Hey mumma's
Looking for some advice from those who have taken Motilium to boost their milk supply.
I've been prescribed it because for some reason at just over 3 weeks, it looks like my supply has really slowed down. I'm a little unsure about taking it as I've heard it's actually been banned in some countries because of the possible side effects, but doctor says it's perfectly safe for short term use. Part of me feels that if I can't produce enough naturally, I shouldn't force it and should transition him to formula - but I also really want him to have the benefits of breastmilk for at least a few months.
Bit of background - The first week bub was tracking really well in weight, now he is not under-weight, but in the last 11 days he has only put on around 100g, and he's been checked and is fine, so it's me.
I can have him feeding for almost 2 hours straight and he will still not be settled. I swap sides every time he comes off til he won't take it anymore - put him down, then after 5-10 mins he will cry and won't stop until I feed him again. I've been pumping about 3 times a day after each feed to stimulate to get more milk - have tried to do more but I just don't have the energy.
I do have a lot of anxiety about breastfeeding, because it's still really painful on the one side, to the point it brings tears to my eyes, and because he feeds for so long each time, it doesn't get a chance to heal. I also cannot feed him while we are out, because I currently need about 5 pillows to prop him up to the right position where it's not so painful.
I'm leaning more towards starting to top him up with formula after each feed, but then worry the formula won't agre with him. If take the medication and it doesn't work, I feel I have wasted precious time he should have been on formula so he gets what he needs.
What's worked for others who have had this issue?
9 Replies
You might find this article helpful
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/breastfeeding/motilium-domperidone-for-bre...
Only you can decide what you want to do, if you want to switch to formula, and feel more comfortable in doing that, then go for it.
Thanks, I've done a lot of research, was just hoping that any mum's who have taken it themselves can share their experience.
I took it when I had my first. My daughter had a tongue tie which affected her latch and feeding which in turn affected my milk supply. I was taking the motilium and advised to pump every 2 hours (even at night even though bub was sleeping) and was also giving formula top ups because she was still hungry. Basically I exhausted myself and you're not going to make milk when you're that exhausted and stressed.
In the end what worked for me was - I stopped taking the tablets, I started using a nipple shield so she could attach properly and my nipples could heal, and I topped her up with formula. Eventually I was able to get rid of the shields but I continued mixed feeding because I never seemed to get to the point of having a full supply. At 8 months we went full formula
I also made lactation biscuits which helped a bit too
I've been using nipple shields but it's still painful, and as soon as it heals and I stop using them, they crack again. It's so strange because he latches perfectly fine on the right side I don't even feel it, but something about the left, no matter what position I use just doesn't work. Have been to breastfeeding support groups and even the midwives can't figure out why.
Oh hun that sucks. We used nipple shields until she was about 8 weeks old and then her mouth being bigger seemed to result in a better latch.
What about pumping from the sore side while you feed on the other side and then bottle feed what you've just pumped..?
I just started doing this today - unfortunately it's still not enough,
20 mins of pumping and max I get is 20ml - he scoffs that and then gets even more upset when there's no more. Makes me think that him being on the boob for 40mins is a waste of time because he's clearly not getting enough.
I think at this point my only option is to top him up with formula, take the medication, and if it works I can pump enough to keep him satisfied.
Sounds like a good plan. You do what works for you guys. Good luck x
Have A beer, something in it helps mums milk production and 1 beer won't effect bub (old school method but did work for me)... or you could top baby up with formula after breastfeeding... Don't feel bad if u can't continue to breastfeed, a fed baby is the best way.. doesn't matter witch way u feed them... I am not sure about the meds, but I'd hesitate if it's been banned for bad side effects else where. Best of luck mumma