Monique,

I am highly flattered that you thought of me when you had a question
about how something in the breast works! I am not a physiologist, and
there are people who will be able to explain far more accurately than I.
But since you mentioned me by name, I turned to my trusty old (1977)
Guyton's "Basic Human Physiology: Normal Function and Mechanisms of
Disease" to improve my own understanding.

Thirst is just one small part of the body's miraculous but complicated
system of checks and balances called homeostasis. It operates to help
keep the concentration of sodium in the proper range for all the
important functions sodium controls in the body. The transfer of liquids
through membranes is but one ot those functions.

Part of this system is the production of a very powerful pituitary
hormone called ADH (antidiuretic hormone). Among other functions, it is
very important in maintaining blood pressure control.

In short, thirst tells us when we need to take in more fluid at the top
end and ADH helps the kidney excrete just the right amount of fluid out
the other end.

In between oral intake and urinary output are all the complicated
controlled fluid losses from our respiration, perspiration, lactation,
and defecation to name the most common ones.

The bottom line is that nature keeps track of the dilution of sodium in
our circulatory system and in our tissues. Forcing fluids after a certain
point (beyond reasonable thirst) alerts nature that she needs to avoid
dilution by make compensating adjustments, one of which just might be to
negatively effect the milk supply.

<Does forcing fluids cause edema not unlike IV's can during labor?>

I feel I'm way beyond my depth to attempt to answer this one, but I
suspect there is a very real connection.

K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC
Dayton, Ohio USA


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