PCOS & Prenatal Instruction

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I do some private prenatal breastfeeding instruction and I see many moms that have PCOS or fertility issues. I'm considering adding a slide to my presentation that talks about what we know about maximizing breastmilk production with issues like PCOS. My personal paradigm is that knowledge is power. I like to know as much as I possibly can about something because I feel like it gives me (in the role of patient) more control. However, I know other LC's who believe that too much information, especially when we don't have reliable methods to consistently predict outcomes, can create added stress and in some cases self fulfilling prophecies when mom might be just fine.

What do you do? Which side of the paradigm do you fall on? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks! -- Carroll, MA, IBCLC

I'm considering a slide that looks something like this... (this is at the brainstorming level right now, so don't eat me alive please)

—Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

â—¦May impact production: 1/3 high, 1/3 normal, 1/3 low

â—¦Maximizing milk supply

–Practice good breastfeeding management

–Eat a healthy diet that minimizes insulin resistance & excess weight gain

–Practice good stress management and self care

–Postpartum herbal supplements

–When medically appropriate and with dr's prescription…

â—¦Metformin therapy throughout pregnancy and postpartum

â—¦Progesterone supplementation, 1st trimester or throughout pregnancy