Dear Kathleen,

Thank you for your post and congratulations on your impending arrival.

My, that's quite a long list of "stuff" you purchased at the health food store.

We do not recommend products containing red raspberry leaf or fennel because in some women, they can actually cause a decrease in milk supply, not sure why.

We have not received reports of success with the progesterone creams but you can try it and see. Is there a medical reason for you to be unable to take the Ortho 1/35?

Best, Lenore

Yes, it is a long list! Can you tell I am trying to get my milk to come in? I am not an expert at searching for a topics that have already been discussed on a forum, so I do apologize for asking things that I'm sure have been covered before. I'm trying to do my own homework, but I am so wanting to get started.

I saw the red raspberry recommended on another site, Kellymom.com. I was looking for "galactagogues" and that and marshmallow was mentioned. However, I didn't see anything here, but will put the raspberry away for now.

Ok, as far as the b/c pill. I have only taken the b/c pill for one month in my whole life, and it was the most miserable month on record. I don't know what it was, but it was scary. I couldn't tell you which pill it was. I would consider it again if I could become better educated, but with two small boys to care for as a homeschooling mom, I am hesitant to try it again if the natural way would work for me. My husband, the pharamcist consultant, is not a fan of b/c pills in general (oddly, he doesn't like most meds), but he says he will support my decision if I want to try it for our baby.

I realize herbs are a form of medication, too. I'm really open to advice here, because I had such a good nursing relationship with both my boys. I truly with all my heart want to be ready for this baby. I know there are no guarantees, but I would love to have a full milk supply at least at some point with her.

May I ask, if I am getting a clear, thick fluid from both breasts, is this any indication that I am at least on the right track? I'm using manual stimulation I saw demonstrated on some other website that I cannot recall. It shows how to press back on the chest wall with thumb and fingers positioned at certain points behind the areola and express.

Sorry for the long post. I appreciate your help!
Kathleen

Kathleen,

IF your getting clear fluid it will soon turn to white drops. You need more than hand stimulation. You need a good double pumping breast pump. The 2 I would suggest is the Limrick (SP) or the Medela Pump In Style Original. You will need to be pumping every 2 1/2 to 3 hours and once during the night. You need to pump for atleast 15 minutes if not longer. You can get a hands free pumping bra... that way you can home school and pumping won't get in your way

Hi Kathleen,
I had breastfed my bio daughter before bfing my adopted son and didn't need to take the bcp. I don't know if you stopped long ago, but I think it is easier to relactate than to have a first lactation without the birth control pill. I only had to take Domperidom and Goat Rue which is an herb that helps develop breats tissue. It can be used instead of the pill.

I started with manual expression first and bought a Limerick pump that I like a lot more than the Medela. I used to pump and do manual expression because I notice I was getting more milk that way.

It took time, about 3 months of pumping and nursing, but my baby is now exclusively breastfed. It's worthed!
Good luck!

It is only considered relactation if you have nursed with in the last 12months I believe. Everything outside of that is induced lactation. You can still do that with the goats rue and other herbs plus dom. Or you can do the bcp protocol.