Natalie!!

[Ashley]

I was just wondering how things are coming along for your little one?? I have been stalking your journey forever :blush: so I wondered where things were at right now.

[Meshell]

I'm stalking it too! :blush:

[Jojo]

Oh yeah me too!! I was wondering when the big day was??

[Cindy]

I think we all have! :blush:

[Heather]

Yep. It's getting closer! BTW, my new boss adopted a child. She was told she was infertile due to PCOS, and wouldn't you know she's now had two biological children since then. Isn't that the story we always hear?

[Farah]

I can't wait to hear the details!

[AshleyMommyto2]

I have been stalking forever! Way back when you were TTC the first time.
I hope things are coming along good for you girl! Can't wait to hear all about it!:))

[natalie]

Just saw this post.....Things are going well. We have been talking to the birthmom every week. She is doing well. She told me recently that she no longer views the baby as her baby - she is our baby. She said she has really come to peace with her decision and believes with every fiber of her being that she is making the right decision. Despite her saying this, we are pretty nervous that she is going to change her mind. I guess it's because I can't imagine giving my newborn child to a stranger to raise. I can't imagine the strength that it must take to do that. She has asked us to take the baby from the room as soon as she is born. She doesn't want to see the baby at all. The hospital will put us in a room so that the baby can stay with us and not in the nursery. (We are thrilled about this. This usually doesn't happen. I am hoping that this will make my attempts at adoptive breastfeeding a little easier.) The birthmom will sign the surrender paperwork (hopefully) 24 hours after the birth. Then everyone gets discharged. We go to our hotel and wait the 10 to 14 days for the ICPC paperwork to be completed. Then we go home. The adoption won't be final until the baby is about 6 months old. We are required to have 3 social worker visits before the adoption can be finalized.

We are starting to get excited. We have a lot to do over the next couple of weeks. The birthmom will be 36 weeks on Tuesday. She went into labor at 37 weeks with all 3 of her other babies. So, we should be getting the call soon to fly up there. It's scary, exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time!

Oh and we still don't have a name. We're working on it. DH and I just don't agree on much...and our last name is really hard to work with.

[Heather]

That is so awesome!! I completely forgot you are attempting breastfeeding. I think that's the one of the coolest things I've ever heard, and I wish you so much success! I forget, do you know the sex of the baby? I can definitely understand your fears, but I pray that it all goes very smoothly and that your dreams come true very soon!

[Andrea]

Thanks for the update! I am super excited for you!!!:D

[natalie]

That is so awesome!! I completely forgot you are attempting breastfeeding. I think that's the one of the coolest things I've ever heard, and I wish you so much success! I forget, do you know the sex of the baby?

It's a girl! I agree - adoptive breastfeeding is cool. I am glad that it's something that I will get to experience. I was overjoyed when I learned about it. Not getting to breastfeed was one of the things that I was grieving over when we realized that we would never have a biological child. But, it looks like breastfeeding is an option after all. I am pumping 28 ounces of milk a day right now. So, I have milk....I just hope that I can get her to latch on. Keep your fingers crossed that it all goes smoothly!

[Cindy]

Natalie I am so excited for you! I can totally understand you being nervous, I am sure every couple in your shoes are a bit nervous. I am sure once you see her you'll both decide on a name. It can be tricky! I also think it's amazing that you will be able to breastfeed! I hope she latches perfectly and everything goes smoothly for both of you!

[Meshell]

That's awesome that the hospital is being so accomodating to your situation. It's obviously even more awesome the way the mother is looking at the baby as yours already. I am excited and nervous for you & DH. This is all so awesome and I'm glad you're sharing your journey with us. :love: I can't wait to see pictures!

[Tammy~Mom2Bray]

Oh Natalie... I am so excited for you and DH! Not much longer 'til you are holding your baby! You are going to make a GREAT MOM!!!!!

[AshleyMommyto2]

Aww Sounds like things are really getting exciting. I think it is soo awesome you are going to try breastfeeding. Can you tell us a little about that?

[AshleyMommyto2]

That is so awesome!! I completely forgot you are attempting breastfeeding. I think that's the one of the coolest things I've ever heard, and I wish you so much success! I forget, do you know the sex of the baby?

