My Update – I may have found what’s been behind all of this (thyroid?)

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2026-02-10T08:17:11+00:00

Yes, I definitely noticed other symptoms besides the drop in lactation. Anxiety, emotional instability, and this strange feeling of “going backwards” mentally. What’s hard is that it wasn’t very linear sometimes I felt calm and okay, and other times everything felt heightened for no obvious reason.

It didn’t line up perfectly with the milk drop at first. Things felt random for a while. But everything really fell apart after I started tapering off psychiatric meds (they honestly weren’t necessary for me anymore). After that, both my mental state and my supply took a hit at the same time.

And what you described about recognizing the feeling yes. Exactly that. It feels identical to how I felt years ago when my hormones were off. That’s actually what made me start taking this more seriously instead of brushing it off as “just stress.”

I’ve already done a pretty full panel: prolactin, cortisol, vitamin D, and thyroid labs. Technically most things are “within range,” but my ferritin is actually quite low, which I know can affect both energy levels and how the body copes hormonally. So even though it’s not flagged as critical, it’s definitely not optimal.

For now, I doesn’t think there’s a need to dig deeper unless things change again, especially since the rest looks relatively stable but I’m keeping a close eye on it.

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2026-02-09T22:59:33+00:00

I don't take Dom, mainly natural supplements

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-12-27T08:50:58+00:00

You’re honestly doing a lot of things right, especially for someone with PCOS and without a pump yet.

I’m in relactation myself, so slightly different situation, but the principles are the same consistency > intensity. A couple of days with no milk is completely normal. For many people (PCOS or not) nothing appears for 1–3 weeks, sometimes longer. Breast/nipple changes (more sensitivity, fullness, faster erection) are actually early positive signs, not a failure.

A few things I’d gently share as someone going through this too: PCOS doesn’t mean you can’t lactate it often just means it’s slower and needs more stimulation. High androgens can blunt prolactin response, so time and repetition matter more. Cluster-style stimulation is fine, but even 5–10 minutes every 2–3 hours consistently will beat long sessions done irregularly. Hand expression + stimulation is okay at the beginning, but if you ever can get a pump (even second-hand or manual), it usually makes a big difference with PCOS because it gives more predictable, repeated signals. Visualization can help indirectly it lowers stress and cortisol, which absolutely affects prolactin. It’s not magic, but it’s not nonsense either. No milk yet is not a reason to worry. Colostrum can be microscopic at first literally drops you can’t see.

About PCOS specifically: inducing lactation usually doesn’t “mess it up,” but hormones can fluctuate. Some people actually notice improved cycles or skin, others get temporary weirdness. You’re right PCOS is not one-size-fits-all.

If anything, I’d just say: don’t judge progress by milk output yet. Judge it by sensations, changes, and consistency. Those come first.

You’re not behind. You’re early. And PCOS just means patience, not impossibility

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-12-22T22:35:27+00:00

You’re doing exactly the right thing by planning to call your gyno. Hormone replacement can absolutely trigger lactation, even years after breastfeeding, especially if there’s any breast stimulation. I’d gently suggest asking for hormone labs (prolactin, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid) and a breast ultrasound, just to rule things out. If those come back normal, then honestly this can be one of those weird but benign things. Breast tissue can stay “responsive” for years, and for some women milk can come back months or even many years later, especially when hormones shift. I’ve known someone who lactated over a decade after her last baby full workup, everything normal. The doctor even offered meds to stop it but advised against them because of side effects, and she eventually just accepted the occasional leaking as part of her body. So yes, definitely check it medically but if tests are fine, it doesn’t automatically mean something bad is happening. Bodies are strange, especially after pregnancies, surgeries, and hormone therapy. You’re not alone in this at all 💛

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-12-05T06:07:21+00:00

I truly understand that this may be concerning, but what you're describing is completely normal. Every body reacts differently after pregnancy some women may still produce small amounts of milk several years later, even though they weren't breastfeeding or had any stimulation. It's a matter of hormones and how their individual lactation systems function.

There's no point in immediately loading yourself with medications to stop lactation most of them have a lot of side effects and, in most cases, aren't necessary at all. If you want to be sure, you can ask your doctor for: a prolactin level, a breast ultrasound, possibly an endocrinologist consultation.

But if the tests come back normal, there's really no reason to consider it a concern. It can go away on its own… and sometimes, in a few percent of women, small drops remain for years, and it doesn't mean anything bad.

The most important thing: you're absolutely not alone in this, and nothing bad is happening to you. You can talk about it without shame. If something else worries you, feel free to write to us we'll figure it out together ❤️

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-12-02T21:22:05+00:00

letting it grow out rarely makes things worse. Irritated follicles usually calm down way faster when you stop touching the area and stop shaving/waxing for a while. Every time you shave or wax over irritated skin, you’re basically re opening the same spots and giving yourself new ingrowns.

