Fullness & Letdown Without Milk — What Helped You?

[LadyOceana]

I’m working on inducing lactation and wanted to share where I’m at so far, in case others have walked a similar path and have any advice.

I’ve attempted years ago, but the time wasn’t right. This time feels different in a very meaningful way, and physically feels quite different so I’m hopeful.

At the end of July I began pumping 2-3 times a day. Then 3 weeks ago I started pumping on average every 3 hours, including once overnight. I massage during pumping as well, which makes a big difference.

I had sticky drops briefly when I began, and 10 days ago clear and cloudy drops. No moisture of any kind since then.

My body doesn’t tolerate fennel, fenugreek or moringa well so I’m waiting on Goat’s Rue to see how that goes. I drink 3-4 litres of water a day and keep my electrolytes in balance and make sure to get oatmeal into my diet every day.

My letdown reflex is strong, which is encouraging but feeling letdown without seeing drops is such a peculiar experience.

This week has been extra challenging because my pump stopped in its tracks as I was pumping. Talk about traumatic! Bless my darling partner @johnny5 for ensuring a new pump was ordered ASAP. Thank you sweetheart for your support!

The pump died on the same day I was feeling extra full and right on the verge of seeing drops. I’ve done a minor fix but it’s not 100%. Hopefully it holds out a little longer.

The pump is a Spectra S2 Plus double pump (I use LacTek flanges which I highly recommend for a more realistic suckling sensation). The pump doesn’t have as much suction now, so I’m alternating with a manual Lansinoh, while waiting for a SuperGenie to arrive. (shipping to Canada takes 10–14 days, which feels like forever right now!)

I have some questions for ladies who have induced, and for fellows who have supported a partner through the journey.
– How long did it take before you saw drops every day?
– Did you get nipple zaps that were painful inside the nipple itself (not surface soreness)?
– What helped you move from dry pumping to seeing drops consistently?
– Did you experience letdown reflex before you saw drops?
– If the relationship is or was long distance, how did you support each other when you couldn’t be there physically?

Thanks ever so much for any advice you can give.

LadyO

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