inducing lactation

erinmc1

We had a post a while back about IL and if anyone had success with it.  I just wanted to update that I started the Ask Lenore procedure about 2.5 months ago, and started pumping last Tuesday.  Within 3 days, I was producing milk, and at any given sitting, I'm now producing about 1.5 ounces.  Since we're not matched yet, I'm just freezing whatever I produce, so we have some stock in case I'm not able to produce enough to fully feed, and I need some supplemental milk.  

 If anyone has any questions, I'm more than happy to answer! 

crene84

That's awesome!  I had posted about it but never got a chance to do it because we matched so quickly and BM was already 8.5 months when we knew for sure she was going to place with us.  It was such an overwhelming time that I just decided to cut inducing lactation out of my "to do" list.  But I am still very interested in it, and maybe I'll be able to pursue it for baby # 2 (though I hope to get preg whether naturally or with embryo adoption for #2 probably).

Thanks for sharing! 

Rachel Sonnier

wow that is amazing! I would love more info on that method if you have time to explain what to do and how to do it!

Bpmg

I have just started researcing this - very grateful for the info!! Thank you for sharing.

erinmc1

Sure! I went to the asklenore.com website, and they explain the protocol to follow on there.  

 Domperidone is kind of hard to get in the US because it isn't approved by the FDA, so I ordered mine online from New Zealand.  It's just a mild anti-nauseatic that has the side-effect of increased milk production in nursing moms.  I took 10 mg of that orally 4 times a day for a week, then increased to 20 mg 4 times a day, along with the b.c. pill every day, not skipping any days, for 2 months (it's normally only 1 month, but since I had a hysterectomy, I had to follow the menopausal protocol).  

After 1 month (or two if you're like me), you stop the b.c. completely and stick with the dom.  Then you start pumping using a 2-stage hospital grade breast pump.  I visited my local lactation center to rent mine since they are $$$.  Now I'm pumping roughly every 3 hours during the day, and skipping the nighttime pumping until we're matched.  

They say it takes inducing moms anywhere up to 2 weeks to start getting anything when they pump, but I started getting clear fluid on the very first day, which thickened up and turned white by day 3.  

Honestly, after needing a hysterectomy at 31, I was really ready for it not to work, but my body seems to be doing this one thing like a champ. 

MagickalNarwhal

Yay! I'm so happy to hear that! That is so awesome.

I did the same protocol but did the BC for 4 months, but I didn't have any luck. I got drops, but after a month of pumping it never increased.

So glad you are sharing this, I love to hear stories of success

IRR

Good for you!

daenikoffre

Awesome!

We're not starting the adoption process until after the holidays, but since I'm still nursing our toddler, I hope that helps and I am able to nurse LO as well.  

JellyTwoPointO

Woah.  This is SO cool.  I was reading about IL awhile ago because it's something I was interested in.  I love that you're actually trying this and you're seeing it begin to work!