Reglan to Increase Breast Milk

Some mothers who attempt to breastfeed struggle with low milk supply, which can be the effect of multiple issues by either mother or baby. Doctors can prescribe Reglan to increase milk supply if other attempts to solve the problem have failed.

Low Milk Supply in Nursing Mothers

Milk supply can cause disappointment and depression in mothers. Breasts feeling emptier than usual, the behavior of the baby, amount of nursing, length of nursing sessions and amount a mother is able to pump are common worries but not always signs of milk supply issues. If a baby is not gaining enough weight, or not having enough wet and dirty diapers a mother should then be concerned about milk supply. A doctor can help mothers decide whether supply is a problem and how to help.

Causes of Low Milk Supply

Low milk supply can be caused by supplementing the nursing baby's diet with bottles. It is recommended that mothers only offer the breast, especially during the early weeks while the milk supply is being established. Pacifiers can cause nipple confusion and lead to a baby not nursing enough to increase the mother's milk supply. Frequent nursing is important in establishing breastfeeding with a newborn. Short nursing sessions or too much time in between nursing can also reduce supply. Breast milk is made on a supply-demand basis, meaning the more a baby nurses the more milk is produced. Trying to keep babies on a strict nursing schedule can interfere with the body's ability to produce enough milk. Problems with the baby's tongue or latch can cause inadequate nursing and lead to lowered supply.

Information about Reglan

Reglan is a medication commonly used for reflux and diabetic gastroparesis. This medication increases the muscle contractions within the digestive track. Reglan is also commonly prescribed by doctors to increase milk supply in nursing mothers. This is because Reglan increases prolactin, the hormone in the brain that causes milk production.

Reglan Side Effects

Common side effects of Reglan include drowsiness or insomnia, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, breast swelling and changes in menstruation. The rare but more serious side effects include muscle tremors, stiff muscles, depression, hallucinations, anxiety, water retention, jaundice and seizures. Any of these side effects are serious and mothers should seek immediate medical care. No side effects have been reported in infants of breastfeeding mothers, but moms should watch for drowsiness and poor feeding.

Tips for Increasing Milk Supply

Before prescribing Reglan, doctors may recommend other methods for increasing milk supply. One method is to make sure that the baby is nursing often and efficiently. Moms should make sure that the baby is not falling asleep at the breast. This can be done by tickling a baby's chin to encourage sucking, or changing the diaper of a sleepy baby before nursing. Some mothers may need to spend a few days laying in bed with the baby all day and offering the breast constantly. Not supplementing is a great way to promote a healthy milk supply. Pumping between nursing sessions can signal the body that it needs to produce more milk. Mothers should stay hydrated, and avoid giving young babies pacifiers or bottles.