Mary Kay,
I tell them that the meds will not help unless they are breastfeeding/pumping adequately. The meds are to HELP, not to replace the act of breastfeeding/pumping. I say, "Breastfeeding/Pumping frequently and emptying your breasts to the last drop will drive milk supply up, nothing else will work."
I share your frustration.
Maureen Allen RN, BSN, IBCLC
NICU Lactation Consultant
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, MA
-----Original Message-----
From: Mary Kay Smith, RN, IBCLC <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thu, 9 Feb 2006 00:16:03 EST
Subject: Milk supply issues - a vent of sorts
I've had a rotten day with more than my share of phone calls from women who
"don't have enough milk." Several of them are only pumping/feeding/trying to
feed about 3 times per day. One has gone back to work about a month ago and only
has time to pump 1-2 times during her work day. Another has a SIX month old
and has been pumping 3x per day with a hand pump since 1 month but is giving
lots of formula, too. Wants to know how to get baby back to the breast. ( Baby
"won't latch") Another one is only pumping 3 times a day for a 32 week premie
who is now 35 weeks and going to go home soon.She was instructed to establish a
milk supply and keep up regular pumping sessions, was provided a Lactina
through insurance with double kit. And there are pumps in the NICU to use in
plain
sight. Everyone wants "the magic pill" and doesn't understand that the
breast makes as much milk as you tell it to. In all cases, I recommend an
electric
hospital grade pump, "super pumping" for 48 hours or more, will suggest
fenugreek, reglan or domperidone, depending on her resources and acceptibility
of
the idea. But when I tell them it works best to pump more while taking "meds"
they still don't get it. Looking for some tactful and productive ways to pull
these situations out of the dumper.
Feeling less than productive today,
Mary Kay Smith, RN, IBCLC, LLL Leader
Canton MI USA a suburb of Detroit
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