My educated guess would be that two factors are/were at play:
 
1.  BABY:  2 birthday parties... many people... lots of children...exposure!
I bet baby has picked up a virus or GI bug and is feeling unwell.  May have
no other symptoms, may just have an upset tummy and not feel so good when
it's full.  Hense baby's desire to keep the feeding sessions of very short
duration.  I bet this baby's stools have changed, if not in colour and
texture, at least in smell.  GI 'bugs' have a tell-tale smell (I can't
describe it, sorry, only my nose knows!  LOL).  Mother describing little
ones thighs as 'not as firm' would confirm to me that baby may be
experiencing some lethargy, which is consistent with illness. I bet baby's
temperature is slightly elevated.  Even sick babies can be happy and in good
moods.
 
2.  MOTHER:  2 birthday parties... many people...lots of children... very
busy!  So busy and distracted it's likely that breast stimulation decreased
by as much as half as what is normal for this dyad.  Marry that with an
infant who is not exactually feeling stellar (but seems fine and can't tell
you what is wrong), and you have a milk production factory that has stalled
becasue it's just not in demand.
 
 
I would suggest galactagogues and frequent, but short, breastfeeding
sessions.  Mom needs help in the home to attend to her other children and
duties, so that she and baby can concentrate on getting well and increasing
production once again.
 
Good luck!
 
~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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