Hello everyone,

I just registered, but have been reading for awhile. We have 2 adopted sons that we adopted at 2 and 4 days of age, respectively. They are now 5 and 7. I tried adoptive breastfeeding them and while I didn't produce a lot of milk, the experience of nurturing them even with a Lactaid or SNS was very satisfying. (I can't remember what protocols I followed back then. I think for the first I took domperidone and started pumping and for the second, I took Diane 35 for a few months and then stopped that/started domp and pumping.)

Anyway, we recently tried getting pregnant with donated embryos from the local fertility clinic. I was pg with a little boy, but miscarried between 19 and 20 weeks (low amniotic fluid). Prior to the D&E, the OB/GYN told me to purchase ace bandages to wrap my breasts so my milk doesn't come in. I told him, "Oh no, I want it to come in!" (I had read previously that it's easier to re-lactate than start from scratch and we had pretty much decided we couldn't go through more infertility treatment. We would try to adopt again.) So, I started pumping with an Evenflo electric pump 3 days after the D&E to see what I'd produce. The next week I rented a Medela Lactina Select hospital grade pump. I've been pumping 6x / day -- once at night.

The first week I was producing 4 ounces / day and now almost 4 weeks later, I think I'm making 14 - 16 oz/day. I pump once at night. I am not taking domperidone this time, but I do take fenugreek, marshmallow root and fennel. I'll be adding blessed thistle, too, but it took me awhile to get a local source.

I wanted to share my current experience as I'm just tickled pink to have milk to freeze for our next little one. Unfortunately, I will be attached to this pump for quite awhile since I can't imagine we'll be able to adopt any sooner than 3 months.

Does anyone know any specific information about melatonin passing through to the milk? I take 3 mg / night for sleep.

Also, do I need to limit my caffeine intake while pumping? I currently have 1 strong cup each afternoon.

I'm sure I'll have more questions later! Thanks for the great forum/website!

Nancy