Breastfeeding my adopted son

A huge dream of mine since my first son was born was to nurse without stress! Sam was born sick and immediately put into the NICU and so we didn't really get into the swing of nursing until he was 2 months old. It was HARD.

When we decided to adopt, I did a lot of research to find out what it would take to be able to nurse an adopted child. We were thrilled when we were matched with a birthmother that was due in 2 months, just enough time to prep for my milk supply.

I started by taking Fenugreek 3 times a day and drinking Mothers Milk Tea every morning. You can find both of these at GNC. I was also trying my best to drink a beer every day, a good stimulator for milk supply, but I am not of fan of any beer. Some GNC's carry a hops and barley pill, but I never started taking either of those.

After a week of Fenugreek and MMTea, I started to pump with a hospital grade Medela pump.

NOT FUN. But I kept reminding myself that it would be worth it.

I started pumping every 3 hours during the day. After about a week I was starting to get beads of colostrum, but never enough to freeze it.

After a month of Fenugreek, MMT and pumping colostrum, I started to get a clear fluid. At this point I also started Domperidone, a medication not FDA approved in the US, but I was able to bum it off a friend who has a prescription in Canada. Here are some websites where you can learn more about the drug and order a generic brand.

http://www.inhousepharmacy.biz/p-17-motilium.aspx
http://www.lowmilksupply.org/domperidone-obtain.shtml
http://www.canadadrugpharmacy.com/buy-domperidone-online.asp
http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/domperidonewhere.shtml#sthash.379UR7FG.dpbs

About 4 weeks before our adopted baby was born I was taking 3 Fenugreek and 5 Dom (50mg) 3 times a day. I was also pumping every 3 hours during the day, 2 times at night.

After a week I started producing milk!

The biggest difference with this route is that your milk doesn't really "come in" as it would after a birth. For me it came in slowly, gradually improving supply over the next few weeks. When my son was born on Wednesday, I was producing 1oz out of both breasts. That may not seem like a lot, but it is enough for a newborn and what an amazing experience it is to be able to nurse a baby that I didn't carry.  Totally worth the work! And lucky for me, Miles is a PRO at breastfeeding.

A quote I read when I was researching said to "expect to be able to nurse your adopted baby, not to breastfeed them." My baby is only 4 days old at this point, and although we have had to supplement a few feedings with formula, things are working out great. I am still on my pill regimen and I pump every time I feed him a bottle in hopes that my milk supply will improve as he grows.

What I have to remember, is that there is more to nursing than feeding and the bonding is so important.

UPDATE: At 4 weeks old I went ahead and pumped instead of feeding and found out that I was producing 4 oz of BM a feeding. This was on 60mg (3Xa day) and 3 Fenugreek (3X a day). Unfortunately this was the most I was able to produce and as Miles grew and became more needy, I started to have to supplement more. However, I am still so proud to say that things worked out so well for us and I feel so strong for getting through the worst of it all to be able to have this experience.

Well, back to the newbie! He's quite demanding.

29

Welp. I'm 29.

Sam asked me, "What are those things on your feet, Mom?"

"Those are veins, child. Thanks for pointing that out, on my birthday, no less."

So, my feet are aging, at the VERY least.

Thought I'd do a little survey to look back on.

1. What's your favorite movie?

I have a few, Amelie, Jaws, Scott Pilgrim and Australia. Whoa, those are very obscure. 

2. State the name that your parents almost named you:

BJ. If I was a boy. Good thing I wasn't.

3. Which of your relatives do you get along with the most?

I have a really awesome family so most of us get along great. But my Dad and I are a lot alike so we tend to work well together. 

4. What was your first job?

I was a fish specialist at a pet store. Which really means I cleaned a lot of fish tanks, but I LOVED my job. 

6. Did anything embarassing happen this week?

Yes, Sam walked into our room during a very....well, not good time. 

7. Do you have a favorite TV show?

I love Walking Dead, Revenge and 30 Rock. 

