Hi all,
I'm about to get started on the protocol plan to induce (maybe relactate is the proper term). I have one birth son whom I nursed for little over 3 years and weaned about 5 years ago. I have read to expect some of the changes and "symptoms" like increased breast size, heaviness and sensitivity. When I was preg and nursed my son, other changes I also noticed was that my nipples and areolae got quite larger and darker, and the veins in my breasts were very noticeable (I'm one of those fair skinned red heads). But those changes have disappeared since I'm not nursing now. Will those changes occur again or are they caused by the pregnancy? And if so, when in the protocol period should I expect the changes? Will there be other signs that the protocol is working? We're about 5 months from adoption. I'd appreciate any one elses experiences in this.
And I love the site. It's great.
Thanks, Laura
I'm not a very observant person, so probably more changes have occurred than I am aware of. But I have noticed the veins in my breasts are very noticeable, and my breast size has increased. Not everyone has their breast size increase, and I understand it can vary even in different pregnancies in the same woman. But I would expect at least some of the same symptoms to occur when you are on the protocol.
Good Luck!
DawnL
Dawn, thanks for the comments. I didn't know if others might have noticed any or all these changes. Since I've only had the one pregnancy, I wouldn't know about multiples.
Laura
Hi Laura,
If you do the domperidone/Diane 35 combination, you can pretty well expect breast changes right away. When I did the protocol I experienced everything you describe within about 2 weeks. You can find the guide to the protocols here
http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/gn_protocols.html Esther
laura,
everyone responds differently. I am on day 84 of diane and domperidone. I have been on domperidone for 5 months, and diane for 84 days. I do notice one vein on the left that is prominent, but so far no increase at all in cup size, no tingling, nothing. I have had 7 pregnancies, none to term, and also did the protocol for 4 months about 1 1/2 years ago so,,,,my breast changes might have occured over the years and I did not realize it, so that is why I may not be seeing so many changes now. I am still a B cup size. When I pumped for 5 weeks and did domperidone, all I saw was drops. I feel hot all the time, so I know the hormones are doing something, but as far as breast changes, I have very minimal. Like I said, everyone responds differently. Hope this helps.
take care,
Cathy
These ladies are most definetly right! Every womans experience with the protocol is different. Myself. .I am almost at 4 months now and I still have very sore breasts. I gained in cup size and the veins most definetly are prominent. Also my areolas have gotten much darker. But I am also emotional on the bcps.. not near as patient as I usually am.. even cry at stupid commercials. But then thats what pregnant women do. I am not saying by any means you will be moody. Its just how it affected me. The more into the protocol I get.. the better it gets. As you can see... none of us are affected by the protocol the same way...its very individual <img src="http://www.asklenore.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />
Hi everyone,
And thanks so much for the encouragement. It seems I've got to order the meds from different sources, so I guess it'll take longer. Looks like it may be 2-3 weeks yet. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas! Can't wait to get started. I never dreamed I'd miss nursing as much as I do. I can't imagine having or adopting and not breastfeeding.
I did have one followup question. When I was preg and nursing, my hubby was pretty involved in helping me prepare. My breasts, even when nursing, were an important part of our intimacy for both of us. Since the protocol instructions instruct to wait until "late" to begin pumping, will we have to discontinue this aspect of our intimacy? I really think it helped me not have sore nipples (a problem I didn't have even with fair skiin).
Thanks,
Laura
Hi Laura,
Two to three weeks sounds like an awfully long time. You can find everything you need at Planet Pharm in New Zealand. They deliver within about 10 days.
You can continue to have intimate relations with your husband so long as your activities do not include actively trying to bring in your breastmilk via suction. You want your breasts to have a chance to develop first.
As for breast preparation prior to nursing, this is now generally considered to be unnecessary. There is no preparation needed and your nipples do not need to be "toughened up". If you are breastfeeding correctly with the baby well latched passed the nipple and well onto the surrounding breast tissue, your breasts and nipples should be fine.
Esther
Esther,
"Ouch!" He won't like that. (Big surprise, huh?!) That's a part of our together time he won't like to give up till a baby is here, but I guess he'll have to get used to it.
I remember from my LLL mtgs. about the importance to correct latch on, too. Thanks
Laura