Feel like giving up on relactating

[CaliMommie]

I am so frustrated I am about to give up relactating before I even really get started. I cannot get ahold of the LC at WIC about borrowing a breastpump, so I haven't even been able to start pumping yet. I can't afford to rent one or buy one. Just the herbs alone (Blessed Thsitle, Fenugreek, Alfalfa, etc.) are breaking the bank for us, and I still need to get Brewer's Yeast & Nettles. I really want to do this, but I am having a hard time seeing a way. Just needed to vent!

AmiBeth

[CaliMommie]

Ugh. I just realized that I still haven't gotten Domperidone either. And my midwife said she'd write a perscription except that she's never heard of it. And I don't know how I'd pay for it anyway (no insurance). :

AmiBeth

[Little Bear's Mama]

Oh,mama!
It will be okay. The main thing is to start removing milk from the breast. Can you hand express until you can get a pump? Here is the technique: www.lactationinstitute.org/MANUALEX.html
Keep calling WIC,or even go down to the office and let them know that you need a pump and you'd like to get started with it right away!

[ldsapmom]

Ami, I should have talked to you more this morning. Sorry! It was a bit overwhelming, what with all the toddlers, etc.

I have a Medela Harmony you could borrow. I also have a Medela Pedal Pump? Do you know what I am talking about? The pedal pump might mimic an electric, but the Harmony has a new technology that mimics how a baby initially brings down the milk.

What else -- I don't know, but I believe Domperidone cannot be covered by insurance anyway -- someone correct me if I am wrong?

I also have some pages in the Breastfeeding Answer Book which I can have photocopied to help you.

I never get to Paradise, but if you come down to Chico for another reason I would be happy to lend this stuff to you. Call me. I should have been in better touch, then I could have brought the stuff this morning.

Call me!

Some links:
Medela Harmony
Medela Pedal Pump
Apothecary Options (He is local -- on the Esplanade -- and his pricings are very competitive)
Domperidone Dosage

Any of that help?

Stacie

[cjr]

I'm so sorry your going through this. Cost is such a major issue. If you did'nt have to buy the formula then you could put that money into it, but you have to buy the formula until your supply comes in. I wish I could help.

I'm in Canada and our extended health insurance through dh's company covers Domperidone, but I do remember someone telling me that you can't get a scrip for it in the states so it would'nt be covered down there.

[mum2 4]

relactating

Extra water, oatmeal and hand expressing will take you a long way in relactating. Also you can do the Breastfeeding Boot Camp routine posted at the fourfriends.com/abrw/ site all for no cost. Its an at-home time out for boosting milk & reconnecting babe.
Domperidone is only available in the US from compounding pharmacies where it is very expensive. On-line rom Australia, NZ or Mexico is much less expensive and may not require a prescription. It is a stomach settling med that raises prolactin levels as a side effect- like fenugreek & blessed thistle. Not really designed for boosting milk and this aspect distrubs the maker to say nothing of the formula companies. There is a warning from FDA not to use it for milk boosting but they are not going door to door to find it...

[CaliMommie]

Hi mamas! Thank you for your replies! I have been told by my midwife she'll write a perscription, I just have to get her all of the dosing info. She said it isn't even listed in her drug books! I have been hand expressing, I figured it's better than nothing! As far as getting an SNS & a pump I got some good suggestions today at the LLL meeting I went to. I really am feeling more encouraged now.

Stacie~
Yes, all of that helps! I felt alot better after going to the meeting this morning! I think I'll try to make oit to more of the meetings. It was good to be around other mamas who thinik bf is important like I do. I come down to Chico quite often b/c my mom lives there & so does my best friend (who just had a baby on Mon.). I'll actually be down tomorrow (Sat) & Sunday. If you let me know a time that's good for you maybe we could meet. I'd love to borrow either of the pumps, and I'm reading everything I can get my hands on so photocopies are great too! As for being in better touch, don't worry about it I probably would have told you I wasn't coming! it was a totally last minute decision!

AmiBeth

[ldsapmom]

Give me a call before you come down the hill, and we can meet up. I will search for pump parts for the Pedal Pump, and I will send them both with you to see what works best -- I'm not using them! They are just taking up space!

We should be around all weekend. Our regular series meeting is next Friday, so if you want a real boost, come to that, too.