Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a condition that is starting to get some recognition. It primarily causes acne, oily skin, facial hair growth, menstrual problems, and weight gain. On an even deeper level, it affects fertility and can cause miscarriages.
PCOS can cause many uncomfortable symptoms. It increases male hormones that can result in breasts not fully developing and can affect breastmilk supply.
Several top leading doctors and lactation consultants in the country have discovered links between PCOS and low milk supply. Unfortunately though for most of us, we don't have connections to these specialists. Many doctors don't understand PCOS and as a result can give inaccurate information to PCOS moms that are having nursing problems.
PCOS affects breastfeeding and milk supply many times because the body never fully formed the necessary tissue for breastfeeding. Not to mention that with extra male hormones, it makes it harder for a woman's body to produce breastmilk. Many times a breastfeeding mom finds that she isn't give any useful advice when experiencing low milk supply, especially if it's due to PCOS. There have been many breastfeeding moms to switch to formula because they were told that they couldn't make enough milk and just to quit breastfeeding.
Just because mom has PCOS though isn't a reason to quit breastfeeding. Even if mom has PCOS, is exclusively pumping, and working, there are still ways to keep your milk supply up.
The first thing you would want to do is set up an appointment with your gynecologist. It wouldn't hurt to ask when you called if they are familiar with PCOS. Your doctor can prescribe medication to help control the PCOS.
To increase your milk supply, make sure that you are breastfeeding often. Some babies like to sleep all the time, but you want to make sure you are breastfeeding every 2 to 3 hours. If baby is still asleep, you can gently wake baby up and offer the breast. To make milk, you have to be using it. Otherwise you will notice a decrease in breastmilk supply.
For the best breastmilk supply possible, you simply want to breastfeed all the time. Don't worry about pumping or anything else. Take a breastfeeding vacation and simply nurse often and for as long as baby wants. Create a comfortable breastfeeding space for yourself. My recommendation is right in front of the tv with a side table to hold supplies.
If you have noticed a decrease in milk supply already, start using something herbal like Breastea. Breastea contains several herbs that are recommended for use in increasing milk supply. Many moms have found that Breastea increases their breast milk supply to the level that they need to feed baby and then some. Just steep one tea bag in a one gallon container and drink a glass every 3 to 4 hours. You should start to see a change in milk supply within 12 to 24 hours.
If you are exclusively pumping, make sure to use a hospital grade breast pump every 2 to 3 hours for fifteen minutes at a time. This is every important, and you don't want to skip even one pumping. When exclusively pumping, the truth is it's simply harder to keep up your milk supply. Many moms notice a major decrease in milk supply as time goes by. You can counteract those effects by simply using a good herbal product like Breastea. Again for best milk supply, make sure to pump often and drink Breastea.
Some research has found that Goat's Rue can increase breast tissue, thus allowing the breastfeeding mom to make more milk. I would recommend using this in conjunction with Breastea. Each herb has some benefit and by using it all together, they are giving you the best possible chance for a healthy and full breastmilk supply.
PCOS can make things a little more difficult when breastfeeding, but it's not something that can't be worked with.
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