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Subject:
From:
"Barbara Wilson-Clay,BSE,IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 3 May 1997 18:41:53 -0500
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I have not had lots of experience with fenugreek, but have begun
experimenting with it due to comments from other Lactnetters. I am
pleasantly surprised to find that some of the mothers I have used it with
are enjoying increased milk production with no side effects beyond a change
of body and milk odor. I want to share that a woman who came to see me with
a low milk supply noticed a dramatic increase (a doubling) of supply after
about 4 days of use.  Of course I had fixed the positioning, so it is
possible that the improved draining of the breast is the real issue. Still,
her perception is that the fenugreek was very useful.

Another woman consulted me with an FTT infant.  This woman had a much more
complex hx:  Infertility tx, widely spaced, flaccid, tubular breasts with no
noticable engorgement during the normal timeframe.  It appeared that the
problem was a primary physical one, however this couple was determined to
try EVERY possible remedy.  I sent them to see an accupuncturist with whom I
had previously shared the article (Marsha Walker  ref. on Lactnet) about
increasing milk prod. thru accupuncture therapy.  We tried fenugreek, all
the typical management things, and Reglan.  Nothing had any effect, and
Reglan upset her stomach.  Husband is Canadian, and has Canadian MD friend
who managed to get them some motillium (domperidone).  This has had the
effect of increasing her milk production and has had no un-toward side effects.

 We previously noted that she could express just drops -- rarely could we
accumulate any real measurable volume  Now she can express 1/2-1 oz total
both breasts when breasts are fullest.  Sure wish we could easily get this
drug here in the States! She is exclusively using feeding tube device and
doing post-feed pumping, so we can monitor production.  We estimate she is
producing 6 oz of her own milk (baby is now 8 wks old) per 24 hrs.  She is
thrilled to be offering this to baby, and baby is gaining well on this and
formula.  She is enjoying the experience of feeding at breast, tho has
started to use some bottles now when out in public. She told me yesterday
that she is beginning to move into acceptance of her situation.  I think it
is important to do grief counseling with such women, much in the way
infertile women need grief counseling.  As a society, we minimize and
dismiss the grief of lost lactation in a way we never would with other
sexual dysfunction.

Barbara

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html

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