Breastfeeding and Human Lactation reports that decreased milk supply may
be associated with lupus, but does not suggest a mechanism.  We have a
woman with known lupus, currently on 80 mg. prednisone and an
unspecified dose of acyclovir daily, who is pumping for a preterm
infant.  The baby will be coming home from the hospital soon.  She has a
3 yo at home whom she breastfed for 4 months.  She reports a chronically
low supply with the first child and is not pumping sufficient quantities
to meet the needs of the current infant.  She is very committed to
increasing her supply to fully meet the needs of the baby.  She would
like to add fenugreek supplementation.

So, my questions are:
1.  Anyone know if there is a problem with fenugreek and lupus,
prednisone, and/or acyclovir?  We couldn't find this in the PDR of herbs
or any other source...

2.  What is the mechanism of decreased milk supply with lupus?  How
might this be addressed most directly?

Cheri Van Hoover, CNM, CLE

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