At My Wits End with Breastfeeding

I'm so sorry you are not getting the support you need and deserve! You should have been able to get this kind of support from LLL. Please try another lactation consultant who is more familiar with herbal supplementation.... I would make the following personal recommendations: Tatiana is ###-###-####, J. Bailey at ###-###-####, or Althea makes herbal teas for pregnancy/lactation and could certainly direct you where you may find tried and true combinations. (Althea Hrdlichka,###-###-####, www.tendergiftsdoula.com)

All of these women are also associated with the Arizona Birth Network, (www.azbirthnetwork.com) which you might also want to look into for additional breastfeeding support as a working momma!

best wishes!

A friend of mine told me that her doctor told her to drink a beer and that would stimulate her milk production. She tried it and said that it really brought her milk in.

There is a drug here in Canada called Domperidone, it is used to increase milk supply. It is actually a motility drug to aid in digestion but the side effects of it are lactation so they use it here in monitored doses to help with milk supply.

A couple of thoughts...

First, it's vitally important to your nursing that you nurse your son when you're with him. No bottle. To help with that, only have other people give him the bottle when you're not around. When you're there, he gets the breast. Your child is the best way to encourage your milk supply. Pumps can help you provide for baby when you're absent, but really, it's not surprising that once you switch to a pump your milk supply begins to dwindle. It just doesn't have the same "feel" to your breasts.

Drink plenty! Whenever you nurse and whenever you are pumping, make sure you drink at least an 8 ounce glass of water along with it. If you're dehydrated, it's much harder to produce milk. Along with this, make sure you are taking care of yourself (as much sleep as you can, stress-free environment when you pump, etc.)

When you pump, try hard to relax. Letdown will be encouraged if you concentrated on relaxing and loosening all your muscles... and let go of stress. I never needed it, but some women find that a photo of their child that they can look at during pumping will encourage letdown as well.

Lastly, think of trying a new pump! What are you using? I used Medela and while it wasn't particularly comfortable, it did work (electric single pump, couldn't fathom doing both at once! lol) ... You might try a couple of other brands (I know... expensive, but then, so is formula!) to determine if that's the problem.

And... in the end... if it doesn't work out, don't beat yourself up. You nursed for a good 4 months! And that's lots of good nourishment for your baby. :) Besides, if you're like me and the majority of other women in our generation, you were formula-fed and you turned out just fine, too. :)

I used Fenugreek as have my sisterinlaw and cousin. It helps a little. Good luck to you and your little guy. He will be fine no matter what!

I used fenugreek as well as milk thistle to keep my milk production going. It really helped and I didn't see any side effects except for the fact that I smelled like a maple syrup factory. the lactation consultant i went to was the one who encouraged me to give the herbs a try. I took something like 3 fenugreek in the morning and in the evening and 1 milkthistle. Good luck!

Wow, I'm surprised that the LLL leader and lactation consultant had not heard of fenugreek. I've heard of that being used for milk production, but don't know the details. I good place to get the details is the LLL book The Breastfeeding Answer Book. I've read that, and I know it has a whole section on increasing production, including drugs.

So at home, if your son doesn't want to nurse, do you give him the bottle? If you waited until he was hungry enough to nurse, maybe that would help at home.

I don't think you can say a certain frequency is "ideal" and you can't do anything else. To boost milk production, you should pump as often as you can. Maybe 3 hours is too long for your particular body.

Make sure you carefully read about side effects of domperidone. It is a "black box" drug. Google the name and black box and you will find more information on it, some of it was scary enough that I was not going to risk it and never tried it. The lactation consultant told me that the only side effects was potential depression and that is not true. I did try fenugreek and my baby had digestive problems. This is a potential side effect since it passes through to the baby. It is not common but it happened to us and the lactation consultant did not mention that to me either. After my baby had problems, I finally googled it and I found studies about this side effect. I talked to multiple lactation consultants and was told a hospital grade pump would help me whereas a regular pump would not help increase supply. I am not sure what kind of pump you have but that may be a change to try. I would like to say it solved my problems but it didn't but I do think I had more production with a hospital grade pump than without. You can rent one and it won't cost you that much to try it out. If you need any more info on that, just jot me a note separately if you want and I can tell you where I went and what it cost, etc. Good luck.

