IVF and low milk supply related?

[willow867]

Hi all,

I have 3 months postpartum and have experienced low milk supply since my baby was born, despite trying every tip recommended by my lactation consultant. I do not have IGT nor do I have PCOS or any thyroid issue.

I experienced unexplained infertility and conceived my baby via IVF. I'm wondering if anyone else who had fertility difficulties may have also had low milk supply, and if so, was a cause/correlation between the two was ever identified?

Thanks!

How do you know you don’t have IGT?

@victoriarich thanks so much for taking the time to reply. It is frustrating, more so the not knowing why! I think I could accept if there was a reason! Haven't tried that tea so will definitely look into it, thank you 🙏🏻

@Pyjamatimenow my lactation consultant did a physical exam and said it was unlikely that I have IGT, also given how much breast change I had during pregnancy (went up about 2 cup sizes). I guess I just took that as fact but maybe it's not? I did notice an increase in my supply when using domperidone (motilium) which makes me wonder if it's hormonal (prolactin) related but got too nervous about the possible health side effects associated with long term use that I stopped taking it (and noticed an immediate drop in supply).

Yes it sounds unlikely then. I had physical markers unfortunately. The domperidone didn’t work for me so that was another sign too. Sorry you’re going through this. It’s very upsetting when you want to breastfeed and it’s not working. If tears were breast milk I’d have been fine! All I would say is please don’t let this spoil your time with your baby. It was a major contributing factor to my pnd with my first. When I had my second I just did two weeks, letting her feed on me for a few minutes and then just gave her the bottle so I felt like we had that closeness and hopefully a few nutrients and antibodies but she wasn’t relying on me for gaining weight. I was much better mentally and enjoyed my baby.

@Pyjamatimenow thank you. It is such a difficult journey, particularly re weight gain, but fortunately she is taking formula tops up well.

Sorry to hear it was so tough for you too but lovely that things improved with your second. Sending you lots of love ❤️