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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Hi everyone. I'm still on the fence about pursuing the protocol and could really use some advice and assistance. I'm 12 weeks pg with a gestational surrogate. We pursued surrogacy after 4 pg losses (2 early, one mid-trimester and one stillbirth), after which we learned that I have a septate/bicornuate uterus. My concern about the protocols is that my body is very exhausted and I am generally unwell after all that I've been through in the past 6 years. I am quite literally ill as much as I am well, and have been so for about 5 years. Taking the bcp and dom is not something I really want to do, I've had a great deal of medical intervention, both related to the pgs and now the GS as well as related to my multiple various illnesses. Lots of docs, lots of meds, lots of hormones.
I would pursue the protocol regardless of the faqct that I'd prefer to let my body rest and heal IF there was some reasonable certainty that I could produce most if not all of the milk my baby would need. I would go to a milk bank or find a private donor otherwise. But I feel confused on the question of whether the standard protocol, which I could follow since we have 6 months to go (due date mid-April), reliably creates a full or near-full milk supply. Are there data to support this? Are there variables that help to predict whether a particular woman will produce enough milk? I could really use some hard science here, some kind of stats to help me figure out which way to go. I do appreciate any help, thank you very much,
Beth
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,785 Idaho
extra helpful experienced member
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extra helpful experienced member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,785 Idaho |
Beth Ellen, I would email Lenore directly. She may know of some literature out there. If anyone, knows she will. One thing I will say is that having a baby through GS is an ideal situation for doing the protocol. My understanding is the longer you can stay on the protocol the better your chances of producing. I went on the protocol when my daughter was 15 mos. I had tried to do it naturally using a lact-aid, herbs and even dom by itself. I pumped to try to help my supply and only ever got a trickle of milk at best. Once I did the accelerated protocol (I think it was 42 days) I could pump ounces at a time. It amazed me that it made that much difference. If you are willing to use donor milk why not do the protocol and supplement your own supply if necessary with donor milk? That is what Lenore is doing. She has a wonderful supply that for most babies would be a full supply, but her son is large and eats a lot. So she has a donor helping her out. I wish you all the best and whatever decision you come to we are all here to support you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Laurie~Craig's wife~Mom to 4 blessings nurtured at the breast CJ(24)Travis(21)Beka~adopted(9)Rab(6)
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 30 York, PA
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 30 York, PA |
I agree, you should contact Lenore. She is great and would be the best one to give you advice. If you are concerned for your health and find it would be best to let your body rest and heal before your baby comes, you can use donor milk in the lact aid. Breastfeeding isn't just about the milk as I am sure you already know. Congratulations on your baby and best of luck to you. Joni <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Joni
Mom to 2 bio daughters ages 26, 24
waiting on adoption
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 98 Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 98 Sao Paulo, Brazil |
Dear Beth Ellen,
I don't think there is much hard science out there so far, but Lenore has of course accompanied many women through the protocols. The amount of time you have should definitely be in your favour, but realistically is not a guarantee of a full or nearly-full supply.
Myself I only had time for the accelerated protocol (62 days of it) and even though I pumped religiously my production was poor, I never even pumped two ounces per day. But even so I am so glad I did induce as with the help of a lact-aid it enabled me to develop a nursing relationship with my little daughter that I would not miss for anything in the world.
Also, any milk at all that you produce will be good for your baby and I did see my production increase markedly once my little one arrived.
The protocols very likely are the method of inducing lactation that will result in the best production, but yes, they do take a toll on your body. I was in good health, but found the tiredness overwhelming at times and many women also gain quite a bit of weight. If you don't want to do it in your situation and just give your body a rest that is a very valid decision in my opinion. But do nurse your baby in whatever way you can, it is the most beautiful thing.
Love,
Chris
mom to Emma, born June 15th, 2004
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12
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Chris, I really appreciate your honesty. It helps to hear both sides of the story. I'm going to start the protocol tomorrow, although with trepidation. I finally realized that if my body couldn't take it, I could always stop. But I wouldn't have another chance to start at the 6-month date.
Can you tell me which part of the protocol was so fatiguing for you? Was it before you started pumping or after? It will help to know what to expect.
Thanks again,
Beth
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 98 Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 98 Sao Paulo, Brazil |
Hello Beth Ellen,
Sorry, it took me a while to reply. It was while taking the yasmin and dom, before starting the pumping that I got really, really tired a lot. While the pumping does kind of take over your life the tiredness actually subsided in that phase.
Having said that, I did not feel unwell, just very sleepy at times. If you can take occasional naps, that needn't even be a problem.
All the best on your journey! Being able to nurse your baby really is amazing.
Love,
Chris
mom to Emma, born June 15th, 2004
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