8. Do people praise you for anything?

People tell me that I am creative and talented. I wish I agreed more. 

9. What is your favorite color of clothing to wear?

White. Its easy and makes me look tan. But its a bad color to wear as a mom. 

10. How do you wear your makeup?

Boring. That's how.

11. What are some of your nicknames?

Hol. 

12. How many bedrooms are in your house?

3.  Only 2 of them are occupied :(

13. What position do you sleep in?

I move a lot, but I love sleeping on my stomach. 

14. Do you have a job?

I am a photographer when I can be, and a sign language interpreter on Thursdays. The rest of the time I'm a Mom. 

15. What are you most worried about today?

My mental health. I think, worry, stress, imagine, pine and plan too much. 

16. Do you work out every week?

I NEVER work out. I hate it. 

17. Did you brush your teeth this morning?

Does 1pm count as "this morning?"

18. What do you wish you could have done this year?

Adopted and traveled. 

19. Have you ever sang in front of a crowd? 

Many times :)

20. What kind of bathing suit do you wear?

I like polka dots. 

21. Do you like your eyes?

Yes, except for the cyst I have in my right eye. I dread getting it removed, but I guess I gotta. 

22. Who do you idolize?

Anyone talented in music, art, or comedy. I wish I was better at all of those things. 

23. Who was the last person you talked to in person?

Matthew. He just left for jiujitsu and kissed me goodbye. 

24. How much money is in your checking account?

Just finished Christmas shopping so very little....

25. What is a hobby you hope to have some day?

I think that I would enjoy paddle boarding and/or pottery. Haven't tried either.

26. Do you want/have kids?

YES. SO BAD. It's all I think about. Sam is the greatest kid and I just hope so badly for more babies to join our family.

27. What actors/actresses are you attracted to?

Oh man, Hugh Jackman is my all time favorite.

28. If you could own any animal, what would it be?

GOAT. 

29. Last movie you saw in theatre:

Rise of the Guardians with my boys.

30. Are you with the same person you were with last year?

Yep, Matty forever ;)

31. Where was the last place you traveled?

San Francisco and I would go back in a heartbeat. 

32. What color pants are you wearing right now?

Burgundy jeans. 

33. Last person you hugged?

Matty when he got home from work. 

34. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Pinterest or read. Im that lame. 

35. What is your favorite food?

Thai. Hands down.  

36. What’s the greatest thing someone’s ever done for you?

Matty surprised me with a trip to Hawaii where he proposed. I think that's pretty big. 

37. What holiday do you enjoy the most?

Halloween. Candy and costumes. 

38. What do you do to have a good time?

Matty and I like to go out for good food, and for girls night I enjoy seeing live music and gambling. 

39. What do you dream about most?

I dream a LOT about tropical places and babies. Not together, but most nights I'm either on a beautiful beach or holding a newborn. I really don't mind either dream :)

40. What kind of music do you listen to the most?

My favorite Pandora station is Beatles but I listen to a lot of folk/bluegrass too. 

41. If you won the lottery, how would you spend it?

Pay off debt, buy houses and babies. And a goat. 

42. What is your least favorite chore?

Cleaning the chicken coop when its cold out. 

43. What is your go to outfit?

I have a dress made out of sweatpants material. So it looks cute and is super comfortable. 

44. Favorite drink?

Room temperature water. For reals. 

45. If you could change anything about your body, what would it be?

I'd get boobs, maybe? 

46. What was the last book you completed?

Pompeii. Wouldn't recommend it. 

47. Would you re-live last year if you could?

NOOOOOO. 

48. What are you most looking forward to?

Disneyland!

49. Most recent failure?

My garden. Failed big time this year. 

50. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Capistrano or in The San Juans. 

You know you're a mom when...

Below are a few things I heard myself say out loud last week. 
Yikes.


"Stop freaking out, it's just poop."

"Quit whining or I'll give you something to whine about."

"Put your toys away and then you can play with them."

