Emergency cesarian - low milk supply

[MinnieMoo]

I gave birth to my son on Feb. 21. He was 5 weeks premature. I had developed preclampsia with HELLP Syndrome and had to have an emergency cesarian. I was on magnesium sulfate for 24 hrs. following surgery. Despite all my efforts I have not been able to get my milk supply to come in. I am pumping as well as taking Reglan and Fenugreek. I am never able to get more than 1ml at each pumping. The Fenugreek has made a slight difference but nothing significant.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Could there be a correlation with the magnesium sulfate and the low milk supply?

Does anyone have any advice/suggestions for my situation?

[madelsmama]

Welcome!

Have you put the baby to your breast at all, or are you strictly pumping?

Did you have significant blood loss during your C-Section?

I found this little bit of an article that stated that a mom's supply was delayed by 10 days after being on Mag sulfate.
http://www.curehunter.com/public/pubmed8260059.do

Have you seen an IBCLC yet?

If you can get your baby to latch to your breast, start doing so often as well as pumping for 10 minutes or so afterward to stimulate supply. Rent a hospital grade double breastpump if possible. Eat oatmeal, as well as drink plenty of water.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html
www.lowmilksupply.org

[The_Market]

Those are good links. Please post with more questions if you want/need after reading them. You may also find better traffic on the General Board.

[BoobySnacks]

I also had a supply issue after having a c-section with DS. It only took about 3 days for my milk to come in and be plentiful with DD and she was vaginal. With DS, it took a good week to come in and I supplemented him at night after nursing him literally alllllll day long. At night it would just catch up to us both and I would have DH give him a bottle. I hated it, but after about 6-7 days, I had a ton of milk. I ate oatmeal and nursed on demand, constantly. Hang in there mama! The milk should come :)

[Josiahsmommy]

My son was 9 weeks premature. I was on the mag for 3 days. I also had an emergency c-section. I didn't have a problem at first, my problem came later. I don't know that the mag is what effected it or not. All I can say is do cuddle care! Skin to skin is the best thing possible for both you and your child. it takes some effort but try cuddling him while pumping. and when he is due to eat let him latch on for a few minutes to stimulate your breast and then supplement him. the bonding is good for you both and it will help your milk supply. And then try pumping after to further stimulate them. Most importantly remember that every mL counts. especially for preemies!

[lolabear]

it might be more the meds than the c/s, my milk came in before i left the hosp with all of my kids, my 2nd one i was so engorged the day after she was born they were bringing me cabbage leaves every hour to help.