Low Milk Supply - Emotional and Hormonal Issues

[stgertrude]

In spite of tons of preparation, herbal supplements, lined up support, proactive approaches (SNS, pumping, etc.), I am experiencing low milk supply again with my second baby. My DD is 2 weeks old, and I'm still working diligently to build a supply, but without supplementation she was not gaining and not pooping. Again, my milk didn't seem to come in correctly, and though there is some there, it is not nearly enough.

I really thought that a combination of factors contributed to my issues last time, and had prayed this wouldn't happen again. Unfortunately, it isn't any easier this time, and in some ways feels more heart wrenching than it did the first time, because of all the planning and hoping I did that this time would be different. To all of you experiencing this, ; I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. Some days are easier than others, for sure, but I struggle every moment with this, feeling as though my depression and the insane routines (SNS, pumping, etc.) interferes with my bonding and enjoyment of my daughter.

Anyway, I'm posting here because I'm one of those people who has a hard time accepting that things just are the way they are - I feel like I need a concrete answer as to why my body doesn't work correctly. I'm also confused because my breasts DID grow during pregnancy, at least 2 cups sizes, and they do not meet the typical IGT profile. For me, it seems like there is some hormonal issue that prevents my milk from fully coming in and making it fast enough, because it *seems* as though they developed properly during pregnancy.

I have a history of anxiety disorder, and I was also very sick during my pregnancies, with extreme hyperemesis (I had to have a PICC line for several weeks) this last time. Does anyone else feel that their low milk supply is primarily a hormonal rather than a physical thing? I know they can be related, as well. I did have my thyroid checked last time and it was ok, and I don't have PCOS, so those type of hormonal causes can be ruled out. I guess I will never know the real cause, but it's so frustrating to me that more $$ and resources can't be devoted within the medical community to this issue, which seems to be becoming more and more common! I have a hard time believing that SO many women simply have IGT. To me, this explanations seems a blanket label to place on many women who've tried everything, but haven't had luck with full milk supplies. I mean, there are obvious cases, for sure, but I feel that there is more to it than this. Any thoughts?

[etsdtm99]

have you read Diana West's Making More Milk? there might not be any new information in there for you but i feel like it really covers all known t he possibilities ..  i attended a conference where she spoke last summer and she mentioned that most labs / doctors use a scale made for middle aged men to compare thyroid numbers and they are just not accurate for pregnant/lactating women! this is apparently fairly new and still being debated but it cant be ruled out without knowing..  (page 132 making more milk)

[stgertrude]

I do have the Making More Milk book, but I hadn't read the part about the thyroid scales being based on middle aged men. This is interesting because though my levels were considered "normal" after my last pregnancy, I had a lot of hypothyroid symptoms, so I may actually have some thyroid issues. Thanks for the insight about this.

[etsdtm99]

i don't think the part about men was in the book - just the part about how they are changing the 'ok' numbers - the part about men was in Diana West's talk at the conference session i went to - hope it helps :) 

[gemasita]

I am with you that so much more research needs to be done because it seems odd that so many women would have IGT.  I DIDN'T have breast growth during pregnancy but I don't fit the physical profile of IGT so I am still wondering what my true cause of low milk supply is.  I had my thyroid checked several times postpartum because I have a thyroid condition but it was always fine.

The one thing that I am still wondering about is insulin resistance.  I read Making More Milk and was disappointed that I didn't find an "answer" in there but I am overweight and hypoglycemic and I think that insulin resistance wouldn't be too much of a stretch.  I do NOT have PCOS.  My baby is 8 months old now so I haven't pursued it beyond reading about it.

[stgertrude]

gemesita,  I have wondered about insulin resistance as well, or estrogen dominance, or adrenal exhaustion, pituitary issues, etc.  There are so many hormones that are involved in breastfeeding, both during and after pregnancy, so if even one of these hormones is impaired, that could make the difference between a lot of milk and a little.  I'm not overweight, but clearly something is not working right hormonally, and it sucks that there are few (if any) definitive tests that can be done to figure out what, exactly, is going on with us low supply mamas.  I find it frustrating that tons of research is devoted to things like erectile dysfunction, yet, we largely seem to remain in the dark about breastfeeding dysfunction! Shows where the world's priorities lie, I guess! 

[veggiemomto2]

I am struggling greatly with supply as well - no known answer and on MAJOR supplements! Had them all lined up this time for right after birth. Just wanted you to know you aren't alone. I can't help but be so envious of those able to produce enough to feed their babies. Some produce enough to feed a family. I'd give just about anything to just satisfy my baby at the breast. You aren't alone.

[gemasita]

Originally Posted by stgertrude 

gemesita,  I have wondered about insulin resistance as well, or estrogen dominance, or adrenal exhaustion, pituitary issues, etc.  There are so many hormones that are involved in breastfeeding, both during and after pregnancy, so if even one of these hormones is impaired, that could make the difference between a lot of milk and a little.  I'm not overweight, but clearly something is not working right hormonally, and it sucks that there are few (if any) definitive tests that can be done to figure out what, exactly, is going on with us low supply mamas.  I find it frustrating that tons of research is devoted to things like erectile dysfunction, yet, we largely seem to remain in the dark about breastfeeding dysfunction! Shows where the world's priorities lie, I guess! 

Yes, it's very frustrating that the answers are not out there and not a lot of research is being done.  I did ask about pituitary disease but apparently it would be hard to get pregnant with that?  To complicate things, I did have infertility but it was tubal, not hormonal.  So many people thing in my case it's linked but it's not.  But, like you, I believe there must be something hormonal going on.  insulin resistance or estrogen dominance or adrenal exhaustion...all could make sense for me too.  Ugh.