Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Lactation Induction: Pumping Day 1

Yesterday I picked up the Med.ela Symphony pump I'm renting from one of the local hospitals. The lactation consultant who helped me was fabulous! She was thrilled to hear that I was able to get Domperi.done and that I'm using it to induce lactation. Apparently it's difficult to get a prescription for the meds from local docs, so she said to consider myself lucky. We discussed my previous experience pumping and she mentioned that new research suggests that PCOS causes low milk supply, which they think has something to do with failure to develop mammary tissue early on in development, but the supply troubles can range from mild to severe. The lactation consultant palpated my breasts to feel for mammary tissue and she indicated that I have a "good amount", so she doesn't think that should be an issue. However, I didn't produce a ton of milk while I was pumping for Myles, but there were so many factors (prematurity, magnesium sulfate, preeclampsia) that could've affected my supply. I'm going into this realistically and am aware that I will likely have to supplement with formula, particularly because I'll be feeding two, but I'm going to do my best to produce what I can.

When I pumped for Myles I used the Med.ela Lactina and the standard in the NICU, but decided to rent the Symphony because it's extremely quiet and has a new two-phase expression (starts fast and then slows), which is supposed to simulate the natural sucking of a baby. Being that I hadn't used this pump the lactation consultant asked me if I wanted to try it in front of her, so I did. Within a couple of seconds I already had milk droplets pooling on my nipples. I can't tell you how excited I was to see that and the lactation consultant was just giddy!

Today I officially began the pumping phase of the lactation induction protocol. I pumped for 15 minutes and will do that every 3 hours. It went well and again I produced several droplets of milk from each breast. I didn't really have anything to collect, so I just rubbed the milk into my skin as suggested by the consultant. I've read that I should start to see the my milk supply come in and increase over the next few weeks. I'm hoping this is true because it's going to be tough pumping all the time if I'm not seeing any results. I will just have to remind myself that it will get better when the boys come and that I'm doing this for them!

23 comments:

Nadine said...

So exciting!!! This is great, thanks for posting about it :)

N said...

That's really exciting!

Unknown said...

I loved the Symphony pump. So gald you were able to see something! Keep up the good work!

GibsonTwins said...

I had a Symphony pump when my twins were born. Loved it! So glad you're able to induce lactation. I'm very impressed and you've got such a great attitude.

Is K also going to pump for the boys for a period of time or just supplement with formula?

KRISTI said...

I don't think I've ever commented on your blog but I've been reading it for a long time.
I had to wish you luck with inducing lactation. You will never regret a moment of all the work it takes to get your supply ready!
I followed the same protocol as you and I had great results! I breast feed my twins for 3 months without supplementing (I mostly pumped but made sure I feed them from my breast at least twice a day each). I started supplementing slowly at the 12 week mark (mainly because I started slacking on pumping) but provided them both with breast milk until they were 6 months old.
It is so rewarding. It is the one thing you can do (besides worry) in these last few months. Plus, it keeps you busy and makes time go by a little faster:)
GOOD LUCK!
I really enjoy following your adventure.

Anonymous said...

How exciting!!!! I am so happy that you are already seeing results - I am so ready for this for you!!!!

Tiffany said...

You will get there! That is the pump I rented and it worked great. If you stick to every three hours, you should have plenty of milk. My downfall was getting off that three hour schedule and slowly the supply started decreasing. Stick with it! I wish I had, I also wish I had tried harder to get them to breastfeed instead of mostly pumping, because by the time my supply was low, they were actually pretty good at latching on.

jeanna said...

just wanted to say good luck and that you are so amazing to even try! So many women who could breastfeed give up so quickly! Just don't get discouraged you will be a GREAT mommy no matter how your babies are fed!

We have an extended family member who just had her little girl who was carried by the mom's best friend (did I say that PC correct?). Amazing what women will do for one another! The new family is doing great!

Happy New Year, 2010 is bringing in the miracles!

Latitude said...

I'm so proud of you, and I don't even know you!
Thanks for posting about this, I've heard of it, but never "met" someone who actually stimulated lactation when not carrying the baby. (Or in your case, babies!)
You are going above and beyond for your boys and every drop counts! Think of all the wonderful antibodies they'll get, no matter how much you produce.
Here's to keeping the milk flowing!

Michelle said...

GL with the pumping!! As a BF mom I know it is going to be a lot more3 work for you but so worth it!!

Our Life With Two Boys said...

i've had great success with using domperidone to aid my lactation with both my children (due to a breast reduction)... i wish you the same! :)

Robert and Carmen said...

I have PCOS and have not had an issue with supply. When I first started pumping (and for a number of months after) I was getting 4 oz. out of each side during one pump session. Don't let PCOS get "in your head!" Good luck - it is great that you are going to feed your boys!

Saffy said...

I've been wondering how it has been going since you mentioned the domperidone some time ago. I take it too and it makes a huge difference to my supply. I think it's brilliant that you're doing this - like others have said, it's "white gold" and every drop counts. I can't believe they're almost 31 weeks - oh how time flys :) Happy New Year to you and yours!!

Kay said...

I has a much better response with the Symphony then any of the other pumps, it made a huge difference. Because Luke had to have everything thickened, I pumped for most of his first 6 months.

Good Luck!

Elise Ford said...

I've been on domperidone since July; it has been a wonder drug. Good luck!!! I'm rooting for you!

sara said...

Haven't commented in forever, but I'm still reading right along. I'm so excited for you! Thanks for posting all about this topic...it's something that interests me greatly. K is looking just as radiant as ever in all the pics and you sound so excited. What a beautiful family you and K have...you both are so amazingly strong!

Amy Theis L.Ac. said...

Niki I'm so excited to see that everything is going so well. K does look fabulous. Two boys? Wow oh wow. I know that you will make a fabulous mommy. I'll be excited to see how lactation goes for you. I'm thinking about you all and wishing you many blessings in the new year. Sounds like two of the most important will be joining us all very soon. :)

Kelly said...

That's great to see something already!! Hope it continues!

James, Dawn and Family said...

HOORAY!That's awesome!!!

GeekByMarriage said...

I am in total awe of you. Much love, hun!

Denise Seykora said...

Hi there! I have been following your blog and am SO happy for you! We are expecting a baby with the help of my best friend and would love to induce lactation as well. Can you share some info on the protocol you are using? Maybe a website. Any info would be great! Thanks so much! Best Wishes and Many Prayers!

MyLifeMyWorld said...

That's great that your going to try pumping! I too love the Symphony and by double pumping you save so much time, even though you feel like a cow.

Don't worry too much if your not getting much the first week or two. When I was on the Domperidome it took about 2 weeks to take full affect with pumping. I was finally starting to build an ounce at a time, that by a 2 months I was doing 4-6oz per session.

In case your not familiar there is a great doctors site, called Dr. Newman, just google it and it will come up. It has TONS of valuable information on inducing lacation and building supply.

Good luck :)

Anonymous said...

I have to suggest the Marmet technique. After lots of research myself, many seem to really like this. For both inducing and expressing, it's so very simple but I saw quick results, and it expresses completely. You just have to picture the milk coming out to give your body a reason/need to develop the milk. You know how you want something so bad you make it happen? That's how your body produces. It gave me a sense of achievement when I first started lactating without any other help than myself. If anyone else tries it, you might enjoy it. I suggest switching from one to another instead of trying both at once. In the beginning your arms get tired. It only takes 20 minutes, so the hormones are present and constant.