Got a breastfeeding/ lactation question?

Write to: LC Doris Fok c/o Q&A Lactation, MotherNeeds, 141 Lentor Street, Singapore 786838, or fax us at 6456-0031, or email info@motherneeds.com with "Ask LC Doris" as your subject heading.
Please keep your queries/questions to a maximum of 150 words.

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

Visit our Archives for breastfeeding topics previously addressed.

Copyright © 2004

Question 1:
Dear Doris,

I am mother to a 2-month old boy. My first experience with breastfeeding with my oldest son was not successful and it does not seem to be going well with my second son either. I breastfeed him before every feed and also express my breastmilk after that. When I express my breastmilk, I only yield a maximum 40ml of breastmilk each time. I am taking domperidone and fenugreek as prescribed by my doctor but my breastmilk level is still low. My son needs to drink 90 ml of breastmilk at each time. Does the fact that I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome put me at a disadvantage? I am at my wits' end. Please help.

Thank you,
Hui Ting

Answer 1:
Dear Hui Ting,

Please keep up your good efforts in giving breastmilk to your baby. Any breastmilk is better than none at all. If your baby needs 90ml of breastmilk every 3 hours, it means that he needs 30ml every hour, so if you are able to produce 40ml, then it means that you have succeeded in providing 44.4% of his needs. Persevere! Even though the amount may seem little to you, it will still be beneficial to your baby. You may continue to use domperidone which is the safest for breastfeeding, although you may need to adjust the dosage to increase its efficacy. Fenugreek as a galactogogue has not been as widely studied.

Having picos is a challenge, however it does not mean that you cannot breastfeed. Do breastfeed as much as you can, I have known of mothers with picos who successfully breastfed their babies.

Wishing you all the best.

Doris Fok

Question 2:
Dear Doris,

I freeze my expressed breastmilk in milkbags. When I thaw the frozen breastmilk for my baby's consumption, the breastmilk smells as if it has turned bad. I do not know why, and wonder what has happened to it. Can my baby still drink it?

Thank you,
Hwee Hong Ong

Answer 2:
Dear Hwee Hong,

This has happened to some mothers. It is thought that a particular enzyme in the mother's milk has caused the smell. In order to get rid of the smell, you need to bring your milk to a boil, before cooling it and placing it in the freezer. This should help to eradicate the smell. Yes, of course, your baby can drink the breastmilk. It is certainly not harmful, just rather smelly!

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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