Has anyone taken Domperidone to help with milk production? I have an 8.5 week-old and have been struggling with milk production from the start. I have tried so many things to help with no success: pumping, SNS, fenugreek, mother's milk tea, lactation cookies, oatmeal, root beer, been seen by 2 lactation consultants, had him evaluated for tongue-tie by 2 specialists (he's not), had my hormones and thyroid checked (I'm fine). I am still doing the fenugreek/oatmeal/cookies/pumping. I even emailed Dr. Jack Newman - and he recommended that I start taking Domperidone.
I'm very hesitant to turn to a drug, but I don't feel there are many things left for me to try to get my milk up. I know supplementing isn't the end of the world. But I would feel a lot letting him control when he's had enough - he wants to nurse a lot (even when I'm "empty") and it's hard to decipher how much of the time he wants comfort vs. food. If the food supply was to actually be there for him so he could control when he's had enough, I'd feel better.
I don't want to take Reglan because of the depression side effect. I've read better things about Domperidone (e.g. on kellymom). I know that it's not FDA-approved and I'm not a fan of that, but it is approved in many countries and the FDA's disapproval was based upon the drug used intraveneously (which I'd not be doing). I've found a pharmacy that will compound it.
Anyone with personal experience taking this? I'm mostly worried about the side effects, primarily to the baby.
Thanks in advance.
A.:
Dom is taking all over the world. it is non script in much of the world...
P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
800 LACTATE
I too had the same issue and I took Blessed Thistle (found at whole foods) along w/the Fenugreek. It seemed to help me.
Good luck!
J.
A.,
Congratulations on your little one and your dedication to breastfeeding! I began taking Domperidone when I returned to work part-time (2 days a week) at 3 months postpartum. My milk supply took a nosedive when I started pumping during the day instead of nursing and I wanted to be able to pump enough to supply my son with breastmilk in my absence. I was determined to avoid formula and tried a whole host of things (everything you described) before turning to medication.
I tried Reglan and had some pretty serious side-effects - shaking, restlessness, nausea, etc... so a lactation consultant suggested the domperidone. It worked well - within a few days I noticed an increase in the amount I could pump - I think I went from 2 or 3 ounces to 5 or 6 in one pumping session. You have to be pretty religious about taking it - I would notice a difference right away if I missed a dose or two. I had no side effects at all.
I obtained a prescription from my ob/gyn and ordered it from canadianpharmacy.com. They provided 500 tablets for around $100. I took 2 tablets 3-4 times a day. When I quit my job I stopped taking it and my milk supply has been fine ever since. There is also a pharmacy in Naperville that has the 10mg capsules pre-made but their prices are much higher than the Canadian pharmacy.
Hope this info helps! Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions - I am happy to discuss this more if you would like.
T.
I have no experience with this drug but I have had years of breastfeeding experience. I can tell you that the more stress you experience the less milk you produce. Would you consider an alternative like hypnosis? In one session you can learn to alleviate stress. The more relaxed you become the more you will allow milk "let down" & production.
I took it when I returned to work/pumping with my second child. A local pharmacy compounded it for me. It was more effective than Reglan, which I had taken for pumping with my first child. It was right after I filled the prescription that it got some press as a "non-approved" drug, but I read about its use in other countries and discussed it with my midwife and felt that it was fairly safe. I don't remember much more about it - I had no unpleasant side effects, though.
