[Ladyofmoonlight]

Okay, I'm probably treading into waaaaay TMI territory here, but since this area is for ABFing moms...

K, so no baby yet, just mailed application papers today, should be set up and ready to go soon, shouldn't be all too long to match (w/in 6 months?). So we're getting ready for baby and I'd heard that if you plan to nurse you might want to try pumping to at least prep yourself a bit.

I bought a pump at a consignment sale today (manual, $10 for kit and brand new) and started using it just to see how it works. First off, it feels awesome. Maybe I'm weird but every time I think of the new baby I get a bit, well, swollen. So it actually felt really nice. Then a bit of clear stuff came out. Soooo, that's what I wanted to ask about. That's good, right? Or should I be worried if clear stuff leaks out right now? I haven't talked to my doctor about ABFing and am probably going to try to find a doctor in the area who is knowledgeable about it since mine is very "by the book" on everything.

Anyway, just wanted to consult the pros

[misidawnrn]

I am going through the Newman-Goldfarb protocol for induced lactation and I am on day 12 of pumping but did about 5 months of progesterone based birth control and domperidone first. The birth control mimics the progesterone of the placent, basically telling your body that it is pregnant, the domperidone builds up breast tissue like a pregnancy does. Then about 6-7 weeks before baby you stop the BCP, keep taking domperidone and start pumping about every 4 hours or so. This has the effect of losing the placenta and nursing a baby so your progesterone levels drop, your prolactin and oxytocin levels increase and in most cases you make milk. I am on day 12 and up to 1.5 ounces every 4 hours. I have heard of some people not getting anything but most get something. DON"T just pump for the next infinity, your nipples will kill you..hehehehe.
Here are 2 websites that have been of enormous help for me.
Ask Lenore ~ Home Page
The Adoptive Breastfeeding Resource Website - Homepage

I hope this helps...good luck!

[nurse_reedle]

If you aren't on a protocol, you *can* pump. I didn't do a BCP and just pumped and used Dom and some herbs and got a full supply.

[zombie]

I would not suggest pumping yet. To get a good supply you will need to pump a lot, day and night. That isn't something I would want to do for months and months. I would suggest renting a hospital grade double electric pump when you are ready to start for real. A manual is highly unlikely to work for inducing lactation. I was able to rent one for only about $30 a month. I only needed to for just over a month. I had never been pregnant and it only took me about 5 weeks to get a good start on a milk supply. I actually got milk within days after I started taking domperidone. I started with more natural/worthless methods first, which is why it took me 5 weeks. I think you could probably get a good start on a supply in 2 or 3 weeks if you took domperidone and pumped day and night. I got a full supply after my daughter was nursing at the breast.

I assume the clear liquid is a good sign. Maybe you are one of those people that can lactate with very little effort and stimulation. I saw on CSI once about a girl that lactated because she thought she was pregnant. That would be cool.

[Ladyofmoonlight]

Thanks for the responses. We aren't on any set protocol, mainly because what I've seen would require a realistic timeframe for when we'd have our baby and in all honesty we have no idea. Could be weeks, could be months, could be very soon, could be a looooong time off. No clue. I did just stop bcp, though (last pill was Saturday) and I'm still hunting for a doctor in my area who could help with ABF. I had figured I'd try the pump just for the heck of it and it does seem to be doing *something*, though obviously not quickly. I was also fortunate enough to pick up some of those inverted nipple fixers (eep! I know there's an actual name for those!) and I'm definitely using those now.

I had planned to order the domperidone last week and it slipped my mind. So, I guess I'll be ordering that today. Hopefully I'll react quickly to that, like I do with all medication.

Thanks again for the info Can you tell I'm a bit excited over here?

[nurse_reedle]

Just make sure you get yourself a GOOD double electric pump. I really like my Medela Pump in Style. I have also had an AMeda Purely Yours, but I like the PIS better.

[zombie]

I wouldn't bother getting a doctor to help. Very few would have any kind of clue about it. (My very progressive doctor had never heard of adoptive breastfeeding.)I would suggest calling La Leche League in your area. I did, and they were very helpful. They had lots of info and put me in touch with a woman in my area that had relactated. FYI you don't need a prescription to get domperidone. I got it from Inhousepharmacy.com .

[Ladyofmoonlight]

Thanks y'all!

There's another consignment sale a week from Saturday, around the time my domperidone is supposed to be arriving (yup, ordered from that website zombie!). I'll see if I can pick up an electric pump then. I just saw a Pump In Style on Craigslist for like $15 and didn't even think about it, guess I'll keep my eyes open from now on.

Also, I did contact someone at La Leche League last Friday and still haven't heard back. I guess I'll try another contact email since I would really like some face to face guidance!

Thanks so much for all the advice!