AskDrSears Logo
homeabout searsbooksnewsletterfaqsresourcesnewsstorecontact us
what's newregular featurespediatric newsDoctor's Diaries


Search


pregnancy & childbirth
breastfeeding
bottlefeeding
feeding infants & toddlers
family nutrition
discipline & behavior
fussy babies
sleep problems
childhood illnesses
medicine cabinet
a to z index
GoFish Omega 3 DHA Attachment Parenting Vaccines Lean

 


Breastfeeding

  • Sign-up for E-Newsletter
  • Special Offers
  • Send to a Friend
close
   
Get important information and valuable advice from the Dr. Sears Family
Email:
First Name:
Would you also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
Yes No


Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.
close
Balboa Sling

Dr. Sears Original Baby Sling, by Balboa Baby
Same safety features you’ve come to trust, new updated design. Seven new patterns to choose from. Designed to grow, Dr. Sears Original Baby Sling, by Balboa Baby, offers comfort and hands-free motion while promoting boding.

Introductory Special $10.00 off exp 07/31/08
discount code: newsling

Click here to order.


*Not valid in conjuction with any other offers.
close
Your Information:
Email:
First Name:
Please send me your newsletter
I would also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
    Send to:
Email:
First Name:
Message to friend:



Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.
MEDICATIONS TO HELP MAKE MILK

Medications that boost levels of milk-making hormones, such as prolactin, can boost a mother's milk supply in situations such as relactation, or adoptive nursing or when a mother has been trying to maintain a milk supply by pumping for a baby who can't feed at the breast. The medication with the best record for being effective is 10 milligrams of metoclopramide (Reglan), 3-4 times a day, for 4 to 14 days, and then gradually tapering off the dosage. The effect of this medication on milk production varies considerably from mother to mother, with some mothers experiencing a doubling of milk supply and others experiencing little to no effect. When the medication is stopped, the milk supply often declines, yet it usually remains higher than the pre-medication level. Metoclopramide is generally safe for baby. In fact, it is used as a medication for gastroesophageal reflux, even in premature infants. A word of caution. Metaclopramide is not without it's side effects. Seizures have been reported in breastfeeding mothers taking this medication. Be sure to consult a doctor experienced with this medication. Other occasional side effects that mothers may experience are: anxiety, diarrhea, depression, headache, restlessness, and fatigue. These side effects can be minimized by lowering the dosage.

The use of other medications is still in the experimental stage. Human growth hormone has been shown to increase breastmilk production in mothers of premature infants. This is similar to what the dairy industry does by administering bovine growth hormone. The dosage used in one study was 0.2 IU per kilogram per day, to a maximum of 16 IU per day for seven days injected subcutaneously. It is expensive, but preliminary research shows that this is a promising treatment. Also in the research stage is the use of thyroid-releasing hormone which has been shown to increase prolactin levels. Oxytocin nasal spray which stimulates the milk- ejection reflex, yet it is no longer widely available. If you have a special situation that seems to warrant the use of medication to increase your milk supply, consult your doctor. These medications should be used in combination with other techniques for building up mother's milk supply, especially increasing the frequency of nursing or pumping.

   
Home | About Sears | Books | Newsletter | FAQs | Resources | News | Store | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy    

AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.

© Copyright 2006 AskDrSears.com. All Rights Reserved.