Hi D., When I was having low milk production, I took More Milk Plus (available from Baby, Mother & More store in Mesa, or online). It was recommended by my lactation consultant (Debbie). When I returned to work, my baby also was reluctant to nurse (just wanted the bottle), so I ended up pumping for nearly 8 months. Frustrating, but I believed it was best for the baby. Best of luck to you.

Hi. Maybe if you called a Sprouts/natural food store and talked to a nutritionist they could help you. In CA we had a natural foods store we'd go to and the nutritionist was 65 and looked 40 she was all natural and new her stuff. With just a little q/a she'd point us in the right direction every time.
good luck : >)
K

I found Fenugreek only minimally helpful and only in large quantities (ie: 20+ 600mg a day). I didn't experience any side-effects that would keep me from using again.

I recommend doing some research on Domperidone. You will need a prescription b/4 ordering it online. Here are a couple of sites that explain how it works - and why it is so hard to get:

http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Domperidone%20Getting%20...
http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/DomperidoneAlert.shtml

I found pumping at night at least 1 time b/n 12am-3am and 2 or more times b/n 10pm and 4am really helpful - along with pumping every hour.

Hi D.,
I struggled with a low milk supply as well and was told about Fenugreek from a lactation consultant at my hospital and a LeLeche consultant both of them encouraged me to use 3 capsules a day and it helped me dramatically. I never noticed any affects from it with my son besides for him being happier with more food coming his way. Good luck to you.

I was coping with the same problem and my son was not ready to take any supplement. I used to pump 2 to 3 oz per session. When I started drinking healthy nursing tea by secrets of tea. My milk production got increased, so that my son now gets his tummy full.

I had that same problem with my first son when I went back to work! I had also herd about Fenugreek and went and bought some. I was able to speek with someone at the GNC who know a lot about it. She said that it was perfectly safe and would'nt do anything but help your body produce more milk. I ended up taking it regularly and increased my water intake even more!! I think all I drank was water all day long for ever.. :) But it worked and both my baby who is know 2 1/2 and I are fine! I did not notice any side affects with me or my baby. I also found out that stress has a ton to do with your body not producing enough milk. So if you can find a way to relieve any stress that will surly help too! I really hope that you are able to continue breastfeeding as it's a wonderful thing for both baby and mommy!! I was able to continue breastfeeding without any problems untill my son was 12mo.

It sounds like you're getting some good advice here (better than those "experts"). I also used Doris and she was phenomenal! I do know that pumping is not the same as feeding straight to the baby - meaning the pump cannot mimic the child's suck exactly. So that means your breasts are not getting the exact same stimulation and therefore will not keep up the same production as if you were feeding baby at every feeding - it also doesn't mean your baby is only getting 1/2 ounce. Your baby can get what he needs out of you (as long as he's still motivated of course). But, I've heard of many working moms that had to give up one pumping at work and sub in some formula because pumping just couldn't extract as much milk. Good luck!

I have heard some say their doctors have given them reglan to increase their milk production. However my doctor would not.

There are a few wives tales out there. Like brewers yeast, eating red meat, getting plenty of iron rich foods, and eating oatmeal.

Then there are the herbs. Blessed Thistle, fenugreek, also mothers milk tea (has a licorice taste).

Also getting adjusted by a chiropractor can help especially if you are feeling stressed out.

Now I am not a good example for if they helped. I couldnt produce milk with either one of my children no matter what i tried. I only made 1oz at a time. This all did increase my production to 2 oz. Now I have many friends that have done some or all of these things and their production went through the roof.

Now with any new thing you need to take caution. You are the one taking the tea and herbs. You child will not get very much of it from your milk but can still cause some effects. Give it a try and keep a look out for side effects. If you feel you or your child has had a reaction stop taking the herbs. It is just like when you doctor gives you a new drug.

Blessings with your search and trying.

