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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6 AZ
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6 AZ |
I need some guidance on how much of which herbs to take. Background: I'm 45, never been pregnant, with adopted baby due 1/29/03. Last year, my hormones went nuts and I've been working with a homeopath to balance them -- with great success. So I opted not to do the bcp, since my baby needs a hormonally-balanced mom as much as breastmilk. Anyway, I began pumping 8 wks ago. Added herbs 6 wks ago. Also taking 3 homeopathic remedies for lacation. Only in the past 14 days have I had a bit of moisture on my nipples -- twice on left and once on right.
Every day, I'm taking 12 Fenugreek (600 mg each), 9 Blessed Thistle (340 mg each), and 9 Marshmallow (550 mg each).
I've seen posts with people taking Alfalfa and Fennel on top of what I'm taking. Seems like a lot. Any thoughts on changing the combination of herbs or the dosages of specific herbs?
Thanks.
Jody
Adopted son Marcus born 5/21/03
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Hello,
The usual dose of Fenugreek is 9 a day, the same as the Blessed Thistle. You could also try alfalfa, B vitamins, brewers yeast, oatmeal. Some use goats rue, but Lenore advises against this. I had tried domperidone and pumping, with the herbs and after 5 weeks only produced drops. So, I am on the regular protocol. I was also having problems with nipple vasospasms with the PIS, and that could have been another reason for the low supply,,the milk would just not come out. I am doing the "all natural" approach to the Raynauds now...calcium, mag, eve. primrose oil etc..then I think I will try the Whittlestone pump next time to see if that makes a difference. I have been on the reg. protocol with Diane and domperidone for 76 days now.
Just to let you know, it is not unusual to see no milk with just pumping and herbs. When the baby is at the breast, you can expect to produce 1/4 to 1/2 of the milk supply. . You will still need to supplement and use the Lactaid or SNS. If you do not want to use formula, you can used donated breast milk,,,from a bank or Nona knows of donors, and they are all screened.
I wish you luck, congratulations with your "match" ,,we tried for 2 years in the US for a match, and are now going out of the country again. I envy you for adopting a newborn. We will get a newborn referral, but the paperwork takes about 4 months in Guatemala. I will live there as long as I can, so I will probably go down when she is 8 weeks old and just stay there the next 2-3 months. Yuk! But, we have to do what we have to do!
Keep us posted on how everything is going,,,take care,
Cathy
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I found the Motherlove 'More Milk Plus'. Does anyone know how their dosing recommendations compare with the capsule dose recommendations?
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,347 Canada
extra helpful experienced member
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extra helpful experienced member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,347 Canada |
Hi Jody,
Congratulations on your impending arrival. Which pump are you using?
Fondly,
Lenore Goldfarb, Ph.D.,CCC,IBCLC
Wife to Rob, Mom to Adam aged 13, and Ethan aged 9, both born via GS and breastfed via Regular Newman-Goldfarb Protocol.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6 AZ
newbie
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OP
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6 AZ |
This is kind of strange. I wrote the first note in this thread in January 03, on the first of three adoption situations. The birth mother kept that baby; three weeks later a second baby was given to another family. But the third time, we finally got our precious Marcus. He arrived May 21.
For the first baby, I used a Medela Classic pump. For Marcus, I have used a Medela Lactina Select. I think I liked the Classic better, however. I honestly don't know how much difference the pump made.
Marcus is now 4 months old. I never made much milk, but as time progresses, I feel that my breastfeeding is more about mothering than about milk.
Jody
Adopted son Marcus born 5/21/03
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Hi,
You are so right, it is about mothering. You may be surprised at how much you are actually making. Also, you could try domperidone and that would really help. I wish I was having my Ana home before she is 10 months old, when I go to Guatemala to visit her for a week every 8 weeks , I try to latch her, and bring down some breast milk. The main problem is that in foster care she is very used to a bottle. I am going down again in October and bought the same kind of Gerber pointy nipples she is used to, so I can cut one of them and thread the lact-aid through that and try. Also, my sister is coming this time to help out. It's hard to nurse for 1 week and then have to leave her there. The whole process was supposed to take 4 months and is taking 8-10 months.
I am so glad the nursing is going well for you. Contratulations on your little guy,,,take care, Cathy
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hi.. me and my partner are expecting a baby in february and i would like to know when it is a good time for me to start pumping.? i am planning on trying to do just pumping and herbs, because i dont want to do the medical prescriptions. also, will my breasts get so large to where people notice a difference? please give me some advice on when to start.. do i take 3 or fenugreek and blessed thistle 3 x a daya right ? i will be able to only pump 3-4 times a day, i know my supply will be low at first, we are planning on doing supplements.. like lactaid.. plus we will have her breast milk too, this is more of a bonding opportunity for me rather than the actual breastfeeding. if you could plaese reply to me, even at my email thank you Stefani_ca@yahoo.comexpecting a baby feb,2004 <img src="http://www.asklenore.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />
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