By Stacy Whitman
Concern over not having enough milk is one of the main reasons that breastfeeding mothers quit nursing. But two prescription drugs being used by some to boost production are a bad idea, top experts warn. Reglan, a heartburn medication, is sometimes used off-label to increase a mom’s milk supply, but there’s no proof that it works, says Richard Schanler, MD, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ section on breastfeeding. Plus, it comes with side effects, including depression, that are risky for postpartum women. Likewise, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautions against taking domperidone, another gastric drug that isn’t approved for any use in the United States. If you’re worried that you’re making inadequate milk, see a lactation consultant ASAP to check your technique. Since breast stimulation increases milk, also try feeding your baby more frequently or using your hand or a breast pump to extract a little milk before nursing.
