Does induction affect milk production?

[Bringbring]

As the title says, does it?

I'm curious because I had a rocky start bf. after induction (x2 pessaries, arm, drip, the whole delightful experience). My milk didn't come in for 8-10 days and I had to start on domperidone.

I've googled but I can't find anything but I feel like there could be a link. I've asked virtually every medical professional I meet but the nhs is pretty crap around bf.

Happily my little man is a natural at bf so we're still going strong at eight months. However to get here I've had innumerable fights and struggles with my partner, hv's, gp and midwives and had so much soul searching with decision to bf.

If you know of any links please share, I'd love to feedback into the system to save others the drama

[JohFlow]

No I don't think induction affects milk production. I was induced in a similar way to you by the sounds of it. Was able to bf straight after birth. I am not sure why it took so long for your milk to kick in.

I studied anatomy as part of my holistic therapy training. This is what I think could help?

Prolactin (PRL) or Luteotropic hormone (LTH) is a peptide hormone primarily associated with lactation (milk production). In breastfeeding, the act of an infant suckling the nipple stimulates the production of prolactin, which fills the breast with milk via a process called lactogenesis, in preparation for the next feed. Oxytocin, another hormone, is also released, which triggers milk let-down.

Domperidone is traditionally a medicine to increase contractions in the gastro-intestine system. However; a side effect is that it interferes with the bodies natural process to restrict lactation. It also helps produce more prolactin.

Good for you - breastfeeding at 8 months. What a good job you are doing

[Bringbring]

That's sort of what I'm interested in, does the induction with the synthetic oxytocin affect or delay lactation. From my understanding in a normal delivery the oxytocin gets everything going after the placenta is delivered. Do you get the same cascade of hormones if you are induced?

Baby fed straight after birth and loads during the first week (until hospitalised and dr's stopped me from bf but that's another story) just no milk!

[Igloofornow]

I've had 3 synto inductions and no issues with milk production.

[BumgrapesofWrath]

This is interesting as my babies were both induced, and my milk didn't come in both times until the end of day 5, which, though not late, not particularly soon either.

[Bringbring]

Thanks very much Blackberry, In agreement with you link, I think induced labours can impact on breastfeeding. Really want to feed this back to my nhs trust as my pregnancy, birth and postpartum support has been so so poor. It's fine for me as I've bounced back nicely and have felt comfortable challenging hcp but even so I felt very very vulnerable and alone.

I also found this, hopefully the link works scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1112&context=scripps_theses

[FrussoNeedsGin]

Not in my experience.
Dc2, naturally went I to labour at 39weeks, milk came in on the 3rd night.
Dc3 induced (emergency) at 37wks, so had the works, milk came in on the 3rd night.

Dc1 was the odd one, went into labour naturally at 42weeks, but had to have the drip as contractions stopped and they couldn't leave me longer, milk came in on the 4th night.

I think 3-5 days is "normal".

[MrsNormanBates]

It didn't with me. Was induced with dc1 and not with dc2 but had no problems with my supply either time.