Day 6

There isn't much to report.  I'm still pumping frequently and my boobs feel sore as crap if I don't pump within 2 hours.  I'm not producing milk so I didn't expect it to feel like that.  Its making me kinda grumpy.  I plan on kicking the time up to 20 minutes per breast on Monday.

Day 3

I'm on day 3.  I haven't gotten to get in as many pumping sessions as I would have liked due to a crazy schedule today.  I've pumped 4 times today.  I have had the engorged tingly sensation roughly 2 hours after pumping each time today.  Its such a strange feeling.  I'm not producing but it feels just like when I was lactating.  I hope that is a good sign.  I've had a few people message me asking about my protocol and resources.  Currently, I am taking  fenugreek, blessed thistle, mothers milk tea and pumping 6 times a day for 10 minutes each.  I have found a few resources on inducing lactation but most involve birth control pills or prescription medicines.  For now, I'd like to stay away from those because I don't react well to medications.  I will still post those once I get a list together though.  I haven't found many websites that talk about inducing lactation on breastfeeding sites.  The majority of the websites that I am finding are adult fetish websites.  Not exactly what I had in mind, but they do have some interesting tips.  Hopefully, we can change that and get more non sexual information out there soon.  I do have an audience when I pump now.  My 4 year has asked a lot of questions and my 2.5 year old just comes to watch and tell me that I have silly boobies.  Thanks kiddo.

Day 2

I have forgotten that oh so familiar sound of a pump.  So today I'm starting a more vigorous schedule of pumping.  I don't want to start out too extreme since it has been a while since my breasts have been used for anything but holding my shirt up.  I'm pumping 6 times a day for 10 minutes each.  I'm going to do this for a week and see how it goes.  Even though it is still really early and I'm not actually producing milk, I swear I got that little tingle that felt like let down.  It was brief and could have been my imagination but it made me smile.

My Journey Begins

My name is Christi.  I am a birth doula with an avid passion for breastfeeding.  I'm a huge advocate for nursing in public, milk sharing and wet nursing.  I find myself talking about the benefits of mom's milk almost on a daily basis.  I also talk about how its a shame that wet nursing has become so taboo.  I have always said that I would be willing to nurse someone else's child in a heartbeat if they wanted me to.  I'd also be more than happy to share milk with other moms.  However, I haven't been lactating for over a year now.  I talked about it but wasn't actually doing it myself.  I read an article a few days ago and it hit me.  Instead of just telling other people that it was ok and encouraging them, it was time to lead by example.  What better way to show women that there is nothing taboo about cross nursing, wet nursing, milksharing or whatever you want to call it than doing it yourself?  I won't lie.  I was nervous.  I'm still nervous.  In the back of my mind, I think a lot of people will think I'm crazy.  I brought the subject up to a group of women that are dear to my heart and know me really well.  I started the conversation off with "I know y'all are going to think I'm crazy but I'm considering relactating to pump for moms who can't breastfeed".  I held my breath and waited for the gasps and exclamations.  They never came.  Instead, I was shocked by the outpouring support of these ladies.  They encouraged me and told me that it was a wonderful thing.  Oh I cried.  I realize how lucky I am to have such a wonderful support group.  Then it was time to pitch it to my husband.  Without hesitation he said "Go for it".  This is why I married this guy.  He supports me no matter what.  So my journey begins.  I tried to find material on how to relactate without having a baby but there isn't a whole lot out there.  I hope to change that.  I have found several conversations about adoptive moms inducing lactation so I know it is possible.  I'd like to avoid Reglan if possible due to its side effects.  Today I'm going out to get fenugreek and mothers milk tea.  I've also started pumping.  Please feel free to share stories and suggestions because I need all the encouragement I can get!  Thanks for being a part of my journey as a wet nurse!