Low Milk supply and PCOS

I have a 2 week old son.  I have been breastfeeding him since day one.  He was doing fine in the hospital and the first couple of days at home.  Then about the 4th day he wasn't getting enough milk so we started supplementing with formula.  Called lactation consultant and they told me that it could be my thyroid adn to get that checked out first before we talk about the PCOS.  So I had it checked and adjusted meds have been on lower dose for about a week now.  I also started taking Fenugreek on Sat.  I pumped this morning to see what my supply is and only got 3/4 of an ounce.  What else should I do???  I am really getting frustrated and am about to call it quits.  Could I just not be able to produce a lot of milk due to my PCOS because I know that sometimes that can be a problem.

[Super_sally888]

Hello,

issue with using formula supplement, is that it really set's you up to further reduce milk supply.  

What I was advised (also have pCOs and thyroid) and did have low milk supply, was to feed the baby on demand, even if this means feedling every hour.  This will increase the milk supply and it will go up over a couple of days.  It's generally a demand and supply situation.

Also please know that what you can pump is not a reflection of how much milk you have available.  The baby is much more efficient at getting milk out of you than the pump.

Pumping is no indication of supply!  So please don't give up.  try also typing in kelly mum to your browser - can't put the link in here, they won't alow.  That site also has heaps of info about breastfeeding.

Others here will chime in.  HOpe this does help a little.

Best wishes

[skepticalpeach]

I know you mentioned that you tried pumping once, but sometimes it takes more than once. I had to pump a couple times every day, it took a lot of dedication and hard work. PCOS can cause complications with breastfeeding though, so you should probably keep supplementing with formula. I know it's not ideal, but if your baby is even getting some breast milk it is better than none. Formula is fine, but it really can't compare to mother's milk. Try finding someone who has breastfed before who can coach you through it. It really helps to have a cheerleader.

[Helen72]

I had a similar problem without any PCOS.  I had to pump day and night to increase my milk production.  Nevertheless, I was never able to b/f exclusively.