Prescription Drugs: Should They Be Used To Increase Breast Milk Supply?
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You have taken that wonderful step of giving your baby the very best milk. But, along with all the other things to worry about for a newborn baby, you are now beginning to worry about your milk supply. Is the baby getting enough milk, what if my milk supply begins to decrease, what can I do to increase my milk supply, will I be able to provide my baby with milk when I return to work? These seem to be questions that loom in our minds from time to time during our breast milk adventure with our babies.
Throughout history mothers have faced these same issues, so whether it be ancient herbs or modern medicine, there is an answer for any worrying mother. However, are prescription drugs the answer that mothers should choose to help to increase supply?
There are several prescription drugs that mothers have used to assist with increasing milk supply. Mothers who are having problems with their milk supply may be experiencing low levels of the hormone prolactin. There are many factors that may contribute to the low levels of prolactin, such as stress, sleep deprivation, and other approved drugs, just to name a few. These drugs actually work by reducing these factors, in return, increasing the mother’s milk supply.
Two of the most popular drugs that are used to increase milk supply are Reglan and Domperidone. Each has been used successfully by many mothers. However, each of these drugs come with many side effects. Reglan seems to cause the most problems from diarrhea, nausea, and seizures to severe depression. Domperidone also has its share of side effects, such as headaches, abdominal cramps, and dry mouth. This drug has been created by compound pharmacies in the past. Yet, as of last year, the FDA released a warning to nursing mothers regarding the use of the unapproved drug, Domperidone.
Read the FDA's Warning here.
Though these drugs have been used effectively by many mothers to increase their milk supply, we must ask ourselves, “Are these side effects worth it?” Even with the immense information about these drugs, you should not consider using anything until you have consulted with your doctor.
Considering the numerous alternative options that mothers may choose to increase their milk supply, the chances that one must take when using these drugs probably are not worth it. Ancient herbs, home remedies, and good old common sense will probably increase milk supply just as well, without the risks involved with prescription drugs.
Therefore, before listening to strangers who state that Reglan or Domperidone is a miracle drug, talk to your doctors, listen to other mothers that you know, and just trust your own feelings. We must remember that we have made a wonderful decision to give our baby the very best milk, but we should not do so at the detriment of ourselves or our sweet baby.
Copyright 2006, Wendy Williamson
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