If you’re looking for ways to increase your breast milk, you may have encountered conflicting and confusing info about domperidone, a prescription drug for gastrointestinal problems that also works as a lactation aid. The problem? In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration banned its sale for any use, due to concerns about health risks. A year later, the FDA updated its position, allowing doctors to make special requests for the drug – but only for patients with severe gastrointestinal disorders who had run out of other options.
Yet some pharmacies continue to sell it, and moms are taking the drug because some doctors contend it's more safe than commonly prescribed lactation aids. Whether or not it's safe enough, it's definitely not legal. Until more research is available, ask your doctor about natural lactation aids or techniques if you're having trouble. Most issues can be resolved without medication, says Ruth Lawrence, M.D., chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Section on Breastfeeding.
Rachele Cooper is a freelance writer.
