What method did you use?
Drugs?
How long did it take for the milk to come in?
You might guess where we're going with this.....
Yesterday while holding Grunter, our little Barracuda decided to lunge out and latch onto Chicken (they were enjoying some naked Kangaroo care) and now...she's wondering about breastfeeding as she'd really like to do this, too.
There's also an SSRI in question, but I'm doing research to figure that one out.
Thanks for any information--there's a lot out there but I'd like to hear from some women who have done this first hand.
16 comments:
Can totally be done. There is a drug protocol, our RE mentioned it. He said they had a mom who used a surrogate to conceive her twins but wanted to breastfeed. I think it took about a month but she was able to induce lactation without ever being pregnant and breastfed her twins exclusively after that for a little over a year. Talk to your RE or OB they should be able to help.
I've heard that it takes about 6 months unfortunately, but might be worth a shot!
LLL should be helpful on this. A lactation consultant I know told me once that an adoptive mother was able to breastfeed her baby after it arrived at her place. I cannot provide own experiences here but can provide my good wishes on this beautiful idea. xo, Monika
Hi-
IN case you don't have this already:
This blog has tons of thoughtful stuff about the pros and cons of it (they did it):
http://firsttimesecondtime.blogspot.com/
and there is a thread about it on the mothering.com/discussions "queer parenting" forum.
hope that helps!
-Liz L.
lizl said it before me, but yeah, gail at 1st time 2nd time did it. (so did another friend on IVP, but they haven't been blogging in a while.) It does take a while, but I believe there's a short protocol too. If you google inducing lactation, there's a site that has all the information. Basically you pump your body full of hormones to make it think you're pregnant, and then take lots of the drug that helps boost milk production.
Many drugs are compatible - not sure which SSRI she's on. I hope she gets to do it if she'd like. We looked at it, but it wasn't an option for us.
We used a supplemental nursing system with our son. Basically formula/breastmilk in a pouch around your neck connected to a small tube taped to your breast...you can use this method until milk comes in. I highly reccomend it. Google "supplemental nursing system"
I have been doing tons of research in this area. It can be done. Some women have minimal success and some have tons of success. In the US, I think we can only take the drug Reglan as Domperidome is illegal here. Boo! Other women also take Blessed Thistle and Fenugreek supplements. Some women also swear by drinking a product called Breastea - my friend swears it tastes great. I understand that frequent pumping with a hospital grade pump and some manual stimulation is also necessary. :) I will be interested to hear how it goes for you. Good luck.
or go to jack newman's site - his book talks about how to do this.
I have a friend who is doing it now, but I don't know where they are in the process, so I don't have any advice. I just wanted to say good luck and I can't believe how tiny their little feets still are! Adorable. :)
Now that I am home I can send you this link. You may have it already but I am guessing that I have more free time than you do right now! :)
http://www.mamadearest.ca/en/info/newman/induced-lactation.htm
Lyn and Gail at First Time Second Time are currently doing this and they have written about it in detail on their blog. I suggest reading their blog and maybe even emailing them as I bet they would be happy to offer their knowledge. Find them on my blog roll.
Good luck Chicken! You might turn into a cow very soon.
I guess I should have read the other comments before leaving my own. Oops. Sorry for being redundant.
My partner is interested in doing this, so I'll be keen to find out how it goes for you two.
I have nothing helpful to add... but damn do I wish we could induce lactation in my husband...
That's a cute story about your little ones trying to nurse on Chicken. Good luck! I would recommend Chicken talk to her psychiatrist - don't rely on OBs or GPs for advice on this. If she doesn't have one i suggest she look for one who has experience with SSRIs and pregnancy / breastfeeding. Lots of places have Womens mental health specialists. More pics please of your sweet boys!
Hello! I've decided it better to introduce myself rather than stalk your page silently. Please, go read the introduction I've put on my blog. Have a great day! -Mel
Post a Comment