KatCarney

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Breastfeeding by Angie Best-Boss

For many women with PCOS, the most important issue is trying to have a baby. Fortunately, many women with PCOS are able to successfully carry a pregnancy to term and give birth to a healthy baby. Then the most important question becomes whether or not they can successfully breastfeed.

INCIID offers an extensive FAQ on PCOS that simply says that there are no adequate studies on the topic of PCOS and breastfeeding, but the hormone imbalances that go along with PCOS appear to reduce ones ability to breastfeed exclusively. However, the fact is that no one really knows this for sure. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that suggests there may be related problems, but lots of moms with PCOS successfully and exclusively breastfeed their children. In fact, the authors of this article, despite their PCOS, successfully and exclusively breastfed two children each with absolutely no problems.

Are There Problems?

No one knows for sure because there is so little research and no conclusive studies that have been conducted about how PCOS affects breastfeeding. Lesa Childers, a PCOSupport Chapter Development coordinator and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in private practice has done some preliminary work in the field. According to her article on OGBYN.net, in a recent casual survey of 39 mothers from two Internet PCO support groups, 67% reported making enough milk while 33% had aninsufficient supply. Of the poor production group, 67%produced very little at all. Interestingly, 1 out of 5 mothers in the sufficient supply group complained of problematic overproduction.

The problem with this information is that there are lots of reasons for low milk supply, not related to PCOS, including poor latch-on and inadequate nursing. Women with PCOS could simply be dealing with many of the same problems that all breastfeeding mothers can encounter. The other problem with the study is that the women self-reported the low-milk supply. In other words, they thought they didn't make enough milk, when in reality they might have. Childersexplains that this misperception often occurs during growth spurts, from ignorant and worrisome comments of friends and relatives about how often baby "should" be eating or how long baby "should" be sleeping at a particular age, which may result in a decision to supplement that causes baby to demand less and thus causes milk production to drop.

On the other hand, this same survey also indicated a slightly higher reported number of women who reported an overabundance of milk supply. Again, it is difficult to determine whether or not this was a direct cause of PCOS, whether or not this was an actual over-production of milk or if it was just perceived, and how, if at all, this affected the success of breastfeeding.

How does PCOS affect Breastfeeding?

There are several different thoughts about why theremay be possible problems nursing with PCOS. First, because of the abnormal hormones associated with PCOS during puberty, there may be poor development of breast tissue. Second, the high levels of androgens in the blood may have an effect on the hormone prolactin, which is primarily responsible for signaling the breasts to produce milk. Lastly, there may be a defect in the cellular receptors forprolactin in the breast tissue, either a primary defect (always there) or a defect due to the high levels of androgens. However, it is important to mention, that these are only possible theories and to date, there have been noconclusive studies that either support or negate any of these explanations.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is extremely beneficial to the infant. Research has shown that breastfeeding is uniquely suited to meet both the physical and emotional needs of the baby, breast milk provides an important source of immunological factors, and breastfed babies tend to have fewer illnesses and allergies. Furthermore, for the mother, breastfeeding can aid in the recovery from pregnancy and birth and cansometimes assist in losing pregnancy-related weight. In addition, INCIID also suggests that breastfeeding may improve glucose tolerance a short time after giving birth, sometimes even temporarily minimizing some of the PCOS-related symptoms.

What Do I Do?

Just because some women have difficulties nursing, doesn't mean you will. You should do what every nursing mom needs to do. Surround yourself with the best help and support you can find. Before you deliver, if you can, find a lactation consultant. After you deliver, you can still locate a lactation consultant for help or join a breastfeeding support group. They may not be knowledgeable about PCOS, but they can help with many other issues regarding low milk supply, latching on, breast or nipplediscomfort or pain, and other factors that can affect all nursing mothers.

Breastfeeding requires time, patience, and practice,especially in the early weeks. Both you and your newborn need to learn together how to nurse. Every woman and every infant are different so you need to establish a nursing pattern that will work for both of you, and this can take time. Remember that it can take two weeks or longer to feel comfortable nursing. If you are concerned that nursing isn't working for you, talk to your doctor and/or your child's pediatrician to make sure the baby is gaining enoughweight. As long as your baby is thriving, you should be able to continue trying. Also, breastfeeding isn't an all or nothing ordeal. Some women only want to nurse for a few weeks or months while others continue to nurse for a year or more.

You might also decide you want to alternate breastfeeding with formula feeding instead of exclusively breastfeeding. Only you can decide what is right for you and your baby.

Breastfeeding and PCOS Treatments

Health care providers discourage taking most medications while breastfeeding. This is especially true with those medications used to treat PCOS. You should not take insulin sensitizers, such as Metformin(Glucophage), while you are breastfeeding since these can transferred to the baby through breast milk. Also, most combined birth control pills are prohibited while breastfeeding since they can affect milk production. However, women who are breastfeeding are usually able to take progestin-only pills (also called mini-pills) for contraception purposes. Eventopical medications, such as Retin-A and Differin which are used to treat acne and Vaniqa which is used to treat unwanted facial hair, are not prescribed for women who are breastfeeding.

While you are breastfeeding, you might want to talk to your doctor how to best manage your PCOS symptoms without medications. Also, you also might want to discuss contraception options if you don't want to become pregnant right away since it is always possible to become pregnant while breastfeeding even if you don't get your period.

For More Information:

Women with PCOS who would like to participate infuture research studies can register at:http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lactreg/.

Source: http://www.breastandbaby.com/articlep1014.html

__________________