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Progesterone and Breast Feeding

by Jessica
(Oceanside, Ca, USA)

I have a 6 week old baby that I am nursing and I've been taking the progesterone cream. I initially took it for 21 days then took a 7 day break before starting it back up. My dose has been 1/4 teas. twice a day.

When I took my 7 day break I ended up getting more estrogen spots (those bright red things) on my abdomen, grew back some of the dark hairs (like a man would) on my knuckles and around my belly button, my postpartum depression returned and I started having my old adrenal fatigue symptoms again. I was wondering if I have to take a 7 day break or can I just cut my dose down during the 7 day break? I'm not menstruating and wouldn't anyway since I'm breastfeeding so would it really be necessary to take a break? I just feel so much better when on the cream.

Comments for Progesterone and Breast Feeding

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Oct 28, 2010
 Progesterone and Breast Feeding
by: Wray

Hi Jessica There is no need to take a break, in fact by taking one you could potentially cause your periods to return. Each time you stop the progesterone the level drops, this is an indication to the body that the end of the 'cycle' has come and for bleeding to commence. I'm not sure of the amount you are using, as you say you use 1/2 tsp per day, but not how much progesterone that contains. If you find the amount helping, continue on the 1/2 tsp, but bear in mind stress drops progesterone levels, so use more if stressed. Don't be concerned about some getting on your baby, it's very safe, and is given to pre-term infants for respiratory distress syndrome. Progesterone is essential for the development of the lungs. Many women have used it to help calm the baby too, only a pinhead size is needed. I'm so pleased it's helped the depression, it does. I wish I'd known about it when I had PND. Although you've had the baby please see this page we have on Pregnancy. Particularly this page from Dr Dalton. She mentions using progesterone for PND and has written an excellent book on the subject which is well worth getting. Please consider taking omega 3 fish oil too, it's helpful for PND and essential for the baby's brain, plus probiotics. A new study has just come out suggesting it's benefits against dermatitis in the child, see here and here. Take care Wray
Oct 29, 2010
 great! Thanks!
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for your response! I will continue taking it without any breaks and listening to my body as well :) I thought the same thing (that my period could return) if I took a break...

I am taking probiotics (love what they do for my allergies and digestion), but will take your advice on the omega-3's. I greatly appreciate your help!

-Jessica
Oct 31, 2010
 great! Thanks!
by: Wray

Hi Jessica Glad it was of help. So pleased you are already taking the probiotics, they can do wonders for us, and are often far too low in most of us. Due no doubt to the toxins in our food we can't avoid now, unless it's all organic. Take care Wray
Mar 27, 2012
 after giving birth when to start / breast feeding dosages
by: Anonymous

Basically when the Baby arrives when to start Natpro and how much and how long? and same for breast feeding doasge and length of time to use Natpro. thanks ..Im 38 weeks have been using Natpro every Day since b4 conception waqs wondering what to do next with the dosages as Im planning to keep using it till Birth..thanks (I use 200 + MG a day ) MY HAIR IS SOOOOOOOOOOO Awesome right now hasnt fallen out yet not even a little ..:)
Mar 30, 2012
 after giving birth when to start / breast feeding dosages
by: Wray

Hi there I'm so delighted you decided to use progesterone for your entire pregnancy. Dr Dalton found her 'progesterone babies' as she called them more intelligent than normal, see here. She found the higher the amount used the more effective it was for this. Plus the earlier the better, the first 16 weeks was the critical time. I'm so pleased you started it before falling pregnant and using lots too. Unfortunately if women are given progesterone for whatever reason, it's often only started long after it should be. She also mentions it's good for breast feeding, but not how much or for how long. I suggest you stick with the amount you are using now, as that seems to suit you. Progesterone drops sharply after birth sending 25% of women into some form of depression, from the baby blues to post natal psychosis. Dr Dalton treated all these with progesterone. I don't think you'll have any problems, just be aware of it. And yes hair does become beautiful and thick! Mine still is and it never falls out like so many women suffer from. Don't be concerned if the baby gets progesterone from your skin. I have advised countless women with newborns or toddlers who won't/can't sleep, or who are angry or clingy, to rub a tiny bit on. Calms them down immediately, or sends them to sleep. I do wonder if the 'terrible' twos' is an indication their progesterone levels have dropped, having been bathed in it for 9 months. Curious! Please keep in touch, I would love to know how you get on. Take care Wray
Apr 13, 2012
 After Baby is born/ Nursing/ dosages
by: Anonymous

Baby is six days old ..My milk is flowing. all my swelling is gone ..Baby is calm and sastisfied my hair is still intact i feel good. Progesterone did me wonders .last pregnancy it took months to get to this place this one it took days..bleeding is almost gone too..I have been using same amount as stated in previous comment ..when I went off the progesterone thats when I swelled up and as soon as i had baby i started again and everything is normal now..I lost 21 lbs in 6 days i only have 9 lbs left then i will be back to pre pregnancy weight i didnt hemmorage didnt tear had normal delivery 8.5 lbs baby boy VBAC ..THIS stuff is Liquid gold..I highly recommend it for all women who want a normal uncomplicated hormonal life.
Apr 16, 2012
 After Baby is born/ Nursing/ dosages
by: Wray

Hi there I'm so delighted all went well, bless you for telling me! I suggest you stick with the 200mg/day you're using for 2-3 months. Then if you wish, you can start decreasing very slowly. I usually recommend about 16mg or 1/2ml of cream. This is 10th tsp, you might find you can decrease faster, but do keep a watch for adverse symptoms, increase again if they should occur. Please keep in touch as I learn so much from the experiences of other women. Take care Wray

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