Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Coming Close to the Journey's End

I have been giving serious consideration to stop pumping. I was going to stop when I finished my Dom (in about a month), but I just put the last of my frozen milk in the fridge to thaw. I rumaged through the freezer and can't find any more nuggets of gold. I am only pumping about an ounce a day, so once I have depleted my frozen supply I will have to pump for several days before I can give him any breastmilk.

I haven't been able to entice him to nurse at all. Not in the mornings while we cuddle, not after he finishes his bottle at night, not during those times when he just seems to need some comfort. He doesn't seem to suck except for his bottles. When he puts his thumb in his mouth it is to chew on since he is teething. He doesn't even take a pacifier, (which was a real relief to me anyway.) He does love his bottles though, he hasn't taken to the cups I have tried to get him to drink from.

I hate to "give up", but I just can't get enough milk out. I have tried the herbs, oatmeal, drinking lots of water, but nothing seems to help.

I probably could devote more time and energy to see if I could overcome his resistance, but with my husband deployed (he's in the army) I am taking care of all the household chores, the bills, two large dogs, and I am trying to complete my final comps for my master's degree. I just think I have too much on my plate to add more stress over this issue. Troy is very much attached and enjoys snuggling and just being with me, so I am not too concerned about attachment issues at this time. I do wish I could provide more comfort while he has been sick (he's got a cold that has gone into his chest.)

I have greatly appreciated all of the love and support that I have received here. You are all wonderful! Thank you.

Warm Regards,
Melissa B.

Dear Melissa,

It's not a question of "giving up" but rather choosing the path that is right for you. It's a daunting task to induce lactation in the first place, let alone trying to get an older baby to the breast with your husband deployed. You really are my hero.

I would suggest that you pump over the next few days and provide as much breastmilk as you can for your child while he's sick..even if it's a teaspoon at a time...just like medicine. Then wean from the pump and the domperidone and give this a rest. For instructions on how to wean off the domperidone, visit this page http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/stopping_domperidone.html

You are an incredible woman! Look at everything on your plate....the home, the baby, the master's degree. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is stop one thing, so that we can go on with our lives. You really have given this your best shot. You can be proud of everything you've done.

Fondly,