It's a girl! I agree - adoptive breastfeeding is cool. I am glad that it's something that I will get to experience. I was overjoyed when I learned about it. Not getting to breastfeed was one of the things that I was grieving over when we realized that we would never have a biological child. But, it looks like breastfeeding is an option after all. I am pumping 28 ounces of milk a day right now. So, I have milk....I just hope that I can get her to latch on. Keep your fingers crossed that it all goes smoothly!

WOW that is really cool!:hula:

[natalie]

I think it is soo awesome you are going to try breastfeeding. Can you tell us a little about that?

Sure. I first learned about adoptive breastfeeding when I saw an interview that the pregnant "man" and his wife did. Remember them? I saw an interview where they revealed that, while "he" gave birth to the child, his wife was breastfeeding. I looked at DH and said "how in the heck did she do that?" And so started my research. I gathered up all of the information that I could find on the subject. And I quickly learned there isn't really that much published information on adoptive breastfeeding. I got my hands on Dr. Newman's Adoptive Breastfeeding/Lactation Induction protocol. I decided to give it a shot. His protocol recommends a combination of BCPs (to simulate pregnancy), domperidone, pumping, and herbs to induce lactation. I knew from the get go that I couldn't take the BCPs. They give me horrible migraines. So, my hopes were pretty low. Based on what I had read, women who skipped the BCP portion of the protocol were very rarely successful. I decided it was worth a shot though. So, last November, I started taking domperidone, fenugreek, marshmallow and goat's rue. I started pumping every 2 to 3 hours. After a week of pumping, I started to get drops of milk. I was shocked. It kinda freaked me out at first. I wasn't really expecting it to work. After about a month of pumping, I was getting about 4 ounces a day, then 10 ounces, then 14 ounces, then 28 ounces...you get the idea. I have slowly built my supply over the last 6 months. I have over 4000 ounces of milk in my freezer right now. I was donating it to the NICU at the local Woman's Hospital, but I stopped. My best friend is pregnant with triplets and has asked that I save as much as I can for them. So, I am.

So, that's it. I am both shocked and thrilled that I have successfully induced lactation. I am even more thrilled that AF is MIA for now. I am also very, very, very tired of pumping. I am very glad that the baby will be here soon.

[AshleyMommyto2]

WOW that is really cool! I too never knew you could do that.
Make me want to try even harder if we get pg again to breastfeed.. Mine milk never came in with Eli. So maybe there are somethings I need to look into to duing while pg to help my supply...
Thanks Natalie for sharing your story and info with us!
You are going to be an awesome Mom!

[Ashley]

Oh goodness, Natalie, I sit here crying like a loser reading your posts :blush: How amazing! I think it sounds good that the mom doesn't even want to see the baby- hopefully that stays that way, it seems like a good sign that she doesn't view it as "hers" anymore. I can't believe it will be so soon! And, I'm in awe of what you're doing with pumping. I had a hard enough time myself, I can't believe what you've accomplished. You are truly an inspiration, this little girl is so, so lucky to be able to have you as a mommy.

Please keep us posted as you have updates! Do you have everything ready??

[natalie]

Do you have everything ready??

No...not even close. We've been too scared to do much. It would be so hard to have a nursery ready and then have the adoption fail. We have purchased a crib, dresser and a mattress....and a car seat. We know that we will need those things eventually. We don't have bedding or anything. We'll get that when we get home with the baby. We have some blankets, diapers and some gender neutral clothing. And that's about it. We are going to pack our bags this weekend so we are ready when we get the call. :thumb:

[Donna_409]

Wow - sounds like you will get the call very soon. How exciting. Just think soon you will be holding your little girl. :))

[Farah]

Natalie, you are amazing. The adoptive breastfeeding is so cool and I think it's wonderful that you're doing it!!! I can't wait to see this little girl and for you to be able to be holding her in your arms. You so deserve this! :support:

[Meshell]

I think it is so awesome that you'll be able to give her breastmilk. I can't wait until you get that call. I will be frantically checking your posts *just in case* it's the one saying "We're heading to Utah!" :hula:

Ashley, next time try some Prenatals from a Whole Foods store or something similar. I have been taking a store brand that is similar to the Rainbow Prenatals (I think that's the name). I have to take about 6 a day, but man oh man did my supply skyrocket!!

