Dear Lactnet Wizards:
  I am a new LLL leader (9/96), and have received a telephone warm line
call for help that I hope you can assist me with.  This 29 year old
Mother has a 5 month old nursling, who just began cereals two weeks ago
or so.  Mom has been back to work since babe was 3 months old.  Pumps
twice a day (30mins/session) with a Pump in Style.
  At her 6 week post-partum check-up, she began taking the "mini-pill"
micro-noor (phonetic spelling) as a contraceptive.  Subsequently, began
feeling as if she were pre-menstrual, like she "needed to have a
period."  Doctor had her stop the mini-pill approx. mid-January, and
told her she should have a period soon thereafter.  She didn't start
her period until 4-5 weeks later.  In the meantime, (uncertain of
timing),she was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst by a sonogram.
Apparently this became extremely painful, and doctor wanted her to take
either Provera or Demulen (phonetic) to treat the cyst.  She was told
she could continue nursing while taking the Demulen, so she chose
Demulen (a 3 week course). She didn't start taking it immediately while
she made her own calls to FDA to confirm it was safe to nurse while
taking this drug. She began taking it on 3/9.
  Since taking the Demulen, milk supply has decreased precipitously
(from 3 to 4 oz. per pumping session to 3 oz. per day).
  Mom wants to know: (1) is there any other drug she might take for
treatment of her ovarian cyst that will not so dramatically diminish
her milk supply?
   (2)  Will her milk supply return to normal when she finishes taking
the Demulen?
   I gave her the usual tips about building up her supply (extra
fluids, extra rest, more time at breast, frequent feedings/pumping)
while we await your expert advice.
  She seems very dedicated to nursing this baby - said she's
considering stopping the demulen (sp?) and just living with the pain
because she doesn't want this to be the end of her breastfeeding.
  Please e-mail me privately as I am currently no-mail (newborn of my
own!) at  [log in to unmask]   at your earliest convenience.  Thank
you in advance.  Sincerely, Aimee La Buy Smith