I breastfeed. I’ve breastfed all three of my children and I love it. Not only is it the best food for baby, but it gives me downtime with my little ones that is strictly between them and me. No one can substitute for me, no one can take my place. It’s a bonding experience that I couldn’t imagine not having with my babies.
But about four weeks ago, I had a really nasty cold. I took some anti-histamines. The next day I found out that it really wasn’t a cold, it was the flu. A flu that was accompanied by a really high fever. Within two days, I went from exclusively breastfeeding, to almost being out of milk. I continued to nurse and to pump while I was at work, but my supply was diminished. I was able to feed the baby while I was home, but I was not making enough milk to pump what he needed while I was away.
Then, last week, I started doing Crossfit. And it’s made it even worse. For instance, I was gone from the house for eight hours today. I fed the baby before I left. I did not pump while I was gone. When I got home, the baby was sleeping. I pumped both breasts and ended up with a whopping 3.5 ounces. Too bad the baby’s eating between six and eight at a time. And I don’t know what to do. The pediatrician told me to drink a beer each evening, which I have been doing for almost three weeks. No positive change in my milk. One site I visit regularly talked about oatmeal. Still no change in my milk.
I understand that it is not the end of the world. Heck, my middle child was only breastfed until three months old. But it’s disappointing. I was hoping to be able to nurse for at least the first year. But, I guess this is how it is going to happen. And at least now maybe I’ll be able to sleep through the night!