Hi D.,

Nursing challenges are so frustrating. We all go through them at some point. I'm so sorry that you have not received the support you want so far. I hope you get much support and good advice from this forum.
First, Fenugreek is very good for increasing milk supply. You need to speak with someone who is knowledgable with herbs. There is a place in Chandler called MOTHERS BABIES AND MORE (sorry can't remember location). The man (yes a man) who owns it can help with just about any breastfeeding issue. One of my freinds went to see him to increase her milk supply and she had to cut down the amount of herbal remedy he provided because it was so much! She SWEARS that he knows his stuff. I have met several other moms who have gone there and are very impressed by his help with nursing challenges.
I highly suggest seeking him out.
Second, pumping at work can be a challenge. Never enough time, privacy, or there is lack of support which can make it difficult to relax enough to pump. If you are experiencing challengs with pumping, in what ways can you improve how you pump at work? R U getting enough H2o and nourishing foods? Do you have a picture of your baby to look at while at work? What is your mood like when you pump? The release of oxytocin (the happy hormone) is vitally important to the let down of milk. If you are feeling stressed, it can affect your pumping and nursing.
Sit down and take a few moments to listen to your inner mama. You say you want to continue to nurse (yay for you! :)...and it does take a tremendous amount of dedication to nurse and pump while working outside of home, but how come you want to nurse? What is your belief about it? Do you breastfeed because you truly want to? Do you breastfeed because you will feel guilty about NOT doing it? I'm not trying to talk you out of continuing...I really hope you do because I know how beneficial and great it is. But feeling guilt isn't going to help you. It's important you feed your baby from a place of love. If that place needs to come from a bottle because you have surrendered to that with full awareness, then so be it. Again, I fully support breastfeeding for as long as mom and babe want to and know that most moms stop because of lack of support and not truly listening to thier inner wise mama. But, it is really important that you feel at peace with how you feed your baby.
Whenever you do need to bottle feed and there isn't enough of your own yummy milk, please please consider feeding our baby goats milk instead of formula. Do your research on this. Formula is being pushed onto unknowing parents as "good" when it's nothing but processed chemicals. Babies have survived and are fine with formula, yes...but if you do your homework, I'm sure you will find plenty of reason to feed your baby goats milk instead of formula. Just a suggestion. You need to make your own decision based on your own research.
Finally, I've copied an article written by a friend. She is a Birthing From Within Advisor and Breastfeeding Consultant in Cal. The article is beyond any words I could say to you. I invite you to copy and print it out for yourself and read it everyday until it becomes a part of how you feed your baby.

I wish you all the best.

In peace,
A.
mom of 4. married 15 yrs.
Birth and Parenting Mentor
www.birthingfromwithin.com

Breastfeeding From Within
By Virginia Bobro

Birthing From Within encourages and teaches "doing the next best thing" when it comes to making decisions within the flow of labor and birth. The same mind-set is important during postpartum and breastfeeding. In the days, weeks, months, and even years that a woman is breastfeeding, she will face numerous obstacles, detours, and unexpected events. How she prepares prenatally and how she views these challenges can make a difference in her ability to cope.

As a breastfeeding counselor, I support many breastfeeding mothers who have to change their perception of what a "successful" breastfeeding relationship is. Some mothers need to wean much earlier than they hoped. Others need to supplement with bottles or formula. These are opportunities to re-envision what it means to nurture and nourish their babies. Many mothers are humbled when the "breastfeeding fairy" presents them with difficult circumstances and spoils their fantasy that nursing is easy and blissful.

When breastfeeding does not go as expected or hoped for, a mother can feel regret, anger, blame, grief, and guilt. Inevitably, this negative self-talk begins to affect her self-esteem and attitude, her ability to receive support, and her relationships with her baby, partner, and others in her community.

So, what can be done?
In addition to learning practical things that make breastfeeding easier, do this:
♥ Learn and practice mindfulness.
The same pain-coping practices you learn to help you cope with labor can help you postpartum when you need to still your mind, quiet negative self-talk and deal with physical discomfort and stress. (See Birthing From Within, pp. 213-238).
♥ Get a breastfeeding "reality check."
Breastfeeding is natural, but not always straightforward and easy. Very few women sail through breastfeeding on calm seas from beginning to end. Even for the most vigilant captain, storms arise outside of her control, and still, she can do the next best thing. When women know that they can influence but not control what happens, they can see the wisdom of preparing for all possibilities.
♥ Set up your breastfeeding support system.
Having a supportive crew onboard in the first months of motherhood can make all the difference. Welcome meals, errands, and compassionate listeners. When breastfeeding gets rough, support is needed to keep going and not get mired in "what ifs" and judgment. You need to hear acknowledgment that you are doing your best, not more advice and information.

♥ Focus on connecting with your baby and yourself as a mother
Come to breastfeeding with an open heart. To the degree that you can, let go of your ideals and goals, such as breastfeeding exclusively for six months. Just hold the intention to do the best you can. When you love yourself and feed your baby in love, this is the heart of breastfeeding from within

EXERCISE: Feeding with Love

When sitting (or lying down) to feed your baby, try this:

Begin to notice all the sensations around you, beginning with your baby:
Look at her face, notice the touch of her skin, take in her smell and her sounds.

