PCOS & Breastfeeding ?

artistmamma

Hello all! I have PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) & had done some reading that suggests women with this condition have a harder time breastfeeding because we produce too much testosterone, & therefore, not enough breast milk. I was wondering if any PCOS mommies could share their story & experience with me? Did you find this to be true for you, or no?

artistmamma

Anyone out there in the same boat with some experience or insight?

bluegrass_mommy

I have pcos as well but have never heard of this. My sister has it but didn't have any problems with her milk. I know of one cyster that I used to work with that had problems but she didn't drink any water so I just figured that was the problem. I would talk to a lactation consultant to see if they can give suggestions.

artistmamma

I will be taking a lactation class very shortly & plan to ask if PCOS can affect milk production or not. I'm sure it's one of those, "every woman's body is different," kind of issues. It's good to hear that your sister didn't have any problems breast-feeding. It gives me hope!

Thank you for sharing your insight!

Nebraskamommy2be

I have the same thing, I hope I can breast feed!

artistmamma

I hope you can, too, @Nebraskamommy2be. Is this your first baby & how far along are you? This is my third pregnancy, but the first 2 ended in m/c during the 1st trimesters. I'm about to hit 24 weeks tomorrow, due July 2nd - pregnant with a girl.

My sister also has PCOS, but her son wouldn't latch, so she tried pumping, and then dried up very quickly. It was less than a month. She had no choice but to formula feed after that.

Best of luck to all us future momma's!

Nebraskamommy2be

@artistmamma sorry to hear about your m/c! but congratulations on your baby girl.
As for me this is my first. A boy due June 3rd. I hope I can for at least a few weeks! But until you brought it to my attention I didn't know us w/ pcos it may be difficult.. I'm gona ask the doc on Tuesday!

artistmamma

@Nebraskamommy2be: I wish I could remember where I read that little factoid about PCOS. I do recall that it said "some" women "may" have a harder time breast-feeding due to increased levels of testosterone in the body. That this can make you produce less milk than a woman not afflicted with PCOS, on up to no milk at all.

Sounds like we both feel the same way about breast-feeding. I just want to do it for as LONG as my body will allow to give my baby the best start in life that I can!

Congrats on your little boy. I hope you have an easy delivery & find you can breast-feed like you want to, with no complications!

Eeyore

Depends when your pcos started, if at puberty then you may have problems with low milk supply. However some pcos can actually have to much milk.

one5one

I have pcos too. With my first I tried breast feeding. Was young & dumb. So it didn't work. Impatient. But as for my milk. My milk was there for over a tear at least. Not a bunch since I wasn't activly feeding but I probably could've tried back til she qas 2 I think. One dr said I could've been a wet nurse. I doubt pcos has ill effects on milk supply but all women are different with pcos or not. Ask as many drs nurses whoever as you can. I'm older & am definitely trying again!!

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lilacsiamese77

My best friend had severe PCOS and actually needed multiple fertility treatments to conceive. She breastfed both her kids for over a year with no problems and no supplementation. I'm sure you can do it!!