Experiences with Domperidone

[Raidra]

It's been two and a half weeks, and I'm still not making much milk. Lachlann takes about 16-18 oz of formula a day and also gets whatever breastmilk he can. We have an appointment with a LC on Thursday to weigh him before and after a feeding to see how much he's actually getting. I've been taking fenugreek (4 pills 3x daily), eating oatmeal, pumping, and drinking tons of water. I had my prolactin and TSH level checked yesterday - prolactin was 158 and TSH was 1.6.

So, when the doctor calls me back to talk about the results of the blood tests (I got them early - a friend works at the lab), I want to ask her about taking domperidone. I've been reading about it online and haven't found anything very bad about it except for the FDA warning. Everyone on the various message boards I've read has had good experiences with it. I find it kind of odd, though, that I haven't heard about anyone using it to increase milk production and having a bad experience as far as side effects go. Do you know of anyone that has had bad side effects on domperidone?

I don't have a history of depression, but almost everyone in my family is on some sort of antidepressant, so I'd rather not risk taking Reglan. Depression is the last thing I need to deal with. :)

[kensjen]

I had a good experience with domperidone. I also read a lot about it on med sites and message boards, and couldn't find a reason NOT to use it and I had a very good reason that I needed to use it. I didn't read about any bad experiences either (this was almost 2 years ago).

Anyway, it worked better than the fenugreek, oatmeal, etc. In my case I was sort of relactating, after having lots of problems BF, and I was exclusively pumping. Once I got DS back on the breast, my supply was considerably lower. The domperidone helped with that, I took it for a month or so, and then I didn't need it anymore.

I'd recommend it, based on my experience, and from talking to other mamas who used it. My LC highly recommended it over reglan.

HTH! Hope you find something that works for you, you are an awesome mama for doing all of this!!!! :)

[DebbieJ]

Rachel,

I am part of an online community of moms who are breastfeeding after having reduction surgery. Many of them, including me, have had great success using domperidone. It's a shame that the FDA would rather we feed our babies formula then use something that helps us produce more milk.

If you decide to take it, it can take up to 6 weeks to really see its full effects. I have only heard of a handful of moms who had side effects. They reported having some arthritis like symptoms, such as sore joints and the like.

Have you considered using an at the breast supplementer like the Medela SNS? It will keep Lachlann at the breast and help stimulate your supply.

You are doing such a great job--keep it up!

edited to add that I just sent you an email via the boards. LMK if you don't get it!

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
Breastfed for 20 months and 6 days

http://www.bfar.org/members/fora/style_avatars/Ribbons/18months-bfar.jpg

[lmintzer]

Deb,
A good friend of mine is trying to bf her 2nd after a reduction. She is doing pretty well this time around (tons of trouble with her first--it's a long story), but she probably could use some support. Is the online community you are part of public or private? Could you PM me? Thanks.

Rachel--sorry to hijack your thread. I don't know anything about the drug you are talking about, but you are doing an awesome job and trying all of the right things. I had low supply with my first, and it was struggle. I got him exclusively on the breast by about 4 months and nursed him for 15. I'm going strong at 21 months with my 2nd. Best of luck to you!! I KNOW how hard this is, and how absolutely exhausting. Hang in there!!

[DebbieJ]

Lisa,

It's totally public.

www.bfar.org

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
Breastfed for 20 months and 6 days

http://www.bfar.org/members/fora/style_avatars/Ribbons/18months-bfar.jpg