---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 14 Apr 1996 20:15:04 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joseph R. Hollen <[log in to unmask]>
To: "C. Ione Sims CNM/MSN/IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Sage and milk production

Dear Lactnet, Due to a systems problem, I can not post directly to you,
but have a volunteer to do so.  Many questions arise about sage.  I can
share a case with you that we used sage and it worked beautifully.  But,
it wasn't sage tea, we used the capsules.
Several years ago I worked with a mom experiencing oversupply.  She
called on day 6 with severe engorgement "still".  Milk in on day 3.
Over the course of the first 5 weeks we tried EVERY suggestion, and am
very appreciative of the LC series on overactive MER.  This mom and baby
were miserable, but as long as we could try one more thing, she stayed
with it.  At the end of our list was the use of Parlodel as Verity
Livingstone had mentioned in a tape I listened to on the subject of OA MER.
At seven weeks into nursing she used the parlodel in very low doses. Day
one - no difference, day three still full, day four end medication.  Day
and noticed a decrease in supply. Day five, "great again".  Day seven,
supply up a bit, but no where where it had been. At 8 weeks. Baby was
gaining well, sleeping well, a "new baby".  Mom was not pumping, one
sided nursing, using some of things she had learned, but not at of
necessity.  Mom continued nursing over a year.
Second baby, Lactnet had been around so the mention of sage had come up
occasionally.  Mom and I discussed the wait and see approach this time,
and to use sage instead of parlodel.  Baby born, milk in on day 3, severe
engorgement. Mom saw the nightmare starting up again.  My recommendation
was to wait for milk to establish itself before we did anything with
herbs.  She incorporated many of the LC series suggestions.  By day 10
she had had it.  She started on sage in capsule form (410mg per capsule).
The information I had suggested started easy.  Mom started with 6
capsules per day and by day 12 was taking 12 per day with a marked
difference in supply.  We watched the babys gain very closely and she sas
doing well.  Fortunately, I had the expertise of a ND available to check
on the sage dosing and possible toxicity.  Mom did try to wean down the
capsules but would notice a big difference so stayed at 8 - 12 depending
on her need.  By 12 weeks, mom had completely weaned off the sage and
enjoyed the entire nursing experience and continues to nurse this little one.
One experience, motivated  and willing mom.
I have not had the need to use sage since this experience, many of the
Lactnet mentioned techniques and suggestions work just fine.  However, I
have seen some cases presented on Lactnet where perhaps the mom could
have benefited from some sage.  I find dosing tea and drinking the
potential quanity overwhelming.  This mom chose capsules for that reason.
Hope this helps someone.
Robin Hollen RN IBCLC
Reno, Nevada