I've posted on this mom before, and her saga continues. Successfully bfd
first baby 4 years ago for more than a year. History of erratic menses,
borderline diabetic, hypothyroid, obesity, hirsutism, baby #2 tongue-tied.
First saw them at 6 weeks-- baby refusing breast, mom's supply shot.

Mom has been double pumping every 2 hours almost around the clock. Baby's
tongue-tie was clipped. Thyroid had been low at end of pregnancy but appears
to be stabilized with synthroid. Blood sugar currently okay. Mom was started
on blessed thistle from the very beginning (it was the first herb she could
find), and then fenugreek was added. Her supply has come up, but not enough.
Prolactin was drawn at 10 wks and mom's baseline and spike were 25 and 42
(MD thought she was hyperprolactinemic and was talking bromocriptine, but
that's another story!). After some discussion, mom decided to try
metoclopramide, but within a couple of days developed headaches and other
side effects, so is back off of it. Despite being on the drug for one week,
she saw only a small change in supply. Domperidone is not available, of
course; at least not for humans!

I'm exploring PCOS/hormonal issues with her and her internist has been
wonderful and cooperative, is now referring mom to an endocrinologist for a
work-up, which I hope will include testosterone levels. But, that's a month
away, baby is now 13 weeks, and bfg situation is critical. I just gave mom
"permission" to back down on the pumping (before she quits out of
exhaustion), and she wants to explore other galactogogues.

So, options? I've had one mom on Thorazine with good milk supply results but
worrisome side effects. Pamela Morrison, what do you use in your country?
Any other prescriptive options? It's one thing to read about what has been
tried, another to suggest it without experience.

Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC
Santa Maria, CA