Supplemental System

I bought my PIS second hand from a friend. And I bought my lact-aid from ebay. Instead of using it with the bags and buying more bags I saw a you-tube video that showed how to convert it to bottles. Michaelle

I got my Medela Pump In Style from ebay so it was really economical. I would recommend that as a good alternative since adoptions are so expensive. Congrats and good luck with the pumping.

My daughter via surrogacy would not have anything to do with the supplemental system. Luckily with persistence I was able to bring in enough supply to satisfy her needs entirely when I was around, yet she would still take an occassional bottle of formula from hubby or a grandma. I found the supplemental systems very unnatural and it was hard to keep the tube in place even using medical tape, she would spit it right out and wanted straight boobie. My suggestion is this, if you have a supply going, nurse as often as you can and continue pumping as well. I was scared at first that she wasn't getting enough because I couldn't pump as much as the books said she needed. But my fears were alleviated when she had almost doubled her birth weight by her 2 month birthday, and was almost 100% breast fed. Trust your body, but monitor the situation closely. I also used the Medela Pump in Style. Good luck! I induced and nursed my daughter for over 2 years, if you need any help let me know!

Thanks!Barb- Did you use the domperidone and/or birth control?It's great to hear that it worked for you!I think I am going to try the supplemental system b/c i have my sister's breast milk too. Are there sanitary concerns with getting a used pump?Again, thank you!

Thanks!Barb- Did you use the domperidone and/or birth control?I think I am going to try the supplemental system b/c i have my sister's breast milk too. Are there sanitary concerns with getting a used pump?Again, thank you!

Yes, I did the full protocol, with the Diane 35 birth control, that's what they were recommending at that time, I think it later changed to Yaz and may have changed again since there have been some concerns over that one too. I did the domperidone and herbs, I remember I took 4 different ones, I think they were fenugreek, blessed thistle, marshmellow root, and I think the other one was some kind of hops or barley but I can't remember for sure, the herbs really kicked things into high gear for my production. But I'm not sure I could have done it without the full protocol, although I do know some people have limited success. The main sanitary concern with getting a used pump is to be sure to replace all of the tubing and anything that comes in contact with your breast like the horns and bottles. They are pretty cheap to replace and you should be able to order then directly from the manufacturer.

If your concerned with the price if the Lactaid or SNS my LLL consultant told me that a lot of people will kinda rig up their own system with a certain gauge feeding tube and a regular bottle. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but I'm sure you could google it or ask your LLL consultant. I'm getting ready to start the regular protocol too! Happy lactation to you!! Good luck!

I have ordered the lactaid as well and also 2 rolls of bags. I will also try setting it up with a bottle to save on bags. Good luck!

I just remembered the other herb I took and it was Alfalfa!

Barb- Alfalfa! Who would have thought? :)I grew up w/ a farming family and it's good for cow's milk too! LOL!So, I am taking domperidone at 20 mg/ 4 x's a day. How long should it take for me to know something?Will I just one day have a bit of milk?Thanks!

yes, you will eventually start getting little tiny droplets. It is such an exciting moment!! :) Are you pumping now too? I bought the bottles to set up the lactaid. I just need to strerilize them and then rig them up. I dont want to waste too many bags too quickly, unless, of course, I can find them locally rather than shipping internationally!