Domperidone

[AMR73]

My HV recommended I take domperidone to increase my breast milk supply. Would be interested in hearing about experiences of using it please.

[CelticPromise]

I've used it when my son was in SCBU. It worked for me, but there are plenty of other things to try too. Why does your HV think you need to increase your supply? Have you had any other bfing advice?

[silverangel]

I was presecribed it when DTs were in SCBU. It didn't work for me but they were delivered at 31+2 and I didnt start expressing for a week so I had a lot of issues! My doctor asnt thrilled about prescribing it - I had to present him with a case as to why I needed it.

[Bringbring]

I've just started on this today.

My ds is two weeks old and my milk still hasn't really come in. Currently we are mix feeding after spending a few nights on hospital for dehydration.

I was induced and I think this had an impact on my milk as I had massive water retention post birth. Community midwife support has been woeful (and dangerous) but hospital bf support nurse has been ace.

Would love to hear how others have got on with the drug

[BuntyCollocks]

I used it. My supply was fucked with DS thanks to a missed tongue tie. I was at one point on 4 tabs 4x per day, and managed to get a full supply.

[CountryMama]

Hi there, I hope this is helpful...

I have major milk supply issues and here's some of what I've tried. I have 3 dc's. 4,1 and 7 weeks.

I did use domperidone and another drug ( that gave me headaches) metro... something I thing. I also used herbal stuff. Feenagreek (sp??) and goats rue. The most useful ( but awkward and time consuming) thing I've discovered is a supplementary nursing system (commonly known as an SNS) this contraption allows you to breast and formula feed as the same time ( which means you make more milk). There is a web shop called 'express yourself mums which sells lots of useful things. Also a book I read 'making more milk' was very useful.

Really it all depends how determined you are. With dd1 I had little useful support or knowledge and lasted 3 months. With ds1 I was so stubborn and determined I really worked hard at it and lasted 7 months. But now with ds2 I am just too busy and tired to devote much time... So I don't see me lasting that long.

There are lots of good videos on the Internet which help.

I hope you find the right solution for you and your baby. Formula is not a failure or the enemy. Don't let this difine or undermine your relationship with your baby.

Good luck

[monkeypuzzeltree]

Because DS was back in hospital for a week at 3 weeks, the stress and a thrush infection caused major supply issues. My doctor prescribed it but not at the huge doses some have, he wouldn't entertain it, I took 3 tabs a day, took me until about 9 weeks to go from mix to ebm.

They worked but doc did say its 50/50 if they work. Younger the baby the better. Along side these I did have to feed feed feed and express and glug water. I stopped fenugreek as I couldn't stand the pong! Once supply was up and baby feeding well I stopped them, cutting one a day and all was fine and still is at 10 months! I'm amazed still!

[BuntyCollocks]

If you have any issues getting prescribed, google jack newman and his protocol for domperidone. He's the leading light in this area, and he advocates high doses, and has seen no side effects, where clinically indicated.

[AMR73]

Many thanks for your comments.

My HV prescribed domperidone as my baby had gone down a line on the weight chart (I was breastfeeding, then feeding what milk I had expressed after previous BF, followed by 30ml of formula- have been trying to cut out the formula). (A couple of days later, the Breastfeeding Advisor contacted me to discuss feeding and told me that it is not unusual for a BF baby to drop a line and then come back up and that his weight gain was absolutely fine!)

Am now taking domperidone and baby seems more satisfied so fingers crossed it will be effective.

[AMR73]

Thanks Welovegrapes! Gradually cutting back the formula and baby's weight was fine at last check.

[MimsyBorogroves]

I used it from DS being 2 months old because my supply dropped and try as I might, I couldn't increase it.

It did work - really well, in fact, particularly early on. I found I was having to wear breast pads again and that I would get quite a forceful letdown.

I'm still feeding him now he's 15 months old, so it definitely helped me to maintain feeding.

[PaleHousewifeOfCumbriaCounty]

Fenugreek is very good. I only needed a few days worth before i had to stop as i leaked and engorged again! In fact theres a load in my cupboard you can gladly have if u pm me your address :)

[MimsyBorogroves]

Fenugreek is very good, yes - but be warned it gives me a very bad case of the runs! Not sure how common a side effect that is.

[PaleHousewifeOfCumbriaCounty]

My sweat smelled curryish. Not so attractive.... But my gawd what a milk supply!

[AMR73]

Thanks PaleHouseWife. Have some fenugreek on standby but appreciate your offer. :-)