help with inducing lactation

[annasmom]

has anyone induced lactation? how do you do it and did you see a doctor? nurse?

[skyofstars236]

Visit the website below. It is filled with tons of information on Inducing Lacation!

http://www.asklenore.com

[fallaway]

I am on the asklenore.com protocol. I did see my ob/gyn, and she just said to follow the protocol, and wrote me a prescription for domperidone, and advised me to get nipple cream and a hospital-grade dual pump. She warned it's a burdensome undertaking, which it is, but it works! After a week and a half pumping, I'm making about 7 oz. a day, and have several bags waiting in the freezer to feed our baby!

Good luck!

[hopefulfirefly]

Originally Posted by fallaway

I am on the asklenore.com protocol. I did see my ob/gyn, and she just said to follow the protocol, and wrote me a prescription for domperidone, and advised me to get nipple cream and a hospital-grade dual pump. She warned it's a burdensome undertaking, which it is, but it works! After a week and a half pumping, I'm making about 7 oz. a day, and have several bags waiting in the freezer to feed our baby!

Good luck!

7 oz a day is awesome!!! How long did you take the meds before you started pumping?

[Gnusgal]

Wow! 7 oz? That's amazing! I've been pumping for 5 weeks and I'm only getting 4 oz... But I'm not taking any dom or herbs (they cause problems with my heart).

I went to my OB/GYN. But I also talked with a Lactation Consultant. That's who I'm renting the pump from.

Good luck!!

[SliceofLime2]

I have re lactated which obviously is a bit different than inducing it but I posted some helpful links and advice ( from my own experience, my BFing friends and info online) on the breastfeeding forum here. I would put in a call to your OBGYN they might have some helpful hints, write you a script or be able to guide you. Also LLL is fabulous with help. Best of luck to you, what an amazing thing you are doing

[fallaway]

Originally Posted by hopefulfirefly

7 oz a day is awesome!!! How long did you take the meds before you started pumping?

Thanks!! Whew it's a lot of work to get that less than a cup. I got 7.5 oz. yesterday, so production is still creeping up.

I took domperidone and BCP's for about 4 months. I misread the instructions though so was on too low a dose of domperidone for all but the last month or so, but it worked out anyway.

Originally Posted by Gnusgal

Wow! 7 oz? That's amazing! I've been pumping for 5 weeks and I'm only getting 4 oz... But I'm not taking any dom or herbs (they cause problems with my heart).

Awesome that pumping alone can produce that much, that's great!! You're rocking and rolling!

I talked to a lactation consultant yesterday, and she confirmed what I was doing. The only recommendations she had were:

- to rent a hospital-grade pump (I have a Medela Pump In Style), but since I am producing, she said I didn't really need to.

- pump twice between 1-5AM (I was doing 1), since prolactin is highest then. So I'm going to add one session then, and space it out more during the day (I'm doing every 2 hours now, and production is definitely small each time when it's that frequent, 1/2 oz. at most).

- don't put the pump on max for the stimulation cycle, keep it gentle. Then when the actual milking action kicks in, then boost it to max. I'd been on max the whole time! It'll be interesting to see if that helps bump up production.

I asked about eating oatmeal to boost production, and she said it's anecdotal, same with drinking dark beer. But that some people swear by it. I like oatmeal anyway, so I'm doing that - why not? - but I feel too funny about drinking beer while nursing, so I'm not doing that one.

[stefdvm]

Just an FYI -- it's the hops that is reputed to up milk production, so you can drink non-alcoholic beer and it will have the same effect...

[melissac]

I am new to SMO, but our surrogate is 12 wks along now - yipee - and I am beginning to research induced lactation. I am interested in the no meds approach, as I, too have some issues with meds. I have calls into my OB as well as my PCP to see if domperidone is safe for me. What is the protocol if you do not (cannot) take dom.?

[momofjk]

I have a book called 'The Nursing Mother's Companion' and it discusses some of the options of inducing lactation. Some of the protocols call for birth control pills, but I know my IM can't take them so there are other protocols depending on any underlying medical conditions. I wouldn't bother with an OB, go straight to a lactation consultant. I think most people have success with it. It's great to see so many people that want to give their babies the best food!
Good luck,
Michelle

[Gnusgal]

Originally Posted by momofjk

I have a book called 'The Nursing Mother's Companion' and it discusses some of the options of inducing lactation. Some of the protocols call for birth control pills, but I know my IM can't take them so there are other protocols depending on any underlying medical conditions. I wouldn't bother with an OB, go straight to a lactation consultant. I think most people have success with it. It's great to see so many people that want to give their babies the best food!
Good luck,
Michelle

A lactation consultant is okay (and you should meet with one), but honestly, if you have medical issues you have to work around (like me), you should consult with your OB as well. I talked with a lactation consultant first, and she had no idea how the protocol might effect my heart. She told me to consult with my OB. Had I just gone with the LC, I would have been taking the dom and come to find out it could have caused problems with my heart. While I wish I could have followed the regular protocol, I'm glad I checked with my doctor.

[Nona]

Please do NOT use your pump past medium. Max can cause damage to your nipples and tissues

[melissac]

Is domperidone legal in the US? I read that it is not FDA approved and very hard to get a hold of. Any side effects you noticed being on it? How is your milk supply now? Congratulations. I can only hope to be as successful. Our GS is now 18 weeks and 1 day, but who's counting...