PCOS and Supply

[dory]

Just wondering if anyone else has PCOS and having troubles with their supply? And what you do to help your supply - meds, expressing, herbs...

Thanks

[Shades]

How do you know you're having trouble with your supply?

[onthefly]

Are you having trouble?
It's not a sure thing - i have PCOS and never had any issues with supply.
Have you called the ABA or spoken with an LC for some advice?

[Jennifer13]

Dory, what has indicated to you that you have supply issues? Is your DD not gaining weight, or having enough wet/dirty nappies? I'm asking because it's around her age that babies often start demanding more feeds, or both sides, or your bbs don't feel as 'full' anymore and many Mums mistakenly believe this is an indication their supply is not keeping up. The reality is that your body has probably adjusted to exactly what your baby needs and increased feeds or both sides if she is demanding it is just about building up your supply, which usually takes a few days to catch up, when they're having a growth spurt.

[Rouge]

Just wanted to let you know that I had overactive let down and no problems with supply at all. The midwives tried to tell me I would have supply issues because of my cs with dd and pcos. It wasn't so. I know plenty of women who went on to feed perfectly. TBH I really do think it's an old wives tale like ao many other "you won't be able to feed because.." stories.

[dory]

Hiya - Initially I presumed there was a problem as Hannah was crying inconsolably and the only things that seemed to help were putting her on the breast, where she would feed and then fall asleep but then wake again within 20 mins to an hour and cry inconsolably again. So I spoke to a LC who came out and assessed whether there were any attachment problems - none luckily! I also wondered if something was up, as in hossy post natal I could get a reasonable amount, after my milk came in, by hand expression which reduced to nothing when I got home.

I spoke to the MCHN and also saw her for usual appointments and Hannah wasn't putting on enough weight - only 40grams each week for 2 weeks. I then saw Paed, by which time Hannah had started to lose weight rather than gain weight. So at 4/5 weeks we saw a Paed.

I was prescribed motilium and within a week I was actually able to feel the let down whereas previously I hadn't felt that, and I also leaked breast milk when it was time to feed, again I hadn't done that before. In addition I can now express a lot more than I used to. Hannah has now regained her birth weight and is going well. The Paed also checked Hannah out for any other condition that might contribute to the weight loss.

I also had an emergency caesearan as I developed pre eclampsia and HELLP syndrome, which I have been advised can also affect supply. The only people that told me beforehand that I might have troubles with breastfeeding as a result of PCOS was the ABA at a course I went to antenatally.

Since I have been prescribed motilium, Hannah hardly ever cries inconsolably whereas before it was 20 hours a day, every day, to different degrees. And as I said she's put on weight and is generally just a much happier wee blossom. Poor wee girl.

So I guess on balance of all that says to me I had a problem with my supply

I read an outline for a study where the person is trying to find out whether there is a link between PCOS and supply issues, primarily as a result it was suspected of the high levels of androgens and its effect on prolactin. As we all know PCOS is a syndrome where suffers can be diagnosed but all have slightly different presentations and effects as a result of the condition. I am thinking of getting a referral to a endocrinologist to check out what's going on and also going to see an accupuncturist and TCM practitioner to see if they can suggest a solution.

Thanks for your replies - I was just curious about any tips. I will contact the ABA and see if they have some info as well. Thanks!

[onthefly]

Ah ok.
So, how are things now? Is she having more wet & dirty nappies and other good things like that?
There are lots of possible reasons why you might have issues with supply - well done getting help so quickly. I hope things are coming good now

[dory]

Marcellus - the weird thing was even when she was losing weight she was still having wet and dirty nappies.... but not as sodden as often as they are now. Things are much better thanks.

[onthefly]

Hmm, well perhaps that just means you weren't too far off.
Anyway, glad to hear thigns are better now