Hi everyone,
I'll be starting the induction protocol as soon as my meds arrive. I'm working toward adoption in about 5 months after weaning my only child about 5 yrs. ago (nursed 3 yrs.).

What should I do if I spend 5 months preparing to breastfeed and the adoption cancels? Do I continue the process in anticipation of another opportunity? If I understand the process, when I stop the Diane, I can expect my milk to come in similar to when I gave birth. Will I experience the initial engorgement? Should I just pump and / or donate milk to a bank? Has anyone faced this?

Laura

Hi, Laura!
That is one of my own concerns, as we are not matched yet. I am on day 255 of the protocol, and will be stopping later this month. I'll begin pumping at that time. Since we don't have a match at this time, I have no idea how long I will be pumping. I am a little nervous about it, but I am just trusting God that he will send the right baby at the right time, and that I am doing the right thing.
It's hard to contemplate endless pumping, but if that's what I have to do, I will do it. I just bought a freezer (which we needed anyway) and will be storing my breastmilk. If necessary, I will donate it when it is stacking up, but hopefully I will be able to use all of it for my baby. If I wind up donating, it will probably be through Nona, who runs a mother to mother breast milk donation program.
As for the engorgement, ask me again in about 2 or 3 weeks, and I'll let you know. I've never done this before, and I've never been pregnant, so I am just going with the flow, and trusting I am doing this right <img src="http://www.asklenore.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />
Good Luck in your decisions!
DawnL

Thanks Dawn,

Wow, you've been on the protocols almost as long as a normal pregnancy! I didn't realize the plans went that long. I thought they were for up to 6 months. I guess you're really expecting a full supply.

As far as pumping, I know with my son I did do what seemed to be a considerable amount, especially into the second and third years. By that time, my letdown was well established and it didn't take a lot of time. My purpose was occasionally being away from him and also to keep my supply up. It seemed to work well. I'll sure be interested to know if you experience the same kind of changes that pregnancy and childbirth bring, and that's what I might expect. At least I'll have a kind of benchmark to follow from my pregnancy and nursing my son.

Thanks,
Laura

Hi Ladies,

Not to worry. The beauty of the protocols is that they are so flexible. As long as you don't start pumping, you can basically just wean off the domperidone, stay on the bcp a little while and everything should calm down. It's the breast emptying that builds the milk supply once the milk making apparatus is developed. Sort of like Part A (protocol) Part B (pumping). You need both parts.

Hope this helps. <img src="http://www.asklenore.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> Fondly,