This is actually my theory and I lecture on it when I discuss supply issues and gut health. I noticed the correlation between gut function and supply over a decade ago and have been tracking it in my clients ever since. I never (and I really do mean never) recommend block feeidng--I work with clients on quieting the inflammation and the oversupply resolves. I also noticed at the time that all of the meds and herbs that increased milk supply supported gut and liver function. So, clinically, I practice by addressing inflammation where there is both O/S and U/S. I present a case study from several years ago of a mother with severe O/S and recurrent plugs/mastitis at 11 mos--it resolved within 48 hours of removing gluten from her diet. I have hundreds of cases like this. When I have time...that book will be written. 

Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, USA & France
Intuitive Parenting Network, LLC




Date:    Fri, 11 Jul 2014 21:36:31 -0700
From:    the juliest person you know <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Prolactin Levels/Why do gut issues lead to oversupply

" Date:    Fri, 11 Jul 2014 20:45:58 -0600
From:    Darillyn Starr <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Prolactin Levels/Why do gut issues lead to oversupply

~~~stuff cut~~~

2.) I found it interesting that Julie Tardos asked why gut issues lead to 
oversupply.  Julie, is that just something you have observed, or is that 
commonly accepted?  Most of the moms I work with (online) are adoptive moms and 
prospective adoptive moms.  About three-fourths of them take domperidone and 
most of them report a significant increase in bowel activity, especially during 
the early weeks.  It makes, sense, since the drug is used for GI problems and 
the increase in prolactin in a side effect.  I had always thought the two things 
were unrelated, but, since reading Julie's question, it sounds like maybe the 
stimulation of the pituitary to produce more prolactin is actually secondary to 
the increase in bowel activity.  I hope more comes of this discussion, because 
it might also shed some light on how drugs like domperidone and metaclopramide 
(which I strongly discourage adoptive moms to take) increase prolactin levels."
~~~~~

Several people on Lactnet have discussed this.  I've also heard it elsewhere 
from other IBCLCs, and then I started observing it over and over.  For example, 
recently, I had a client with overproduction, but at first she said she had no 
health problems, so I was at a loss to explain it, but then she said she had 
been constipated since the baby was born, which I would guess was from the iron 
pills she was taking.  Aha!  Gut problem.  Follow up appointment next week; 
we'll see what happens.  

So, if medications such as domperidone stimulate the pituitary to make more 
prolactin which makes the body make more milk, how would an unmedicated gut 
problem cause overproduction?  Would a mother with undiagnosed celiac, for 
example, make too much milk?  Has anyone seen something like this?

Julie Tardos

====
Gold were as good as twenty orators,
and will, no doubt, tempt him to anything.
Richard III, act IV, scene II

  

 


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