Hi, my name is Jamie. On Sunday my GS gave birth to my son at 25 weeks and 6 days. I was going to induce lactation but have only been on the bcps and domp for about a week now. The doctors are encouraging me to induce lactation and pump for Tyler. He is getting donor milk right now. How long should I continue the bcps and domp before I have a good chance of pumping and having success? I have nursed two babies (when I could get pregnant myself) and I induced for my first GS baby. I only did domp the last time and got enough to feed my baby for the first week or two and then I had to supplement. I'd like to do better this time. All advice is appreciated. Jamie

Jamie you can do the accelerated protocol. Stay on the bcp and dom for a total of 30 days. Go off the bcp add the herbs and start pumping like crazy. It is not the ideal protocol but in your situation you need to get your milk going. How long since you last nursed a baby?

Laurie, I last nursed in early 2006. Would I have a better supply if we kept giving Tyler donor milk and I took the bcp/domp for at least 2 months? Is there a big difference between taking the combination one month or two?

Well the longer you are on it the better. If you knew that you could give donor milk for two months I would do that. Once he is able to go to the breast you could give him the donor milk in a lact-aid during the time you are on the protocol.

You can always just play it by ear. Stay on it a month and see how you feel about doing another month on it or 6 weeks even. I am glad your doctors are encouraging you.

Dear Jamie,

Congratulations on your little one's arrival. How is he doing? How are you doing? Did you know my older son was born 2 months early? You can read our story here: http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/mothers_story.html

One of the most important things you can do for your son once his respiration and heart rate are stable is to hold him skin-to-skin as much as possible. This is called Kangaroo Mother Care: http://www.kangaroomothercare.com/

The other is to bring in your breastmilk and when he's able, to breastfeed him. Usually premature infants don't have the suck>swllow>breathe thing down until about the equivalent of 32 weeks gestation. You can use that time to prepare. Start with 30 days, with your doctor's knowledge, and see how things are going. At that point you can consider pumping or continuing on the protocol for another couple of weeks before starting to pump with an excellent dual electric breastpump.

Please keep us posted on your progress and feel free to email me directly at [email protected] if you have further questions or concerns.

Best, Lenore

Thanks, Lenore. I am starting to pump tomorrow. I hope for a good supply for Tyler. He is doing pretty well besides the "normal" preemie issues like apnea and bradycardia.

Jamie