Then begin to bring your attention to your own body: Where does your body touch your baby's body? How is your breath moving in and out of your body?
Where do you feel relaxed and open?
Where does your body feel tight, tense, or closed?

Gently and mindfully breathe into those places, softening and releasing anything that is unneeded in this moment. This may take several minutes. Go slowly and do not expect perfection!

As your body lets go of anything extra, feel your heart opening.
Allow yourself to inhale the presence of your baby, loving her in this moment and loving yourself as well. With each new breath, feel into your baby's heart, visualizing a connection that endures beyond feeding time.

If feeding is difficult, your focus may return to the task of latching or monitoring the feed. Do what needs to be done, then, when you are ready, take another conscious breath and return to your opening heart.

Resources
Local La Leche League
Lactation Consultants
Other Supportive Breastfeeding Moms

Those are unacceptable answers from these "professionals." You need to find another lactation consultant and La Leche League leader, either in your area or online for phone conversations. There are many options available to you so that you can continue to give your baby what he needs. Please don't give up. Even just supplementing with formula is better than giving up.

I had difficulties also so I can understand your frustration. It happened to me while I was still at home with my daughter. My husband and I were close to going to Mexico for that black market drug but didn't need to. I used mothers milk pills which helped but were expensive. I went to chakra, an herb shop at town and country on camelback where they made me a special tea. It was much cheaper and worked like a charm. Everytime I pumped I sprayed Bach flower remedy stress relief which is to relax you and let your milk down. Also every night I drank one dark beer, I think it's the yeast that helps but don't quote me on that. The next morning I usually pumped the most. When I skipped the beer there was a difference. All was approved by my lactation consultant and doctor.

The woman who owns mothers milk in scotsdale was really helpful as well as the man who owns baby mother and more in Mesa. It seems like you haven't gotten the support you need. I would have given up without the team of people that encouraged me. It may sound preachy but it really is one of the best things you can do for your baby and yourself.

Good luck.

First off, don't feel like you are doing anything wrong, or that you did anything wrong. You didn't! Some women have a much harder time sustaining milk when pumping.
I had a similar problem with my first child when I went back to work. I did try the herb on the advice of my child's Pediatrican. It did help, but I only took it for a few weeks because I can never seem to follow through long with any type of pill/medication. The other things that I also tried that helped increase my milk were drinking more water, having a picture of my son or calling the sitter to see how he was doing while I pumped, pumping for a good 20-30 minutes (at least) every 3 hours while at work, and (this was a BIG one), pumping AFTER I breastfeed my son when I was at home. The first few times I tried the latter, I didn't see much difference but by the 3 or 4th time, I started to see my milk increase. I was told it was because my body thought it had to produce more milk because it made my body think my son was still feeding.
Also, if you haven't already, try to suppliment your son's bottled milk with formula. I know that is a scary thought, but some breast milk is better than none and it will really help the pumped supply of breat milk you have last longer!
Now with all that said,both my kids were off the breast by 6 months (my son chose to stop & my daughter got her teeth and was biting my to the point of blood), but I kept pumping and was able to give them some form of breast milk (some 100%, then a mix of breast and formula)until about 9 months. Not ideal, but I know I did the best with what I could as a working mom.
Best wishes to you!

Hi D.,

I really feel for you. That is so great of you to keep it up, really the best thing for baby on many levels. I have a WONDERFUL lactation consultant that hosts a free mom's group in her home that gave me terrific advice all along the way. Her name is Doris. You can get her number off of her website: pump-n-go.com
she knows it all. She'll give you some good tips so at least you would feel that you've exhausted all of your resources. I am soooo surprised those that you have been speaking to have not heard about fenugreek - I know what it is and I am no lc.... There is some mother's milk tea you can try. Also, try thinking of your baby/looking at a photograph/talking to on the phone, etc. anything to conjure up a detailed image of your baby while you are pumping. It helps decrease the time it takes to let down, and may even give you more milk, at least faster so that you can get more in the time you pump. Also, when you are home, pump as much as you can and you can get more to store when you can pump on one side and feed your baby on the other, more will come out the pumped side for storage, and you are essentially "multi-tasking." Comforting/bonding with your baby and making more to store. I hope I've given you some helpful advice, but definitely call Doris. Hang in there, and great luck to you!