(Talking to the dogs) "Sit. Did you hear what I said? SIT!"

"Please let me pee in peace."

"Why don't you pretend that you are something really quiet. Like a turtle."

"You want breakfast? But you had some yesterday."

"Not "weena". Wiener. Weee-NERRR."

"Stop picking your nose and eat! That's gross."



What've you got? Have you uttered anything half as ridiculous as these? Please share :)

Sam, the 3 year old.

Sammy has changed a lot in the last month.

For example, our calm, relaxed, quiet child has become very excitable, crazy and loud.

Oh. So. Loud.

He has become a true boy overnight. He's jumping off of couches, running around the house and getting into trouble. Sam's into wrestling, swords, superheros and speed. Wounds and scars are collecting on his extremities as I type.

I'm not going to complain too much since we have had it pretty easy for 3 great years. But what a change it has been for us!

I look at all the challenges we have on a daily basis and say to myself, "wow, he's growing up."

I try my hardest to stay away from yelling, "Who are you and what have you done to my boy!", but I'll admit, those words are uttered occasionally.

And, although they are now amidst tackling and pointy elbows to the boob, I still get lots of hugs and kisses. I think I can make it through any crazy changes as long as they are around.

Bye, bye binkies.

I got this great idea from a friend on Facebook (thank you Lisa!) to take your addicted child's binkies to Build a Bear and sew the pacifiers into the animal.

Genius!

This allows them to still "sleep" with their binks but forces them to lose the habit. Sam had a great time picking out his new friend and even helped put his binkies inside.

"Bye, green binkie! Bye, big binkie! Bye, little binkie!"

I was VERY impressed with how willing he was to say goodbye to the binks. This kid is about as addicted as you can get to something. We would catch him multiple times a day sneaking into his room to "take drags" of his binkies (since they weren't allowed out of his room.). It was so funny, but so pathetic.

Sam and his new puppy aptly named, Binkie.

I was very concerned with getting rid of the pacifier for my own sake. Sam has been an awesome sleeper, never fighting bed time and even putting himself down for naps. It's been so nice.

But last night went better than expected for his first sleep without a binkie. He played around in his room for about an hour and I had to go in there a couple of times to remind him to stay in bed. But soon he fell quiet. When I checked on him he was passed out with Binkie Puppy and blanket in hand.

Success!

Sam visits Santa

We arrived at the mall today to see Santa. I had Sam practicing all morning what he was going to ask Santa for and he seemed very prepared.

"Buzz, Woody, Army Guy, Hamm and Jessie" were all on his list. What can I say, the kid loves himself some Toy Story.

When we got in line there were only a few families waiting ahead of us. Just as we turned the corner, Sam spotted Santa and ran straight for the Jolly man, cutting off 3 or 4 patiently awaiting children. He dove right into Santa's arms shouting "Santa! Buzz and Woody" and gave him a huge hug.

Luckily, all the other moms and workshop helpers were laughing along with me as tears of joy, laughter and embarrassment (quite the emotional cocktail) welled up in my eyes.

Oh, my little boy. Excitement to the extreme.

His Santa picture, although very cute, (doesn't Sam look dashing?!) does not do the moment justice. But I will always remember our 2011 Santa visit! How could I not?

Sassy

When you ask Sam what his name is, he exclaims "Sassy!"

The poor kid has a hard time with his "m's".

So naturally it was hilarious to me when a few days ago, while Sam was playing in the "lets-share-a-virus-pit" at the mall {aka-the play area} a little girl he was running around with came darting past me yelling {to Sam} "Come on, Sassy! Come play over here, Sassy."

I can almost see the confusion on her face when she was told "Sassy" after asking Sam his name.

He may not be talking well, but at least he's trying!

We're good.

Sure, there are tons of things to stress about, but I do enough complaining, don't I?

Sam is healthy and happy. He is growing like a weed and learning so much every day. The love that we have for him is not something we can describe in words. Just know that it's really, really big. :)

Matt is still looking for work (going on 10 months now) but has a few good leads. School has started again and he is really succeeding there.

