Hi, Beth.  I've had a few past clients experience similar drop in milk
supply after extreme illness (sometimes baby has been ill, too).
Galactagogues have helped a great deal with re establishing a compromised
milk supply - the sooner she starts, the better (whatever you/she can get
your hands on, but in my region fenugreek and blessed thistle are readily
available and domperidone is often prescribed.  I like Motherlove products
as well, but you may not be able to find them in your area).
 
Also, with respect to mother's own dehydration, strangely enough I recommend
Gatorade.  The optimum would be to replenish the electrolytes with the
powdered mix available at your local pharmacy, but that stuff tastes like...
well... salt!  I know from personal experience, having suffered from
dehydration a while back.  I found a flavour of gatorade that I could
tolerate, kept it cold, and drank at least one large bottle per day.  It
really does work, both because of drinking more fluids, and because of the
sodium and potassium content.  At the time, my doc told me that I could also
just drink water and EAT foods that contained lots of salt and potassium
(and... ????... there is another electrolyte that we need, but I'm not a
nutritionist and I can't remember what it is... anyone?)
 
If mom can't tolerate ANY food or fluid... perhaps she needs IV treatment?
 
I hope mom and baby get well soon!
 
~kg


Karyn-grace Clarke, IBCLC, RLC
Registered Lactation Consultant
HAPPY TRIBE CONSULTING
 <http://www.happytribe.ca/> www.happytribe.ca 
Nanaimo, BC, 250-739-3146

 

 

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