D.,
I'm so sorry to hear that you are having difficulty. You've made a wonderful decision for your baby and it is very frustrating when things aren't working as you planned. I continued to breastfeed both my children after returning to work and I know that it's frustrating when you're pumping and not getting very much milk. I used fenugreek with both my children, other than making my pee smell like maple syrup I didn't notice any side effects. I don't remember what doses I took - i just follow the bottle. I'm surprised no one you've spoken to knows anything about it. If you're not already using a high quality double pump I would recommend you get one. Good luck to you.

I can't imagine that the people you spoke with have not heard of Fenugreek seeing as it's a common supplement. I have had problems with my milk production as well. Although not to the extent that you are having. There is a supplement called Lactate Support. It is sold at Sprouts. I took it with both my sons and never noticed any side effects related to the herbs. I also did a 2 week course of Reglan and had a marked increase in my milk production. There are numerous articles online about it. I was unable to get it from my OB. But my general practioner wrote me a prescription for it. Maybe try talking to your GP or try to call someone else from LLL. Sorry you are having such a rough time. I know how frustrated it has made me and can't imagine how much more it is for you. Best of luck.

D.,

I had basically the same problem (DS born 8/10/09) and I now use Domperidone (Canadian drug, but Reglan can also work here in the US) and my milk supply increased a great bit. I only pump 3 times a day and usually get about 40 OZ. My DS doesn't feed off of me anymore either because he would basically grab on and pull to get more, so I only pump.

I respect your decision either way, but my goal was to go to 6 months so that he would have some sort of immune system (mine from the milk) before his kicks in.

D.,
A good resource is the Baby Mother and Me store that others have mentioned. It is on SE corner of Gilbert and Southern. The website is www.milksmile.com. They will have some of the supplements that others have talked about, and the man who runs the store is extremely knowledgeable. They also rent hospital-grade breast pumps. Good luck!

I too was low on my supply and very frustrated when I went back to work. I wasn't giving up and nursed my daugther for over a year. Someone told me about Oduls - the
"NON - alchoholic" beer. It helped increase my supply not by much, but it helped us get through the rough times. Also, try to relax, Stress will shorten the supply. Make sure you drink plenty, plenty of water and eat. Nursing is a job but so worth it! There is also a Tea out their called "mothers milk" I purchased, but by the time I got to use it my 2nd child was done with the nursing. Good Luck to you and don;t give up.

I just weaned my 2nd breastfed baby at a year old now, and let me tell you I had issues, too. YOU MUST go talk to Chuck and/or Mary at Baby Mother and More on Gilbert & Southern. I lost milk, too, when I went back to work and they were able to bring it back with nursing/pumping advice, new pump, and some of the herbs which had no affect on either of my kids. If you decide to go, take your pump and parts with you, too, so they can make sure it's not a pump issue (like mine was). Hope it works out and hang in there! If it meant to be, your body will do it!
J.

Dear D., Please don't give up just yet. Breastfeeding is really important to the health of you and your baby especially during flu season. I struggled with nursing and producing enough milk with my first child so you have my empathy. There is help, though, and I encourage you to not give up just yet. First of all, you may want to consider a hospital grade pump rental from a store like Baby, Mother and More in Gilbert AZ (website:www.milksmile.com). Not all pumps are created equal. I've rented their portable models and had great success for under $30/month. They also have a lactation consultant named Debbie Gilispie that comes highly recommended. I hear she does free phone consults as well. As for the herbs, Fenugreek may help and it really doesn't hurt your baby (I took it for a while). Also, there is a prescription drug called Reglan that is also being used to increase milk production.
Hope this helps. I know how frustrating it can be to want to breastfeed and not make enough milk. My situation with my first child was extreme (she was failure to thrive at 2 months weighing just 1 ounce over birthweight), but by 6 months she was exclusively breastfeeding again and a hefty 19 lbs! We nursed successfully till she weaned at 15 1/2 months. Best wishes. R., Nurse-midwife mom of 2.

I'm sorry you're having such problems and I commend you for sticking it out. I breastfed both my boys for over a year and my milk supply would seem to drop every month when my period came. I took the fenugreek, recommended by another friend who took it also, and I did see an increase. I only took while I was on my period because my supply would go back up after it was over. Neither of my sons or myself had any side effects. I talked to my LLL and she had heard of it but didn't have an real opinions either. I think herbs is a tricky subject and so people don't want to give advice about them, just in case. Another friend of mine drank a tea called Mother's Milk, but I don't think it really helped her production that much. Make sure you are drinking LOTS of water and eating right also. I wish you the best of luck!

