Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS can not only impact your ability to get and stay pregnant, it can also affect your ability to breastfeed. Dr. Carly Dulabon, director of Breastfeeding Medicine at Akron Children’s shares what you should know about PCOS and breastfeeding.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that occurs in women. It causes excess male hormones. These hormones can cause symptoms like irregular periods, acne, weight gain and difficulty with fertility. PCOS is a common cause of infertility and can increase your risk of developing other conditions like high blood pressure.
Breastfeeding and PCOS: How does PCOS affect milk supply?
PCOS can cause a low milk supply. This is due to hormonal imbalances, which occur with the condition, and can interfere with milk production. Excess estrogen or testosterone from PCOS can work against milk production. Some people with PCOS also don’t have enough breast tissue with milk glands, which can result in low milk supply. If you have PCOS, you also might find your milk is delayed coming in after you give birth.
If you have PCOS and think you have a low milk supply, or you have PCOS and are worried about your milk supply, Dr. Dulabon suggests checking in with a professional.
“I encourage people who think or know they have PCOS to schedule a prenatal visit to discuss how to best set themselves up for success after delivery,” said Dr. Dulabon. “If they can’t schedule a prenatal appointment, enlist the help and support of nurses and lactation consultants in the birthing hospitals shortly after delivery.”
If you’re having issues once you’ve been discharged home, you can schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Dr. Dulabon.
Though PCOS can cause low milk supply, not everyone with PCOS experiences this, said Dr. Dulabon.
“It’s a risk factor but not an absolute guarantee,” she said. “There are people who exclusively breastfeed successfully, and some who still maintain a breastfeeding relationship even if they do require supplementation. We can help in any instance to provide support.”
Dr. Dulabon suggests reaching out for help if you’re frequently breastfeeding or pumping and you’re having supply issues.
Prenatal education and lactation support and care can help you deal with any challenges related to breastfeeding with PCOS.
If you’re concerned about your milk supply or have questions about breastfeeding with PCOS, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dulabon online, with lactation consultant Samantha Lavender or another breastfeeding medicine lactation consultant by calling 330-543-4500.
