Umm - do I smell pancakes?!

So, to update on the lactation situation. I have been in touch with a lactation consultant who works at Children's Hospital in New Orleans. She seems to be up to date on research and quick with a response. She recommended Domperidone after going through the gambit of nutritional and herbal supplements with me with minimal success. She told me that at 4 to 6 months, many women experience a significant hormone fluctuation - incluing a possible drop in prolactin. She thinks this is what happened to me (umm - because I'm awesome like that.) So, thanks body - amazing - don't give me a break at any time - I might get too excited and take something for granted. ha.

So, domperidone...I phoned my doctor for a script. He'd never heard of it - go figure. Why had he never heard of it? Brace yourselves...it is not FDA approved. Ok - before utter panic sets in, may I just point out exactly how many things people take, eat, or spread over their bodies daily that are not FDA approved - this includes multi vitamins, herbs, etc. Now, think about all the things that the FDA does approve that are known to do harm...Ok, this is not about politics or a rant about the FDA - it is only about whether or not Domperidone is right for me.

I posted questions about it on the preemie mom forum I follow - all positive repsonses. I phoned my old roommate and very good friend about it - she took it in an effort to breast feed her son - positive feedback there too. But the real kicker (other than the unconditional recommendation by the lactation consultant?) The American Academy of Ped...recommends it OVER Reglan for it's ability to treat similarly without as many side effects - and without crossing the blood brain barrier.

I looked at the research sited by the FDA. There was a 1985 study done on continuous IV use of very high doses of Domperidone in Chemo pts. during their treatment. The patients had kidney, liver damage and hypokalemia (low potassium). 2 patients died of cardiac arrhythimias. The FDA shot the drug down.

It is now bought by Americans from Canada - with a script - or from the South Pacific - without a script.

Sound sketchy? I totally agree. But considering all of the research and feedback I've received, I feel it may be my last hope of improving my milk situation - it has increased some, but not near enough.

So the pancake thing - I have been taking Fenugreek, Mother's Milk Plus, I made a double batch of those cookies, I am continuing water intake and increasing the protein in my diet. The Fenugreek makes you smell like maple syrup - or Indian food - whatever you rather. At any rate, I taste pancakes all day long. I drink juice with Brewer's Yeast in addition to eating the cookies (umm - P.S. it is totally disgusting!). I take a nap every day and walk outside most days. In fact, there is really not a move I make without hoping it will increase my supply.

So, domperidone it is - I'll have to wait a couple of weeks for it to come in though. We'll see, I'll keep you posted.

In other news, Mary Louise is 7 pounds 13 ounces today - though her weight was done with her diaper on. She has a recheck with the cardiologist tomorrow morning.

Ma Mere and Pop are here to sit with David during the appointment. He is 6 pounds 6.5 ounces as of yesterday.

That's it for now!

XO, Heather