nursing for my 12 mo old and pumping for my sister's baby - Page 2

[GatorNNP]

I pumped for another persons adopted baby when my DS was 13 months and nursing several times per day. I took fenugreek and pumped more. I was one of several donors so I didn't have pressure to produce a lot, however whatever you are able to give will at least provide the baby with antibodies etc. that formula only feeding would not. The milk will not be the ideal, but would be second best, preferable to formula.

[smeep]

Originally Posted by julia_anne

Hi there, I really need some advice. My son right now is ten months old. My sister is pregnant and she has lymes disease. It is debated on whether you can breastfeed with lymes or not, she has decided to be safe and not. BUT she has also asked me to pump for her newborn, since I will still be nursing my baby (hopefully!). I really do want to nurse my son into his second year. My question is this, I know my supply is not what it was before he started eating solids, will my supply go up once I start pumping for the newborn? Also, will my milk be sufficient enough for a newborn? i know you milk changes and am not sure if it will be nutritious enough for her...?
Thanks for any info or advice you all might have!

I'm too lazy to read all the replies lol so this may have already been suggested but have her go see a homeopath and see what they can do.

Also, I may be wrong, but I believe that if you nurse her baby (wet nurse) that you will start making the milk that her baby needs. Even if it doesn't do this it will still be far better than formula.

[julia_anne]

hey ladies, thanks so much for all of your input.
smeep: thanks, I can't wet nurse because we live four hours away so the plan is to pump and freeze and make trips once in awhile to delivier the milk . . .
Gator NNP: I would love to hear more about your experience. I will be the only donor, although I think they will probably suppliment with formula. How often do you think I should pump?

[Little Bear's Mama]

Originally Posted by Metasequoia

It is a very tough decision & I wouldn't trust LLL's info, they don't know what the people know who spend every waking hour studying this nasty bacteria.

I think that statement is inaccurate. If LLL dispenses info about any disease process, it is because the LLLI Health Advisory Council has studied the information and feels there is enough information to support a claim one way or another. You can read more about the council here: http://www.lalecheleague.org/hac.html

[Milkymommi]

If it is true that the disease can cross the placenta would it be possible for baby to be tested at birth or shortly thereafter to make it possible for BFing? I know absolutely 0 about LD but this just seems like a logical question. Maybe it wouldn't show that quickly? Just curious.

Also... wanted to say again like some pp's that your milk will obviously be far superior to formula though not totally ideal. I wanted to say though that another MDC mama who was a Breast Cancer survivor (www.feedmybaby.com) has fed both of her babes donated BM exclusively and both children have done wonderfully! What a precious gift you're giving.

[BlueEyedLady]

Milkymommi,

It is very hard to get a positive test because of how the bacteria live in the body. When they are dormant they will likely not show up on a test until they become active again. It's a cyclical infection. Some days you feel good, some days you don't.

Also, the most reliable test can't be done quickly. It is a draw blood and send away and wait type of test. Otherwise, your suggestion would be ideal. Unfortunately with Lyme it just doesn't work that way.

[Mama Poot]

First of all, hats off to you for helping your sister!!! That is just fantastic. I hope she can get better and resolve the situation so she can eventually nurse. You are going to need to rent or purchase the best pump you can. Anything less will not build your supply efficiently. I do not know if you have considered this, but wet nursing the baby could also be a possibility. Not only would it stimulate your milk production better than a pump, but your sister's baby would be learning how to BF instead of feed from a bottle. When your sister is healed and is able to BF on her own, baby will already know what to do. Naturally this is something that will take a lot of soul searching and discussions between you and your sister, but I wouldn't give up on the idea.

Do not worry about your milk not being nutritious enough for the baby. Breast milk of any kind is far more superior than any formula in the world. Assuming you are in EXCELLENT health, are willing to fortify your diet in order to accomodate the demand of pumping/nursing another baby, you shouldn't have too much trouble.

When/if you do start pumping for the baby, let me know how everything goes! I'm having my second baby very soon and plan on pumping milk for my older one, who will be just shy of 12 months old when his baby brother is born. So I've often wondered myself if I will be able to handle the demand.
Good luck!!!

[Attached Mama]

Originally Posted by julie128

You can "edit" your posts and delete the text.

I think the milk will be fine, but possibly may not have enough fat. Toddler milk has less fat than newborn milk. Pumping more of the hind milk and less of the foremilk might help balance that out. When your baby starts eating solids, make sure to give fatty foods such as avocado or meat.

If you are concerned about the baby getting enough fat or essential fatty acids (EFA's) then I would massage the baby with a high quality, air shipped, high lignan flax seed oil. It is absorbable thru the skin. I believe olive oil's fatty acids are as well, tho they are not quite the same as those in flax seed oil.