Hi, Barbara,

About the mom whose milk never came in, you wrote:

"Mom is healthy and has had normal thyroid screen. MD denies it is
possible there is retained placenta.  No excess bleeding, stress, drugs,
herbs or extreme dietary restrictions.  I started her on a rental pump on
Day 12 when I saw her...There have been a total of 3 DROPS of fluid during
this whole event.  MD is going to see her in one week.  Don't you all
think its GOT to be retained placenta?  What else could it be?"

We have seen several cases like this, and sometimes never figured out what
happened.  Anyway, here are some other things to consider:

- Could she have an undiagnosed pituitary or other endocrine gland
disorder? (we saw a mom with Addison's Disease recently, her milk never
came in.)
- Did she have breast surgery or other trauma between her first and second
pregnancy?
- Could there be an underlying infection (endometritis, infected
episiotomy)?
- Was she on high levels of magnesium sulfate in the hospital?

Keep us posted!

Ginna Wall, MN, IBCLC, Lactation Services Coordinator
University of Washington Medical Center, Mailbox 356078
1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle WA 98195
Voicemail: (206)548-6368, Fax: (206)548-7665