Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Is there a maximum time?

Hi there everyone!
Sorry that I haven't posted for a while. My old friend depression came to visit again but at least I know him for what he is now! We are awaiting adoption from St. Vincent and have recently been told that although it looked like we'd be getting a placement before Xmas, that more than likely won't be happening now. Man, adoption sure is good for the patience learnin'. Anyway, because we thought we were about six or eight months away from bringing a baby home, I started on the regular protocol beginning of September. I am nine weeks into the Ortho/domperidone combo and I have had tremendous results! I am huuugggeee! from a D to a G. I get pins and needles at various time of day and night, and lately they seem to be a certain regular times, like about half an hour before each meal time (7 am, 12 and 6). I have two infants in my daycare and a couple of days I forgot to take the Ortho I was leaking clear drops when holding the little nuzzlers (one of the moms figure they can smell it?) so I am pretty excited about pumping...curious to see just what I'll put out! That's one of the ironies about my maternal family lineage - we're good lactators, just not good conceivers - lol. I bought my PIS on ebay for a great deal...$150 CDN. Tried it on either cheek...yikes that's some strong sucking! Now our adoption time has been bumped back to the beginning of the New Year and my question is this: Is there too long a time period to be on the protocol. I read that four to six months is best for success, but is it safe to continue beyond the six months? If so, how long after? I would like to continue on the protocol until we receive 'the call' and start pumping at that point so that I'm not pumping forever. And also I am concerned, because I have been riding the depression rollercoster since my infertility diagnosis, that the hormone levels that go with lactating will push me off the deep end if there's not a baby in sight. Who knows about the limits on the safety of the protocol? I'm guessing that there must be a maximum amount of time you can be on it, because it's not a 'normal' thing to take BCP back to back and have no period...is it?

Hi Laura Jeanne,

The protocols are designed to mimic what happens during pregnancy. It's normal during pregnancy for your body to have elevated hormones without a period for at least 9 months of the pregnancy and about 6 weeks afterwards.

There was a study done on the use of diabetics who used domperidone for 3 years. No adverse effects were reported. And it's quite common for women to be on the "pill" for 15 or 20 years or more. Granted, they are not taking it non-stop. But there is a new pill on the market that you take continuously with only 4 periods a year. So it's not as unreasonable as you may think to stay on the protocol for a good length of time.

Fondly,