Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Pumping!!!

Well, we're pretty sure we have a match! I started pumping today!!!!! Got 3mL the first time, and 1.5mL the next 2 times! I have MILK!!!! I'm storing the BM in old IVF syringes...I'll get use out of them one way or the other! Feels great to have my body working, finally!

Wish us luck that this situation continues to work out!!!

Erin

Yay Erin that is awesome news.

There ya go girl! Keep pumping and it will continue to increase

Thanks ladies!!! I've been waiting for so long for this, it feels great! Well...the pumping doesn't feel great...it kinda hurts, but my body doing what I'd like it to is great!!!

As far as supply, is it normal for the supply to fluctuate at this point? When should I expect an increase? What is the normal progression of supply increase? So many questions....

Thanks!!!!
Erin

Erin,
I started pumping the day we were placed with our daughter (we had no notice). I had been on the protocol for 8 months. My supply increased very quickly. I had drops right away. Day two I was pumping about a teaspoon from each breast each time. By a week I was pumping an ounce or more each time I pumped. At that point I started breastfeeding and bottle feeding and pumping afterward. I was exclusively breastfeeding by two weeks. I think she was drinking 1 1/2 to 2 ounces a feed - 8 times a day. Remember that a newborn baby won't need much, so if you can get up to 2-3 ounces each pumping session, you will easily be able to exclusively feed for the first few weeks. I have found now that my supply keeps up with her demand (although I obsess over whether or not she is getting enough). She takes what she needs from me. I did continue pumping after some feeds for a couple months and built up a nice supply of milk in my freezer. Now at 4 months, she feeds 6 times a day and she takes between 3-6 ounces at a feed (I have a baby scale which has made a world of difference in feeling confident she is getting enough).
Jennifer

Erin,
YEAH!!! What a great feeling! I have the same questions as you and we have to just trust that we are doing great! Keep up the good work and keep us posted!
Candace

Thanks everyone!!! Its awesome to have such support! I'm just thrilled with my little bits of milk and its great to have others that know how important those little bits are!!!

I've slowly increased...after the initial 3mLs, I dropped down below 1ml for a little bit, BUT yesterday I was pumping 5ml consistently and today at 11am, I got a whopping 8.6ml!!! WooHoo!! Can I expect my supply to keep increasing at this rate? I hope...

Anyways, question: I do have the withdrawal bleeding that is discussed in the protocol. How long does this last?

Anyways...THANKS AGAIN!!!!

Erin

My bleeding was just like my regular period - maybe a day or two longer. Since that time I haven't had a period. DD is 4 months old.
Jennifer

Thanks, Jennifer!!! I wasn't sure exactly what to expect! This is all so new and wonderful!!

Erin