Help for Severe Vaginal Dryness While Breastfeeding

I had the same problem and my dr. also gave me premarin. It worked after 10 days and I didn't have to use it again after that, even though I've been breastfeeding for 2 years. Maybe she would feel better about taking it knowing that it wouldn't necessarily be a long-term thing. I'm not a big fan of taking drugs in general but in this case it was totally worth it. I hope she's feeling better soon!

Hi, H. A-
Natural Lubricant with Vitamin E by Emerita contains no paraben and is non-toxic. It is sold at Vitamin Adventures for approximately $6 a bottle.
Women's Essentials by Waiora promotes healthy urinary, sexual, and immune function and is natural and science-based. Other benefits are listed at www.mywaiora.com/502042.

E. C

9 weeks postpartum your daughter's hormones are still sorting themselves out and breastfeeding does really create dryness. I had a similar issue, though it might have been more severe. I had a scar from a tear that made sex excruciating and I didn't tell anyone about it for 8 months after my baby was born. I'm still angry about the lack of information and my own go-along-with-it-things-will-improve attitude. My doctor prescribed premarin at that time as well and I just used the tiniest bit each night and within 2 weeks I felt so much more like my old self.
That said, it's essential to use lube for sex while breastfeeding. There's no shame in it, it's just a biological fact that the hormones that ordinarily create natural lube aren't there.
Good luck and kudos to your daughter for talking to her Mom and her Doc about the situation!!!
A.

My Doctor also prescribed this to me when I was 3 months postpartum. Unfortunately within a few weeks of me using the medicine, my milk began to dry up. This is a known side affect of using this drug, and I would caution her use of it unless she is prepared to stop breastfeeding.

I went to see a Lactation Consultant to help me bring my supply back, but it wasn't an easy road. Luckily my son is now 7 months and we are still happily breastfeeding, but that was quite a scare. Breastfeeding is extremely important to me and I plan to breastfeed for at least a year.

Sorry I can't give any other recommendations for her, but I thought it was important that I warn you about my experience with Premarin.

One last thing, Premarin is made from the urine of pregnant mares who are treated very poorly. They get no exercise, have reduced water consumption (makes the urine more concentrated) for six months. Animal cruelty is a huge issue for me, and had I known any of this before taking the cream, I never would have.

I've suffered from this as well, one of those well kept secrets of breastfeeding! Have her try Aquafor healing ointment made by Eucrin. It should help with the external discomfort.

after years of allergic reactions to one lube after another, i wasn't willing to start trying anything new, especially if it had hormones that might interfere with breastfeeding my daughter. in the end, my nurse midwife said to keep using the natural brand of my choice ( several good options have been listed by others already) from my pre-preg days, but more of it (in other words, be sure to coat both partners very well)and to increase my fluid intake. seems to be the cure for everything: water, water, water! good luck!

I'm just wondering.... would taking guaifensen(sp?), ie Mucinex, help??

Hiary:
I would have her look at her diet, something is missing that her body needs. Have you and your daughter seen this article? It compares conventionally grown food to organic food...http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/81773?page=entire
Also, maybe have her look at whole foods for a cream.
S.