I don't have a professional response to this mom, only personal experience. I too fought with my supply and used domperidone to help boost it. While the meds helped some the only way that I saw a significant increase was when I took a "babymoon" and did nothing but pump and nurse for 24-48 hours. I actually took two days off work and kept baby home with me and pumped every 2-3 hours and let her nurse as often and as long as she wanted. This was great bonding time for us and I usually was able to see a 2-4 oz increase by the end of the "babymoon". My supply stayed up as long as I pumped/nursed at least every 4 hours. If I went longer than that I would see a drop in supply within 24 hours.
This was an insainly frustrating time for me and I seriously toyed with the idea of just quitting, but with the support of my local LLL and a compassionate husband I am still nursing a healthy 14 month old.
As for the pain that she is experiencing, I noticed that after pumping so frequently I was accutely more aware of my letdown as well as when my breasts were getting full- to the point that it was almost painful. I was also just a lot more 'tender/sensitive' because of all the pumping. I was using a Medela Lactina and I too got the 27mm flanges for a better fit. (It came with 24mm). I used the Lansinoh ointment prior to pumping and I don't know if it was purely psychological but I got some pain relief from that.
I also found that wearing a nursing tank-top rather than a bra was more comfortable as I didn't feel so 'squished'.
If there is a LLL group near this mom I would STRONGLY encourage her to go. Having someone that can identify with her struggle may be that little boost she needs.
Lastly, be sure to remind her that it is not that she is 'only' getting 1/2 oz, she is still lactating and that is a huge hurdle that she has already overcome. Celebrate the baby steps!
If she would like to chat with a mom that has 'been there' you are welcome to give her my email. [log in to unmask]
Best wishes to this mom,
Natalie Parker, GN (soon to be RN- taking my boards on Jan 11th!!)
If anyone has any suggestions on how I can support this mom, I'd
> reallyappreciate it!
>
> Mom went on a regimen of birth control pills for some time,
> stopped, started
> taking domperidone to induce lactation. She has a brand new PIS.
>
> First, she has intensely sore nipples. No cracks/bleeding, no
> red/shinyskin. She was using the flanges which came with the PIS,
> has started using a
> larger size. Still intense soreness. Tried lubricating with olive
> oil, but
> is not doing this every time. Mentioned having some relief with
> the oil, but
> is still depositing a "ring of skin flakes" around the flange. She
> thoughtabout getting smaller flanges, or soft flanges.
>
> Secondly, yesterday was Christmas, and she put off pumping, due to
> having a
> family commitment. Now, she is experiencing breast pain. No
> specific glands
> are enlarged, just hurts all over. No red spots, no streaks. She's
> treatingas she would mastitis.
>
> And lastly, after about 2 weeks of pumping, she's getting about
> 1/2 ounce
> per session. She is frustrated, and I just don't know how to help.
> We have
> talked about expectations, and realism but she gets upset, and I
> get totally
> overwhelmed.
>
> Best wishes,
> Sam Doak
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