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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

Increasing milk supply - Domperidone?

29 replies

SurreyisSunny · 25/11/2019 22:11

My DS is 6 weeks and I’ve tried everything to increase my milk supply but still have to give him formula at each feed. I had a traumatic birth and he was induced early which did not help our start. I get very upset that I’m not producing enough and feel I’ve failed. It’s just not doable to continue like this as feeds take such a long time. I’m not sure how I’d cope if I gave up though

I’ve tried fenugreek, tea, pumping and power pumping. He’s been treated for tongue tie and I’m taking him to a cranial osteopath.

Ive read about domperidome and recommended by a feeding practitioner but my GP would not prescribe. Had anyone tried and did it work?

OP posts:

Asiama · 25/11/2019 22:15

I'm sorry to hear you are having issues. I had exactly the same experience as you. I took domperidone but if it helped, it was only in conjunction with pumping at least every 3 hours including at night. Even then, it wasn't enough and I had to give him formula. My baby is 1 now and I'm still breastfeeding. There is no shame in mixed feeding so please don't put pressure on yourself!

Harrysmummy246 · 26/11/2019 11:24

Has the tongue tie treatment been effective? How long ago was it done? Is baby gaining on a line? Nappy output ok? How often and how long is baby on the breast? Can you see/ hear swallowing?

What evidence do you have that supply is not enough?

Domperidone is not actually licensed for milk supply, it's a 'happy' side effect which is possibly why your GP is not prescribing.

FYI Fenugreek is just as likely to decrease supply as increase it. Please leave herbs alone (including the tea)

fieldofwheat · 26/11/2019 11:55

I can't offer any advice re domperidone I'm afraid but I also struggled with supply issues. Turned out I was not eating nearly enough. Might seem obvious but in my sleep deprived, post c-section state it didn't dawn on me straight away, Once I upped my calorie intake my supply and speed of letdown improved very quickly.

kellymom.com/nutrition/mothers-diet/mom-calories-fluids/

Sorry if this doesn't apply, just wanted to share my experience. I understand how stressful it can be. I will say that I switched to formula with DS1 due to various reasons and although I found it hard at the time it was totally the right decision and better all round for the both of us. So don't put any unnecessary pressure on yourself.

Celebelly · 26/11/2019 12:05

Yes and yes. I took it after a v nasty virus wiped out my milk supply. Within 48 hours I had to stop as my boobs were engorged, which they hadn't been for months before.

Original poster

SurreyisSunny · 26/11/2019 12:14

Thanks all. Got my 6 week check on Thursday so will ask my GP again.

Tongue tie done at 3 weeks. He’s latching much better now but it’s still not easy as he does not do this naturally. He won’t feed without nipple shields.

OP posts:

Harrysmummy246 · 26/11/2019 20:12

what's weight gain like and nappy output?
He will have to learn to latch properly and strengthen his tongue
Nipple shields are useful for this but as I understand it can also affect supply and I'm surprised this hasn't been brought up
I know pump output is no indication of supply, but what has that been like?
Are you eating and drinking enough?

Original poster

SurreyisSunny · 26/11/2019 23:11

Yes eating plenty and aways thirsty. I was pumping about 20ml. This has increased but only to about 40. I’ve been told this is not necessarily an indication of supply but all I have to go on!

He’s gaining weight well and has quite s belly so no concern he’s not getting enough.

Last night was a bad night as he was hysterical trying to latch. Hoping for a better night tonight.

OP posts:

LurpakIsTheOnlyButter · 26/11/2019 23:17

I took domperidone to increase supply. BF support rang my GP who prescribed. It worked.

I also pumped and FF with a bottle around my neck and tube attached to breast to stimulate supply.

It all worked and I BF for over 6 months but in retrospect it made me miserable and I wished I hadn't.

Harrysmummy246 · 27/11/2019 17:44

It's no indication of supply at all what you can pump. The only indicators are baby gaining and nappy output. How much of a top up is he having?

All I can suggest is use the shields but try without once in a while

roobine · 27/11/2019 19:16

Hi @SurreyisSunny, just wanted to say well done for keeping going!! It's so bloody hard...
I'm in a similar situation - top ups since day 3 due to weight loss, eventually found out at week 10 that my low supply was caused by misaligned jaw / torticolis.
I tried Domperidone and it did work but it'll only increase supply as long as you're on it so if the problem is with latch it may not be a long term solution; my gp would only prescribe a few weeks as it's not licensed for breastfeeding.
It could be that you need to drop some of the top ups to get LO to stimulate your supply? (Sorry if you've already tried this...)
Have you seen a lactation consultant or do you have a local breastfeeding support group? Both were really helpful for me. My lactation consultant suggested Shatavari (sp?) as a herbal alternative to Domperidone...
Good luck and remember you're doing an ace job x

roobine · 27/11/2019 19:20

Also, wanted to add that I'm now at week 16 and still in the same situation. If I'm honest I wish I'd just transferred onto formula as it's taken quite a toll on my mental health doing constant top ups, but I really struggled to let go of breastfeeding. If I could go back I would have stopped breastfeeding earlier as I really think I would have enjoyed my newborn much more.
Whatever you decide to do has to be right for you - there's no right or wrong and the main thing is that your LO is loved and fed x

fruityconfusedhotdog · 28/11/2019 02:41

Well done for keeping going.

