Breastmilk helpers...?

Question

I'm having trouble producing breastmilk and a doctor that's taking care of my son in the NICU prescribed me Reglan. I'm reading that it's for gastrointestinal problems and says nothing whatsoever about helping increase breastmilk production. Has anyone else ever taken this medicine? If so, did it help your production? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I don't know anything about the drug, but did the hospital give you a breast pump to rent? They gave me the Medela Symphony to help my milk come in when my son was in the NICU and I couldn't breast feed him right away. Because it is medically "necessary", your insurance will cover it. You can rent it and then some insurance companies will buy you one like mine did when the rental was up. Check into it! The symphony is the best pump to help your milk come in. How old is your baby? If you do not stimulate the breast enough when the baby is born, your body will not produce as much milk. Good luck!!!

Answer 2

It is for GI stuff, and maybe it has a side effect on milk letdown. I used "mother's milk" tea by traditional medicines (available in most supermarkets and health food stores) and I have heard that drinking 1 real beer a day can enhance milk production (check with your doctor before trying this). I found that if I had to pump (which I hated), if I held my baby or at least a picture of my baby, my milk let down better. This time of year, it is also important to note that sage, commonly used in stuffing, is an herb that can decrease your milk production, so you may want to avoid it. Also, make sure you are drinking a LOT of water and eating plenty of healthy foods to keep yourself strong. I wish I could help you on the reglan bit, but I never had to take, nor knew anyone who did.

Answer 3

First of all, try to relax. Breastmilk does take it's time in coming, especially with first time moms. I know it's difficult, but take long and deep breaths.

The other thing you can do is eat fenugreek seeds. If you can get fenugreek seeds soak them overnight, make a paste and put it in your milk or porridge or anything sweet. Fenugreek is bitter so u better have it with something sweet. It is known to increase breast production.

You can also try to get some Asparagus racemosus powder. It is a well researched product that increases milk supply.

Do read up before you trust this information. I tried all these and it helped me more than I could expect. I started producing excess of milk :))

Hope this helps and hope your baby is with you soon.

Answer 4

Reglan is a medicine that happens to help some women produce more milk--it's an "off-label" prescription, meaning that it wasn't specifically approved to increase your supply, but that it happens to have that effect in addition to the original purpose.

I did not have to take Reglan to help my supply. My supply increased when I took Fenugreek Pills (an herb in capsule form from the health food store) and nursed my baby as much as possible. My mom nursed 4 babies and told me that the absolute best way to increase your supply is to nurse your baby more, sit down on the couch and nurse 24/7 if you have to, within a few days, you will make enough.

Now, it sounds like you might be pumping and your son can't feed directly from the breast? You will want to make sure you read the linked info.

Answer 5

The hospital should have a lactation consultant. Also, try the La Leche League, http://www.llli.org , as you can find help through that site. Doing a search for "breastfeeding" will yield good results as well.

Answer 6

Pumping is the best way!!!!! Even if no milk is coming out you will continue to produce more every time you pump....