Hi there, I've been reading the forums and just can't seem to find an answer to my questions. I'm Twana, A-mom to Kendyn, now 4 1/2 months and about 12 pounds . (he was born 7 weeks preemie) He came home at 2 1/2 months and has been bf with lact aid since his 2nd day home (he took right to the breast). To begin with, I used bottles whenever we were out (transracial adoption, now used to the stares). He's not had any bottles for about 3 weeks now. I had pumped for a month or so before we brought him home, but no meds or herbs. I know he's getting some breast milk, but I don't think it's much. He takes anywhere from 2-4 oz supplement per feeding (I mix up 28 oz at a time and it lasts 2-2 1/2 days). I've just started taking fenugreek yesterday, in hopes of increasing my supply. Our pediatrician is very supportive of a-bfing, but says to just nurse with the lact-aid, not to use herbs or dom...so I don't know what to do. Should I wait to see what happens with the fenugreek? (I'm taking 1 pill 3 x's a day right now...tomorrow will up to 2 pills 3 x's a day, then to the suggested 3 3x's a day). I'm fine using the supplement, but Kendyn seems to have tummy trouble when he gets too much formula...he gets very gassy and constipated, and I hate for him to feel bad. If you think I should do something differently, can you please tell me what and how many I should take? Sorry for rambling.
Blessings
Twana

Honey, you don't have to work up to the dom. Just start right in. You need it
You are doing great!

Thank you for the reply. So do I keep using the fenugreek, and also start the dom? How much and how often do I use it? I don't have time to pump, so I just feed on demand, will the dom help? It would be so nice to not have to worry about the supplementor.

Blessings,
Twana

Ok, I just ordered 1800 dom. I'm taking 3x3 fenugreek a day and have also ordered blessed thistle. Should I take all 3 together? Do I need to start the dom slowly? Do I have to pump, too? So many questions, I'm sorry.

Thank you so much!

I've just read the entire site on adoptive bf'ing and I saw somewhere where I should stop all herbs till I start the dom and am comfy with it. Do I need to do that? I've only been on fenugreek so far. And I also saw something about goats rue in the message boards, but nothing on the site itself...do I need that, too? I just want to get this right <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Should I plan to stay on dom, blessed thistle, and fenugreek for the entire time, and how long for the goats rue if I need it too? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to make this all make sense <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Blessings

The goats rue is for duct development. You are already producing milk right? and just need to build the supply. I would just add the dom when you get it to your routine and once you are used to that add in the blessed thistle. I took my herbs until my DD was older and just comfort nursing. So you do need to plan on staying on the dom and the herbs long term. You may be able to cut back on the amount as your baby gets older and is taking solids etc...

I am glad your pediatrician is supportive. I do however believe it takes more than just nursing with the lact-aid to bring in a supply. I tried that and ended up goin gthe accelerated protocol route to bring in a supply. The dom and herbs will really help you to produce more milk. How often is your baby eating? Are you doing any pumping after feeds?

Thanks so much, Laurie

Yes, I do make some milk now, just not much...so I'll not worry about goats rue. No, I've not pumped since Kendyn came home because I thought him nursing would be enough...now I think I'm wrong. I'll give pumping a try again. As for how often he eats, it's about every 2-3 hrs during the day, and at night he sleeps from 11pm till 4:30am, so no feedings in that time frame. I'll keep up the fenugreek and add dom when it arrives, then blessed thistle. With dom, I should do 1 4xs a day for a week, then up it to 2, right?

Blessings

I believe that is right on the dom. I will double check. I took dom before doin gthe protocol and I just jumped right in I got a tummy ache but it didn't last to long. You don' t have to pump after all his feedings but adding a few pumpings would help.