I was in exactly the same situation and have been prescribed Domperidone and it's been fantastic. DD is now feeding well and putting on weight at 10 weeks.

I did have to be quite pushy... i recounted everything I was already doing (all the things you listed) and explained I'd discussed it as an option with a lactation consultant and went armed with info from the UNICEF Baby Friendly initiative https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2013/10/NIFN domperidonee_2015.pdf

I take 10mg 3 times a day.

Good luck!

Horehound · 28/11/2019 02:50

But why do you think your aren't producing enough if he is gaining well?

Original poster

SurreyisSunny · 28/11/2019 06:16

@fruityconfusedhotdog Thankyou. I left my GP in tears when he would not prescribe. It was a locum who was clueless and very unsympathetic. He seemed to imply I’d be putting myself and my DS at risk if I took. I was recommended by the midwife who carried out the tongue tie.

OP posts:

Original poster

SurreyisSunny · 28/11/2019 06:20

@roobine this sounds so similar. Like you I feel I became so obsessed about it I didn’t spend so much time with him when he was newborn, I was always pumping’. I’ve stopped this now and it’s improved.

OP posts:

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 28/11/2019 06:28

Im with horehound, why do you feel your supply is low if hes gaining well?

If its because he wants to feed constantly, alas, welcome to sucky baby club. Ive got oodles of milk (ive donated 5 pints to the milk bank), it hasn't stopped my 3 month old attempting to trough non stop all day.

If you switched to formula you may find it no better as baby may just be very unsettled as still wanting to comfort suck all day. The shields probably aren't to blame - modern ones are thin snd shouldnt impact supply if used correctly, ive used them continously since birth.

linoleum · 28/11/2019 06:36

OP I really think you’d benefit from some decent advice - haveyou got any access to la Leche league or similar? Domperidone isn’t going to be a magic bullet. It’s still really early days and if your baby is feeding well and gaining weight then it sounds like what you’re doing is working. Some babies just never seem full. Like a Pp said, best thing for me tonincrease supply was to eat more. Try having a day where you sit on the sofa, and do nothing other than feed, drink plenty of water and eat - wholesome healthy and filling stuff like porridge. The kelly mom website is a great resource.

Mijnje · 28/11/2019 07:29

I’ve tried everything to increase my milk supply but still have to give him formula at each feed

Your body produces what is needed. By giving formula at every feed you're telling your body that what it's producing is enough. To increase your supply, stop giving formula. Your baby will be a little hungry for a couple of days but then your supply will increase to account for the missing formula.

Mijnje · 28/11/2019 07:31

I’m taking him to a cranial osteopath

Please don't waste your time and money on this. Osteopathy is not evidence-based, which is why it's not supported by the NHS.

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 28/11/2019 11:46

Mijnie has it spot on.. it takes 24-48 hours for your body to respond to your baby demanding a higher level of milk production. By default, this means growth spurts etc result in a day or two where your baby will seem unsatisfied and wants to feed almost constantly. This is normal - you have to let the baby do this to tell your body more milk is needed. If you give formula, your body does not get the message to make more milk.

I would adjust gradually. You often have a high volume of milk in the early mornings from 4am onwards, so from the morning feeds eliminate the formula top ups one by one. Allow 4-6 days each time you stop a top up before trying the next one. Or if you want to do it with a bit less fuss, you could try pumping after a feed while doing top up (dont worry if you get very little milk at first) Then 2 or 3 days later you should find you don't need to top up for that feed.

Beseen19 · 28/11/2019 12:01

If he is gaining well and nappies are good I doubt your supply is low. I fed for 17 months and DS was a constant feeder, he was getting plenty and gained quickly in first 3 months but just wanted to either be sleeping or attached to me.

Also your little boy will be coming up to a big growth spurt in the next few days. It's probably the biggest one and will feel like he never stops feeding but it does calm down.

Original poster

SurreyisSunny · 28/11/2019 15:10

@Mijnje I have tried not giving him the formula but either cries hysterically within a couple minutes or definitely within 30. I know some might leave him crying and crying but I can’t do this

Osteopath has been great. He is now able to open his jaw which helps both breast and bottle feeding. He is also less one sided. He never turned his head to one side but will now.

OP posts:

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 28/11/2019 23:09

When you say cries if you dont give formula what happens if you just leave him on the breast?

If you can put your feet up and set yourself up on the sofa with a load of food & drinks and some quality viewing you can prob get your supply up in no time. Even with domperidone it will only work if you also (possibly only short term) feed more, not less.

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 28/11/2019 23:10

Also you could try feeding in a sling so you are free to do other things? I wont lie, i never managed this but i know others who did. Eg close caboo in a cradle carry.

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 28/11/2019 23:19

Also osteopathy usually "fixes" things that babies just grow out of. There's really no evidence it has any impact whatsoever.

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