Dear all, especially Tom &/or Frank,

I have a mom who has been diagnosed with a migraine headache r/t a stressful
VBAC & pushing for 2.5 hours.  She's never had a migraine before,  but I guess
they figured it was that rather than an epidural/spinal headache because it
was acting differently.  (This is my first experience with this in 25+ years
of working in the birthing field, but hey, what do I know?)  In any case, the
doc put her on ergotamine (DHE-45) which she has had for about three days
(with very little relief).  She's also on Reglan.  Now, Tom's book states that
DHE-45 will decrease prolactin levels.  She is producing not a whit of much of
anything when she pumps (which isn't often because she's just plain
miserable.)  She's had the baby to breast several times; when she is able, she
uses a supplementer because she isn't getting anything anyway.  Her breasts
(day 6) are still very soft -- no evidence of ANY milk production yet.  My
question -- how long does the DHE suppress prolactin?  Once she goes off it,
will prolactin levels increase with stimulation?  Will the positive effects of
Reglan offset the negative effects of DHE?  What are the chances of this
lady's milk coming in?  She did successfully breastfeed her last child for
about 4 or 5 months.

Thanks much!

Jan Barger, in sunny Wheaton....