Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Just some advice please!

I live in the UK and my husband and I have our son due to be born on 19th March by our host surrogate and I want to be able to give him the best start in life by breastfeeding him. I have been on the regular protocol since 27th August 2005 and am due to stop the Yasmin, start the herbs and pumping on 21st January. I have not really had any specific breast changes at all but have put on a stone in weight - which is very unlike me as I have not changed my eating habits at all! Just wanted to check that this is normal and will I lose the weight gain when breastfeeding? I am only a size 34B - is this a problem? My friend has lent me a Medela PIS breastpump for when I start - what setting should this be on? Do I need to sterilse the breast shields and do any Medela bottles fit any model? Sorry for all the questions - any advice would be greatfully received - there probably will be more!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Tracey, are you taking the domperidone/motillium also? It is normal to put on some weight a stone is not that much. I put on almost 2 stones, just stay active and yes breastfeeding does help you lose.
Sterilize the shields the first time and yes most bottles fit the medela pump.

Many thanks for your advice, yes I am taking domperidone also. If we go to visit our surrogate on the last day of my taking Yasmin would it matter to miss starting pumping for 2 days or is it essential to start straight away? It would not be possible for me to take the pump to use there.

I don't think it will hurt to start pumping on day two. But if you have enough Yasmin to take it one more day I would do that instead.

Hi Tracey,

CONGRATULATIONS on your impending arrival.

It's best to start the pumping schedule (every 2-3) hours, the morning after your last birth control pill. So if you are not going to be able to pump, it's best to keep taking the bcp until you can sit down and pump regularly. This is important in order to get your milk supply going, prevent engorgement, and prevent tissue damage due to engorgement. Even if you are producing small amounts, cells can become distended and damaged if your don't drain your breasts. So to avoid stress, visit your surrogate and use the time to become mentally prepared for the task.

Best,

Lalle and Lenore - many many many thanks for your advice which is gratefully received x

Get used to taking that pump everywhere! I've pumped at every holiday party we went to this year, and there were a bunch. It's been great for letting folks know that you can breastfeed your adopted child <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Even the hand pump that comes with the PIS is great. I have also pumped a bunch in the car, while traveling from one place to another when it would be inconvenient to pump at someone's home or shopping, etc. Your PIS should have a lighter adapter for the car, or you can just order one from Medela.