I am busy. VERY busy. Which is good. Busy keeps some money coming in and my mind off of other things that make me sad and/or angry. I have been extremely blessed to have constant work.

All of our needs are somehow being met and that has really strengthened my testimony. God has really watched out for us in the last year and we're thankful for Him. On top of that, we have an amazing support system with our family being so close and our friends being so awesome.

Gosh, we are just really lucky. That's why (in all of this stress) we can say, "we're good".

Sam and his "gike"

I'm not sure who had more fun tonight. Matt and I teaching Sam how to pedal, or Sam learning how to ride his bike? Either way, it was some very valuable family time.

Ah, that dimple. Melts me every time.

 Sam realized pretty quickly that it was hilarious to chase mommy.
This is the face that I get when I ask for a smile. :)

Sam is growing up so quickly. Its so great to see him learn and grow every day. He is still the sweetest little boy and loves to cuddle, gives kisses and hugs and sign "I love you". We are so proud to be his parents.

Our Big Day

2 years ago our son Sam was born and found to have a rare blood disorder called NAIT. The condition is so rare that it took the doctors many days and many tests to figure out the cause of his low blood platelets.

We did some research on NAIT and found out that because my body has built up antibodies against all my future pregnancies, it may be very hard to carry another baby without dangerous complications.

Last year at the NICU reunion we ran into Sam's doctor who was excited to inform us that there was now a specialist in our area that had experience treating NAIT patients.

Today, after weeks of being excited/afraid/thrilled/nervous, we met the maternal fetal medicine doctor to discuss our options.

He was extremely positive.

Doctor Barford explained to the both of us that because Matt is homozygous for the antigen PLA1, the next pregnancy will for sure need to be treated for NAIT. Because of this, we don't have to do any high risk testing during the pregnancy. At 12 weeks gestation, I will start getting immunoglobulin suppressant transfusions once a week throughout the entire pregnancy. This will be extremely difficult for me, to say the least, but I know it will all be worth it.

I will have to deliver through c-section to lower the risk of bruising to the baby, but the chances of delivering a normal platelet count baby are very good.

Although the treatments for a future pregnancy are extremely expensive and strenuous, there is hope for us to grow our family. It was extremely good news to hear after years of being in the dark about our future.

The next steps are to get better insurance, get an appointment with my fertility doctor and....hire a stork :)

To add to our exciting day, Matt had a really great interview for an AMAZING job. Please think positive thoughts for us...we are hoping and praying that things finally work out this time.

The Artist

I had this grand idea that I would give Sam an empty canvas and some selectively chosen paint colors so that he could create a masterpiece for a bare spot on one of our walls.

But it may have been too grand of an idea.

He started out loving the project. I had taped a few designs on the canvas and as he painted, I pulled off strips of it to give the painting a little "modern edge".

He carefully used his fingers to place paint blobs on the canvas and just as he was about to finish he noticed the mess that had been made on his hands and arms.

He was NOT too happy about that.

So I cleaned him up, cursed Matt for passing on the OCD cleanliness gene and prayed that this event wouldn't scare him away from ever painting again.

But you know what, I think it turned out pretty cool anyway. (Look at the little finger prints!)



Next time, to save ourselves from the drama,  we'll invest in some paintbrushes for our little Picasso.

The bink

Hi, my name is Sam and I am a bink-a-holic.

We are struggling to ween Sammy off of the pacifier, or "nee ney" as he calls it.  He is not allowed to have it at all during the day (except for nap time) and binkies are not supposed to leave the crib. This has actually been working out great but occasionally Sam will walk into the room with a blanket over his head or his hands over his mouth. A clear indicator that he is breaking the rules, and knows he is. Little stinker.

We haven't tried anything in regards to night time weening because he is such an amazing sleeper and we like our sleep here in the Aprecio household.

Here's to hoping he grows out of binkies on his own...before he's 19...