increasing milk supply

• By Henrysmom
• Posted December 1, 2008 at 9:00 pm
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Hi Rika,
Have you thought about having your thyroid checked? I have postpartum thyroiditis, which means my thyroid swings "hyper" then to "hypo" following pregnancy. Four to six months postpartum is typical onset. Milk supply can be negatively impacted during the "hyper" phase, where your body basically shuts down the thyroid preventing the release of prolactin, which stimulates milk production. Fortunately, the thyroid swings back "hypo" for this condition, which makes your body produce lots of prolactin, which of course is great for supply. They weren't able to treat the "hypo" stage for me, but I just continued to pump and be persistent and managed to make it through. Other symptoms of thyroid conditions include hair loss, extremely dry skin, weight loss (during "hyperthyrioditis"). weigh gain (during "hypothyroiditis"), insomnia (hyper), exhaustion (both). Unfortunately, many of the symptoms are also problems experienced postpartum, so it is sometimes hard to know the difference!

Good luck and be persistent!
Henry's mom (31 weeker)

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• By katek
• Posted December 1, 2008 at 9:18 pm
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Some people say that eating oatmeal helps increase the milk supply. Unfortunately, oatmeal makes me gag (reaction since I was little), so I have a hard time eating it.

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• By 29weekevan
• Posted December 1, 2008 at 11:38 pm
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I have to swear by Reglan! Worked wonders for me and now I only have to take it once in a while. I have been pumping since July 9 so I empathise. Good weeks and bad weeks. But, instead of putting myself through all the strain of what am I gonna do- I know the bottom line is Reglan works. I try the pump more, eat oatmeal, 3tblsp of malt in my milk, lots of water, less caffeine, more sleep, etc. But I always end up with the Reglan. Important to note however, that Reglan is said to contribute to ppd. I haven't seen it, but that has been reported as a side effect

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• By Rika
• Posted December 2, 2008 at 1:12 am
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29weekevan i wondered about taking either reglan or doperidone but wouldnt know which dr to ask about it. do you speak to your ob or your pcp or who?

i didnt think about the thyroid issue i may just ask my pcp about testing for that ty for the ideas.

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• By M-and-D-Mommy
• Posted December 2, 2008 at 2:07 am
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I used the Fenugreek. It worked for me and others that I know. The only side effect is that it will make your urine smell like maple syrup:) And possibly your sweat etc. Most people I know (myself excluded) only had the smell in the urine and that isn't that big of a deal. You just have to take the 3 or so pills 3X a day. Unfortunately - you want to take enough to cause the smell. I would suggest trying this out! Good luck!

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• By M-and-D-Mommy
• Posted December 2, 2008 at 2:13 am
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Oh and I almost forgot....if you are exclusively pumping (not actual BFing) - you may need to try and rent a hospital grade pump (if your situation allows). I exclusively pumped for 15-16 months and had to have the Fenugreek and the hospital pump (but I also have twins - so I needed even more - ha!:). Take care!

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