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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1
newbie
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OP
newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1 |
Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and I emailed Lenore some questions yesterday but there seems to be a wealth of information and knowledge here too. I was referred to this site by some women through our adoption agency.
During our home-study process, we found out we were pregnant. We lost our baby son at 23 weeks just over two weeks ago. We are devastated but have chosen to return to our adoption process immediately. My milk is currently in but probably dwindling. I was interested before in induced lactation/adoptive breastfeeding for our future children and it seems like I have a unique opportunity to continue producing milk right now. We will complete our home-study in about 6 weeks and while there are no guarantees, we anticipate that the process may move quite quickly. I may decide that this is too much to keep up, but at least for now - I would like to give it a go. This was our first, so I really am new to the world of breastfeeding.
What are some things I can do currently to keep up my supply? I have contacted some places about renting pumps and will hopefully hear back tomorrow.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 17 Texas
member
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member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 17 Texas |
First, I'm sorry for your loss. Second, I wish you best of luck with your adoption!
You'll want to rent a hospital grade pump if that's possible. Speaking as someone who has used both consumer grade and hospital grade, the consumer grade pumps are borderline painful by comparison. If it's not possible, you can get by with a consumer pump.
For your pumping schedule, every 3-4 hours or so is probably good until you're through the homestudy. Once you're closer to a placement, you'll want to ramp up the pumping schedule to every 2 hours during the day and every three at night, both to increase supply and to mimic the feeding schedule of a newborn.
In addition, going on an herb regimen will help. Fenugreek (use with caution if you're asthmatic), fennel, blessed thistle (NOT Milk Thistle), and alfalfa are all things used to increase milk supply. Another tip is to eat oatmeal at least 3 times a week.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 675 Illinois
extra helpful experienced member
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extra helpful experienced member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 675 Illinois |
I am so sorry for your loss.
I have used the medela pump in style and had good luck with it. It would be much less expensive to buy than to rent long term.
I think fenugreek is the most effective herb. You need to take 3 capsules 3 times a day to get the effects.
If your supply doesn't pick up around the time the baby is born, you could add in the domperidone to give yourself a boost. Since you are inducing after a pregnancy, you might not need to used it longterm.
Good luck.
Jennifer
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