[Jojo]

OMG I'm so excited for you!!!! I can't believe it's finally here and we get to revel in your journey :love:

I still think it's soooooooooooooooooo amazing that you are going to breastfeed! Hey, don't stop pumping--we can be pumping buddies :hehe:

Isn't goats rue fricken nasty? I think it's by far the worst thing I have ever tasted in my life. Oh and what does Marshmallow do? Does that increase supply? I only take goats rue (when I get brave enough) and Fenugreek. (plus the cal/mag/zinc and lecithin supplements.)

Anyway, please keep us posted! Let us know when you get that call and of course send us pics ASAP! :D

[natalie]

Isn't goats rue fricken nasty? I think it's by far the worst thing I have ever tasted in my life. Oh and what does Marshmallow do? Does that increase supply? I only take goats rue (when I get brave enough) and Fenugreek. (plus the cal/mag/zinc and lecithin supplements.)

Yes, goat's rue is disgusting. I found somewhere that sells it in pill form (http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/goats-rue.cfm), so I take that now. I do have a huge bottle of the liquid left. I'll mail it to you if you want it. I can't take it. It makes me gag.

Marshmallow root makes your milk creamier and fattier (is that a word?)

[Leah]

I think you're amazing and an inspiration! :love: I can hardly believe you have been pumping that long..that is some serious dedication! I hate pumping with a passion. ;)

I can't wait to see pictures of your new family. :hula:

[Heather]

I saw a show probably 3 or so years ago where a woman had carried her sister's baby for her, and the sister was able to induce lactation. That's the first I'd ever heard of it and had forgotten all about it until you mentioned you had done it. A-freaking-mazing.

[Andrea]

So neat that you're making milk! After reading your earlier post I had to google the adoptive breastfeeding, I had never heard about it...so cool!
And wow 28 oz. a day...awesome!!:hula:

[Jojo]

Isn't goats rue fricken nasty? I think it's by far the worst thing I have ever tasted in my life. Oh and what does Marshmallow do? Does that increase supply? I only take goats rue (when I get brave enough) and Fenugreek. (plus the cal/mag/zinc and lecithin supplements.)

Yes, goat's rue is disgusting. I found somewhere that sells it in pill form (http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/goats-rue.cfm), so I take that now. I do have a huge bottle of the liquid left. I'll mail it to you if you want it. I can't take it. It makes me gag.

Marshmallow root makes your milk creamier and fattier (is that a word?)

Yes I got the pill form! I am counting down the days to when that liquid bottle is finished (very slow going here!) Thanks for the offer but I can't stomach it either :p

Wow! I never knew about the marshmallow root...very interesting. Maybe another vit to add to my regimen :D

[Elaine]

Natalie, you blow my mind! I know how much work pumping is and your dedication is so inspiring! I hope she latches on and everything takes off from there! :twothumbs:

I think we're all going to be waiting for the day you drop the message that you're headed for Utah. :hehe: I'm so excited for you and your DH. You'll have your baby soon!!! :support:

[Becky]

Natalie, you are an inspiration. Truly. Making the decision that you WILL breastfeed your baby, that you WILL have that experience, and MAKING IT HAPPEN... seriously amazing. I hope it goes perfectly when you meet your little girl. So excited for you and your husband!

[natalie]

Thanks for all of the kind words ladies. Although I think that what you ladies are interpreting as dedication is really my stubborness and bull-headedness. :p

I'll keep everyone posted as things progress!

[Carmen]

What a neat journey, Natalie! Can't wait to keep hearing new details about the rest of the journey too. Not much longer! :)

I always felt like I smelled like pancake syrup when I was taking Fenugreek. :hehe:

[Jojo]

What a neat journey, Natalie! Can't wait to keep hearing new details about the rest of the journey too. Not much longer! :)

I always felt like I smelled like pancake syrup when I was taking Fenugreek. :hehe:


yes. they say when you smell like syrup you know you are taking enough! My whole body reeks of it--even my pits which is TERRIBLE.

[natalie]

I always felt like I smelled like pancake syrup when I was taking Fenugreek. :hehe:

I have the same problem. It's only a problem when I really sweat though....it smells like IHOP in my house when I work out.

[Mari_Posa]

Wow Natalie, you are the woman! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I remember how hard it was for me to BF and pump, my hats off to you! I'm so happy and excited for you!