Got a breastfeeding/ lactation question?

Write to: LC Doris Fok c/o Q&A Lactation, MotherNeeds, 55 Hume Ave, #07-04, Singapore 598752, or fax us at 6877-1979, or email info@motherneeds.com with "Ask LC Doris" as your subject heading*

Doris will select 2 letters to be answered every month. Selected letters published here win a $12 gift certificate for purchases at our MotherNeeds online store.

Copyright © 2004

Question 1:
Dear Doris,
I am returning to work after my maternity leave. I would like to continue breastfeeding but am finding it increasingly difficult to feed my daughter breastmilk, as my milk supply seem to be dwindling every time I express. I pump 1 hour after each feed (in between direct feeds while I am at home). Is there a best time to express? Do I need to massage my breast to improve the letdown? Is there any way to increase my milk supply? I heard that Fenugreek can increase breastmilk. Is it safe to consume this? Are there any side effects? How much Fenugreek should I consume (in spice form or in capsule form)? Thank you. Christine Ang.

Answer 1:
Dear Christine,

It's commendable that you intend to continue breastfeeding your baby and providing your baby your expressed breastmilk. At the very latest, you could start storing your milk about one month before you are due to return to work, to start your own personal milk bank. You can express whenever your baby doesn't finish the second breast and store whatever you need in the fridge. You can then start collecting the next lot and store in the fridge but wait half and hour before you pour the second lot of expressed breast milk (ebm) into the first bottle. Try to limit this way of accumulating milk within a single day.

If breastmilk supply is an issue, then you could consider talking to your LC for suggestions on galactogogues to increase your supply. It is common to take fenugreek, though its side effects are not much studied. However, drugs have to be prescribed by the doctor.

Regards,
Doris Fok

Question 2:
Dear Doris,

I am currently breastfeeding my 1 year old son. I have long been a migraine sufferer. But ever since I gave birth, my migraine has been recurring more frequently and is more severe. I read that cafergot is not safe for breastfeeding mothers, is there any other medication or solution to ease my pain? I had to take so many precautionary measures such as wearing sunglasses all day to prevent the migraine, that it's disrupting my normal way of life. Thank you.

H. Y. Lee, Singapore

Answer 2:
Dear H.Y.,

This is a medical question which is best answered by your doctor. Let your doctor know that you would like to continue breastfeeding and request for a medication that is safe for your baby. There are many factors to consider with medication, ie. Your baby's age, weight and also the dosage, type of medicine and whether it has to be used for a long period of time. Best wishes to you.

Regards,
Doris Fok

*We regret that only 2 letters will be answered by Doris every month.

Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes a medical consultation or prescription or treatment of a medical or health condition. This column is prepared for general viewing and is published for general information only. It does not have regard to the specific medical or health condition, and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this information. Persons needing medical attention should seek advice from his/her healthcare practitioner regarding the appropriateness of information discussed or recommended in this column. Should you have a pressing question or issue concerning your medical or health condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner.

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