XP: Breastfeeding & PCOS

CGoldman96

Just curious if there is anyone on here that has PCOS and was able to successfully breastfeed? We went to our breastfeeding class tonight and were told that often women with PCOS don't have any milk come in. Just looking for some insight. TIA!

Temp123197812503460

Yep. Pcos and successfully feading twins without supplementing for 11 months. I credit a few things to not having supply issues - lots and lots of nursing on demand when the babies were little, and even more when they had growth spurts, not offering formula even when one was gaining weight on the slower side of the curve (but still gaining), and support from my family.Good luck!

CGoldman96

Thank you for the insight!  There is hope for me then!

bearfootz

I didn't have any luck   But really, it was probably a combination of factors.  I met with a lactaction specialist - which I'd recommend you do right away.  But they said that since the twins were early (and not latching on), I had gotten shots to stop contractions, had a c-section, and had pcos that the combination of everything was probably not working in my favor.  I called my RE and he didn't agree that the PCOS should cause many problems and recommended some supplements.  But unfortunately, my supply never came in and after 6 wks of pumping threw in the flag.

Anyways, I hope that it does work for you, but wanted to share so that if for whatever reason it didn't work you don't feel alone.  If I do have another baby, then I'll give it another try. 

trish3905

I EBFed for 12+ months.  I did a breastfeeding class, I utilized the lactation consultants who work at my hospital after I delivered, and I pumped after every feeding the first few weeks to build my supply.  It was exhausting in the beginning but well worth it in the long run.  My twins were full term, but one had latching issues and needed supplementation (pumped milk) for the first few weeks.

I've heard that some women with PCOS have low supply, while others have oversupply.   

Nmschultz

YUp! I had no issues with my daughter, and had quite a supply. I was able to stockpile a huge supply as well.

CGoldman96

trish3905:

I EBFed for 12+ months.  I did a breastfeeding class, I utilized the lactation consultants who work at my hospital after I delivered, and I pumped after every feeding the first few weeks to build my supply.  It was exhausting in the beginning but well worth it in the long run.  My twins were full term, but one had latching issues and needed supplementation (pumped milk) for the first few weeks.

I've heard that some women with PCOS have low supply, while others have oversupply.   

Yeah, I did a bunch of reading last night and came across this as well.  I met with a lactation consultant yesterday evening.  She will not be at the hospital where I deliver, but invited me to come see her anytime afterwards.  I really liked her so I hope I can visit with her some more after delivery as well.  Hopefully the lactation consultant at the hospital where I'll be delivering will be helpful as well!

Temp123197812503460

It's awesome that you are looking into the LC beforehand, it will be great to already have someone when you are so tired but need to talk to someone.Another resource could be la leche league meetings. I went to one at around one or two months, I really wanted to get out of the house some but I couldn't tandem feed in public, it was a great place to go and talk to people where I also felt comfortable nursing with my giant pillow and shirt pulled up,

JustcallmeGG2

After my breastfeeding class, I was worried about this too for the ENTIRE REST OF MY PREGNANCY.  it sucked.

but, what do you know... i have a pretty good supply!!!!! 

ETA:  Right now i am just pumping, but hope to resume trying to BF now that the twins are a little bigger.  They really want our girl to gain more weight, so i need to monitor how much she is eating. 

Also. my twins came at 35 weeks and I had a C-section and my milk still came in. 

CGoldman96

JustcallmeGG2:

After my breastfeeding class, I was worried about this too for the ENTIRE REST OF MY PREGNANCY.  it sucked.

but, what do you know... i have a pretty good supply!!!!! 

ETA:  Right now i am just pumping, but hope to resume trying to BF now that the twins are a little bigger.  They really want our girl to gain more weight, so i need to monitor how much she is eating. 

Also. my twins came at 35 weeks and I had a C-section and my milk still came in. 

How long did it take for your milk to come in?  They told me mine might be further delayed due to gestational diabetes.

JustcallmeGG2

CGoldman96:

JustcallmeGG2:

After my breastfeeding class, I was worried about this too for the ENTIRE REST OF MY PREGNANCY.  it sucked.

but, what do you know... i have a pretty good supply!!!!! 

ETA:  Right now i am just pumping, but hope to resume trying to BF now that the twins are a little bigger.  They really want our girl to gain more weight, so i need to monitor how much she is eating. 

Also. my twins came at 35 weeks and I had a C-section and my milk still came in. 

How long did ittake for your milk to come in?  They told me mine might be further delayed due to gestational diabetes.

it started to come in on the last day I was at the hospital... which was day 4 or 5.