From the FDA Drug Label
Metoclopramide is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when metoclopramide is administered to a nursing mother You are breastfeeding. Metoclopramide is passed into human milk and may harm your baby Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take metoclopramide.
Low Dopamine and Breastfeeding: There is no direct information in the provided drug labels about the effect of low dopamine on breastfeeding. However, it is mentioned that metoclopramide, which can affect dopamine levels, is excreted in human milk and may harm the baby.
- Treatment Options: The labels do not provide treatment options for low dopamine in the context of breastfeeding.
- Precautions: Caution should be exercised when metoclopramide is administered to a nursing mother, as it may harm the baby.
- Consultation: It is recommended to talk with a doctor about the best way to feed the baby if metoclopramide is taken 1, 1.
From the Research
Low dopamine levels can negatively impact breastfeeding by reducing prolactin production, which is essential for milk production, and treatment options include both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches, with domperidone being a commonly used medication to increase prolactin and milk production. When dopamine is low, mothers may experience insufficient milk supply, difficulty with milk letdown, and increased risk of postpartum depression that can interfere with breastfeeding success. Non-pharmacological interventions include:
- Frequent nursing or pumping (at least 8-12 times daily)
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Stress reduction techniques
- Adequate rest
- Proper nutrition
- Hydration
For medication options, domperidone (typically 10mg three times daily for 1-2 weeks, then gradually reduced) is commonly used as it blocks dopamine receptors, thereby increasing prolactin and milk production, as shown in a study published in the Journal of Human Lactation 2. Metoclopramide (10mg three times daily for 7-14 days) works similarly but has more side effects including depression and is generally less preferred. Some healthcare providers may recommend herbal galactagogues like fenugreek (2-3 capsules three times daily) or blessed thistle, though evidence for these is less robust. It's also important to note that breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both the mother and infant, including decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, postpartum depression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in mothers, and decreased risk of atopic dermatitis and gastroenteritis, and higher IQ later in life in infants, as highlighted in studies published in the American Family Physician 3 and the Nestle Nutrition Institute workshop series 4. Any medication should be taken under medical supervision, especially when breastfeeding, to ensure safety for both mother and infant. Additionally, a study published in Clinical Endocrinology found that domperidone causes prolactin release, and this prolactin release persists during longer-term treatment, making it a suitable option for increasing milk production 5.