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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 101
experienced member
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experienced member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 101 |
I used Lansinoh on my nipples twice a day during the last weeks of my pregnancy. Since I had previously taught basic breastfeeding to new moms, I had some skills at latching. So, whether it was the lansinoh or good technique, I don't know, but I had only one crack in one nipple during the first weeks. So I'd say do the lansinoh. (Since it leaves grease on your clothes, I put toilet paper in my bra after I put it on.)
As far as the herbs are concerned. My LC just came back from a conference where they said galactogogues should not be taken without a prolactin level first. If your level is low, then the galactogogues can increase your milk supply, but if your prolactin level starts out in the normal level, you could actually raise your level high enough that you could decrease your milk supply. I'd talk to a knowledgeable lactation consultant before taking supplements.
18 ounces is amazing. When I was working every other weekend, 12 hours each day, I had limitless time to pump. Plus I had a really good supply since most of the time I was with my baby. I usually nursed right before and after work and pumped 3 times during my 12 hours. I was lucky to get 10 or maybe (on a good day) 12 ounces.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,347 Canada
extra helpful experienced member
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extra helpful experienced member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,347 Canada |
Hi Second,
Thank you for this information. Most of the moms on this forum are inducing lactation and would not have high enough prolactin levels to inhibit the galactogogue response. Also, prolactin levels are not generally ordered for women who are not pregnant or who have not given birth and so very difficult to obtain. It may be relevant for birth moms but our experience at our clinic in Montreal has been that the vast majority of mothers who experience low milk supply and for whom retained placental fragments or other physical causes of low milk supply have been ruled out (Sheehan's, PCOS), do benefit greatly from the use of galactogogues. Your point is well taken that it's important to rule out medical issues, take a proper history, and fix the latch first before running to the pills.
Best, Lenore
Lenore Goldfarb, Ph.D.,CCC,IBCLC
Wife to Rob, Mom to Adam aged 13, and Ethan aged 9, both born via GS and breastfed via Regular Newman-Goldfarb Protocol.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 101
experienced member
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experienced member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 101 |
This thread was started by a biological mother who is taking fenugreek and blessed thistle. Most of the respondents are encouraging additional pumping, which is good. I think it would be helpful to biological mothers if respondents would warn them that galactogoues could be problematic and that they should consult with a healthcare provider that can assess their prolactin levels and whatever other physical issues that may be appropriate.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,785 Idaho
extra helpful experienced member
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extra helpful experienced member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,785 Idaho |
Second I am the one who was giving advice to this Mom. She wanted to know about side effects of the herbs to the baby. As well as how to boost her supply. I also needed to establish which I did at the end of page one what her current situation was and if this was a biological child. After that all of my advice was in regards to pumping and nursing as often as possible. In regards to future children I pointed to establishing a good latch and developing a good supply from the beginning by using an LC. I agree that not all Mom's need herbs or other glactogues (sp) I didn't see these posts as encouraging her in that regard.
Laurie~Craig's wife~Mom to 4 blessings nurtured at the breast CJ(24)Travis(21)Beka~adopted(9)Rab(6)
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 101
experienced member
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experienced member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 101 |
I didn't mean to imply that you were encouraging her in regards to herbs etc. I apologize if my wording implied that. I know most of what you did was encourage pumping and how to adjust that around her needs to increase her supply. I just thought that this mom might want to know the current reserach on galactagogues. I know I would.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 13 Texas
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 13 Texas |
I would like to say thank you to both of you. I truly appreciate all information that you both have given me. I do want to be informed of new research outcomes and I do understand that I must consult with an LC here in my area, as I have been. Thank you again.
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