I had a similar problem but i only lasted 2 weeks i just didnt produce enough. My nurse said that breastfeeding is not for everyone. My son is still a mamas boy and very clingy to me (hes almost 9 yrs old) The nurse said it was overrated. some people tried to encourage me to keep at it but between breast feeding and giving him a bottle i never got to eat. it just wasnt worth it. he took formula and is a very healthy boy now!
Good luck. if you really want to breast feed you should try a homeopathic doctor. i have been going to one at true harmony wellness center its off baseline and longmore i think.

You can use Reglan which is a medication that you would have to have prescribed by your OB or family MD. This is a medication that is used in children for reflex but it has been found to increase milk production. I have not personally used it but I have had friends that have used it. I hope this helps.

Hi D., I can personally vouch for Fenugreek, as well as Alfalfa and Brewer's Yeast. I also drank Mother'Milk tea (all of which you can buy at Sprouts and probably many other places). These did increase my milk supply and I was recommended these things by my cousin and checked with my midwife who said they were all fine (these herbs have been used safely for thousands of years). I also increased my water consumption and really increased my "green leafy" foods (my mom said, "you have to eat like a cow, to produce like one!;)) In addition, I put the baby to the breast as often as possible and would pump as well. All of these efforts worked for me and I have seen them work for friends of mine as well. Don't give up! You CAN do this. This dedication and time will be over before you know it but the benefits are incredible, lasting and so worth it. Try talking to someone else from LLL, I am surprised they couldn't help you! You are doing what's best for you and your baby by doing everything in your power to feed him your nutritous milk especially tailored for him. All the best to you and your baby!

I am so sorry to hear that you have not gotten better advice. It seems as though the lactation consultant you have worked with doesn't know her stuff. Fenugreek is a very commonly used herb to increase milk supply. THere is also blessed thistle, marshmallow root, among others. You can find good, safe herbs to take to increase your supply at any health food store. I would recommend taking the fenugreek you have on hand. I am a certified lactation consultant and have worked extensively with mom's to increase supply. You can email me directly for more info, advice ____@____.com. Where did you deliver? I don't think I would ever want to go there because they are not giving you good help. You can also try power pumping at work to get your supply up or even at home. Power pumping is pump for 5 to 10 minutes wait 10 to 15 minutes and then pump again, you won't get much at first but it will really stimulate lots of production in the future. Also, it is common for supply to decrease when mom goes back to work because the hormones are stimulated best by the baby's presence and the suckle. THe pump removes milk in a slightly different way than the baby so you have to "train" yourself to letdown to the pump. Bring a picture of your baby and place it on the pump. Close your eyes and imagine holding and nursing your infant rather than just "pumping". Also, make sure you have a good quality pump. If your pump is not a good pump, it won't matter how often or how long you pump, the amount will never be what you want. I would recommend a hospital grade double electric breast pump if you are trying to increase your supply or working full time. Hope this helps.

I took a blend with fenugreek (which is perfectly safe) and it didn't do much for me. I tried beer, this disgusting chinese herbal broth... nothing worked for me either. I'd say don't stress, you gave it a good go. Your baby received lots of good things in the breastmilk you've already provided. I had to give my baby formula from day one (half form. / half pumped breastmilk) and she is now 1.5 y/o and perfectly healthy. (And I stopped pumping around 5 mos old). It is better for your baby to have a calm mother. It's not the end of the world if you stop breastfeeding.

I'd recommend registering on the Phoenix Birth Circle Yahoo! group and asking your question there. It is a group of birth professionals who have a TON of breastfeeding experience, and they would most likely have some great input as to herbs, supply issues, etc. Good luck!

When I had milk production issues the lactation consultant at my practice said that OTC herbal supplements and teas were perfectly fine. I did that for a while. Later, she put me on a prescription medication to increase lactation, but I do not remember what it was (sorry). An Internet search could probably give you some ideas. It sounds like you need a better informed lactation consultant!

There are things to do and the best advice I received was that if it is stressing you out a lot, it really is OK to let it go. You know you've done your best and you are only human. Good luck to you and your baby.