I know it takes a while to kick out the flu bugs, but hopefully your immune system is in full attack mode!

Thank you for asking @amyg! I am finally starting to feel better. Today was my first day back at work so I am exhausted. Luckily my LO hasn't gotten sick so overall we are doing great!