Cynthia, This sounds to me like Mom should take a couple of days off
from work and everything else and spend time with baby; snuggling,
nursing, playing, nursing, loving, nursing. I'll bet she's gotten very
uptight, what with pumping extra, taking herbs, using RPS (why?),
massage, making doctor's appointments, worrying, pumping, etc. I would
suggest that a few days of baby , relaxation and nursing might be all
that is required. I know this sounds simplistic, but maybe it is.
Cheryl Muller RNC IBCLC










Date:    Fri, 26 Mar 2004 15:35:46 -0700
From:    "Cynthia Swisher, RN, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Low milk supply at 4 months and hormone levels

Dear Lactnetters,
I am working with a mother who delivered a bit over 4 months ago and
approx 3 weeks ago she went out of town without baby (for business) and
pumped with her PNS approx 6x/24h.  Since that time she states that she
has felt a gradual decrease in milk production.  She is now only able to
pump approx. 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 oz at a time where she used to be able to
pump 5-6oz each session.  Baby's weight gain has been in the 5-6oz per
week region.  She has been increasing her extra pumping and nursing
more, taking fenugreek and blessed thistle, using RPS, massage, as well
as pumping techniques to increase amount pumped.  All to no effect in
the last 2 weeks.  She has been taking Synthroid and is going next week
to get her thyroid levels checked. Since she is going to have that
checked, are there any other hormone levels that she should request?
Prolactin levels wouldn't be useful at this point, would they?  I've
checked the archives and of the large amount of posts regarding low milk
supply, all the ones I read involved the early postpartum period and did
not address the mother who had an adequate supply that dropped
afterwards.  I appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,
Cindi Swisher, RN, IBCLC
Colorado Springs, CO



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