Breastfeeding problems and IVF?

[nj_mom]

So based on everyon's updates, it seems 50/50 that folks are breastfeeding vs bottle-feeding. And it appears some of you, like me, are having issues with milk supply. One of my lactation consultants suggested this may have to do with hormones: either the issue that caused me to seek IVF or all the treatment I was on while undergoing IVF. Anyone else have this suggested to them? She also suggested my problem could be part psychological, due to trauma (when I lost the twins, I got my full breast milk and had no one to feed). I am still plugging away at aggressively pumping and taking Reglan and Fennugreek, but I only get 5 ounces a day at most. Very upsetting. Anyone else care to share their details?

On a brighter note, Zoe is certainly thriving! At her one month visit, she weighed 9 lbs 3 oz, was 23 inches long (95th percentile for height) and met all her milestones. She is even smiling at us now--not gas or random smiles--which is ahead of schedule. I am not due to return to work until late May but I am already having separation fears. Love my girl!!

[NicoleW09]

@Caralea Domperidone is a prescription. Your ob or midwife can prescribe it. It's a bit expensive though and has to be compounded.

[kele1129]

I had IVF for ODS and had a great nursing relationship for 14 months until he self weaned.

[Caralea]

I wish I had the time to stay at home and pump hourly so I could increase my supply. But the local LC doesnt think my supply will go up much more. I've tried special blend & fenugreek seed, but not really had much luck.

I am just tooo stuborn to give up yet. My baby will be 10weeks Friday.

[sandrino]

I breastfed for the first three days and then it became apparent that my milk supply was too low for Syd.  I ended up pumping for four months after trying natural and prescripton galactogens (sp?)and various appts with my lactation consultant.  At no point was a ivf mentioned as the culprit but I have a friend who recently told me that was what her lactation consultant said.  Friend said that she pumped about 20hours a day in the beginning because she was strying to have enough for twins.  They were in the NICU and she ended up losing one. She made it to one year breastfeeding. She was told  that women who do ivf generally have trouble or are unable to breastfeed.  She thought it was problems with hormones early in the pregnancy.  I have every intention of trying much harder the next time around now that I know what to expect.  My other friend who did ivf did not succeed with breastfeeding and stopped at three months.  she was pumping almost hourly the last month and getting only a few oz.

[Caralea]

I have been fighting through the pumping and BF, boy it hasnt been easy. I pump 6-8x per day and get around 16-22oz/day. I love my baby girl and will do anything for her- I just wish I was one of those mommys that could feed a village. I am most positive the hormones are doing it. I have PCOS and my hormones are always goofy- I've had one cycle since her birth and she is 9 1/2 weeks already. She just was weighed today at the Lactation appointment and was 10lbs 10oz. We're battling with her weight, but also working on a proper latch. I can nurse w/o a sheild- but still a little sore.

Elixis- what is Domperidone? Is it prescription only?

[Elixis]

Domperidone has been great to me. I went from 4oz daily to 25oz in about a week.
Everyones different I guess. I never had IVF though, just kinda lost the supply after a few weeks. Probably not pumping enough at xmas. I'm still pumping  a full supply. She just won't latch.

[happynifer]

i did IVF and have had no issues breastfeeding at all.  in fact i have a bit of an over supply problem since i had to start pumping to go back to work. i have over 200 ounces of milk in the freezer right now...
lillian was 11 lbs 15 oz at my 6 week appt yesterday :)

[NicoleW09]

I was on Clomid and had a low supply of breastmilk the first go around. I started relactating and it took a lot of work on m part, but my supply was even lower. I would onl get 1 ounce total a day. I was on reglan, domperidone, fenugreek, and blessed thistle. I think the hormones definitely play an important role.

[nj_mom]

Oops, that should read 9 lbs 13 ounces for her one month appointment. At 6 weeks now, she is well over 10. Goodbye, newborn clothes and diapers :( They grow too fast.