Expert: ruth kraft - 1/4/2010

Question
My daughter in law is breast feeding my 2 month old grandson. Mind you she has not been eating what she needs to since he has been born. Most of her intake is sugar soda,cereal and junk food such as pizza rolls I hope you get the picture. However I have been told by my son that it doesn't matter. Anyhow I received a call today from my son telling me that his wife isn't producing breast milk anymore. He says this happened over night I didn't think breast milk would dry up that fast. I guess what Iam asking is what would cause her to dry up and what can we do if anything to help her start producing again. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much Shawn Beal

Answer
Milk doesn't just dry up overnight. Reguuardless of what she was eating. As long as she is eating, she will make milk. If she is alive, she can make milk. IF the breasts have been stimulated to do so. Especially after 8 weeks. If she was producing adequate milk for 2 months, then stopped my only inclination would be to believe that she is not telling someone the truth. She very well could be using it as an excuse that she doesnt want to breastfeed. Many women use not making enough milk as their excuse to not nurse. So, even when given the opportunity to get good information, or help from a specialist, they decline it or pass it up . and then later blame it on not making the milk. However, there are far more phycological issues at hand.

So, the bottom line is, She likely doesnt want to nurse, has been giving formula for quite some time and now wondering why she has no milk. She will likely chalk it up to "her body doesnt work" so she doesnt have to take responsiblity for it, You son has no idea but will be willing to go along with what she says for obvious reasons. This is not at all uncommon. It is also her choice, So in most situations that are presented to me with women who have emotional issues within themselves, is to let them be. Offer the information where they can get support if wanted and if they choose not to, then let it go. I don't know alot about the situation but just from what I read, that i what it sounds like. By eating poorly, it doesnt hurt the baby or her milk. It only hurts her own body. The baby will always get what he needs from breastmilk, no matter what. but it can be detrimental for the mother over long periods of time. For example, if she doesnt get enough calcium, and the baby needs it, then over a long period of time, the calcium will be taken from the mothers bones to give to the growing baby. Its how nature protects the new life. But She will get bad teeth and not have as strong of bones IF she doesnt replace the calcium. That is where craving come in to play... we will then start craving what our body is depleted of. and usually it gets met.

So, my suggestion to you, IF you want, is tell your son, that you spoke to someone who does this type of couceling, and IF she still wants to nurse, she needs to find a counselor ASAP as time is of the essence, ( I even do over the phone counseling ) and that its possible to keep going. She can find someone from www.llli.org to get free counseling in your area if there is someone , and let them know its possible. Then wish them luck and trust they are going to make the best choice for them and your grandson.

I hope that helped bring a little clarity. You are not crazy, but she has to WANT to breastfeed or it won't work. :)