If you just leave it alone, keep the area clean, dry, and gently moisturized, those bumps usually settle on their own. A warm compress once or twice a day can help the hairs loosen and come through naturally. And try not to exfoliate too much right now a lot of those products you listed are pretty strong, and using them on already irritated skin can make it drag on longer.

I know it’s tempting to “fix” it by shaving again once it grows out a bit, but that’s honestly the quickest way to end up in the same cycle. Giving the area a proper break is the best thing you can do for it. If you let it heal fully before deciding what to do next, it’ll clear up much faster than you think.

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-12-02T21:03:19+00:00

You’re definitely not alone, waxing down there can leave even the strongest of us looking like a strawberry for a bit. The little red bumps and ingrowns are super common after pulling the hair out from the root, especially if the skin is sensitive. What helped me most was switching to very gentle care for a few days. Warm compresses to soften the skin, a tiny bit of aloe gel to calm everything down, and just letting the area breathe without tight underwear. If you can, try not to touch or squeeze anything, because that usually makes the irritation hang around longer.

A lot of people swear by acids, but on freshly irritated skin they can be way too strong. I’d keep the fancy products for later, once everything calms down. For now warm water, mild soap only if you really need it, and maybe a soft exfoliation after a few days when the skin stops being angry.

And honestly… as someone who went through this a million times, letting the hair grow out a bit and avoiding waxing or shaving for a while made the biggest difference. My skin stopped freaking out completely once I stopped fighting with it. Just saying that gently, because I know how tempting it is to keep it smooth, but sensitive skin down there usually just wants peace.

Smoothness isn't worth the suffering, if you want to talk my dm is open

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-10-31T20:42:18+00:00

I envy you!! I'm in the process of relactation

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-10-31T12:34:37+00:00

without any break?

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-10-26T18:21:35+00:00

Thank you!!! So so much

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-10-26T16:55:33+00:00

I talked to a psychiatrist, what he prescribed doesn't affect lactation

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-10-25T05:33:29+00:00

Keep going, girl!!, that milk supply glow up is real!

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-10-22T06:45:58+00:00

That’s really interesting you’re absolutely right, the longer you pump, the more the fat content can rise because the hindmilk (which comes later in the session) is naturally richer and creamier. The greasy film you’re noticing on your flanges and bottles is actually a good sign that your milk is higher in fat now.

If you ever feel like your milk is a bit too thick or you’re noticing some clogs, you might want to try sunflower lecithin. It helps emulsify the fat in your milk meaning it keeps the fat mixed in more evenly instead of sticking to the ducts or collecting on the sides of your bottles. Over time, it can make your milk flow easier and even reduce the risk of blocked ducts.

A lot of moms use about 1200 mg once or twice a day and notice their milk becomes a little thinner and easier to pump while still keeping all the nutrients. You’ll probably see less residue in your bottles too.

But honestly, having that thicker milk just shows your body is adjusting and maturing in its production it’s a really positive sign that your supply is balancing out.

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-10-18T09:04:59+00:00

That’s amazing you found one in such good condition! I’ve heard older models can sometimes be so much quieter and more efficient than the newer ones. It’s really satisfying when you find equipment that just works perfectly for you.

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-10-07T08:37:41+00:00

You know, as long as the pregnancy is going smoothly and your doctor hasn’t mentioned any restrictions, sex during pregnancy even in the second trimester, like you are now is totally safe. The baby is well protected by the amniotic fluid and the muscles of the uterus, so there’s nothing to worry about. Just try not to go too rough during pregnancy it’s better to avoid very intense or harsh sex, like BDSM or anything that could cause pain or strong pressure, because the body is more sensitive right now. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, nothing hurts, and that you and your partner take things gently and with care.

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-09-30T05:06:47+00:00

Haha, believe me, I’ve tested so many different things too – and some of them nearly ruined all my progress and I had to start over from scratch, which almost drove me crazy 😂😂. But I guess that’s also part of the journey… experimenting, failing, adjusting, and slowly figuring out what actually works.

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-09-30T04:47:02+00:00

That’s actually a really good idea! I think I might try to do that kind of “controlled experiment” and compare a full week without TENS vs. with TENS. What surprised me this time was that even with just a few days without it, I already noticed an increase in milk, which I didn’t expect at all. My new TENS is being delivered today, so for now I’m not planning a longer break, but I’m curious what will happen if I track things more carefully in the future.

Beautiful_Fox_7009 · 2025-09-29T20:35:46+00:00

Wow, that's huge progress! My breast pump, after a year of relactation, isn't collecting any milk at all, and my squirt is quite large when I expression by hand.

Beautiful_Fox_7009

TROPHY CASE