Aeroflow Breastpumps was recently introduced to Glenis Liz-Decuir, a Mama who has previously given birth to and breastfed two children, and is now planning to co-nurse with her wife, who is carrying their third child. We wanted to hear more about their story, and her unique breastfeeding journey.
Q: Tell Us A Little More About Your Story
My wife and I are planning to co-nurse, and I have been in the process of Inducing Lactation since January. We are currently 25 weeks pregnant! I am getting ready to start pumping every 3 hours starting July 1!
I am passionate and soooooo excited to be doing this that I created an Instagram page to detail every single step of my journey. I wanted a safe and open environment where I could share all my milestones. I also am an advocate for breastfeeding and I wanted to use this platform to do just that. I am already able to hand express 1 oz a day!
Q: Is There Any Misinformation Or Stigma Out There About Induced Lactation?
A: For me and in my experience, I received the most pushback from doctors. I found out through this process that many doctors don’t even know that inducing lactation is even possible. I had to see 4 different doctors before I could find one that was willing to work with me through this journey. For me, being under the care of a doctor was very important because I was about to embark on a journey that I have never been on before and I was going to be taking medications to do this. I just didn’t feel comfortable doing this alone.
Q: What Are You And Your Wife's Goals For Breastfeeding? How Long Would You Like To Breastfeed?
A: Our goal is to co-breastfeed our baby. Since I will be staying home with my wife and the baby for the first 2 months, we plan on taking turns nursing in the beginning. Once I go back to work, I am planning on pumping at work and breastfeeding in the early mornings and evenings. My wife and I will have to pump when we aren’t breastfeeding to keep our supply. I know this won’t be as easy as it sounds and maybe our goals may change once the baby is here but the most important thing is that my wife and I will be working together as a team and communicating with each other. Our hope is that we find a rhythm that works for us so that we can breastfeed as long as the baby is interested. We don’t have a cutoff date, and to us it doesn’t matter what society feels comfortable with.
Q: What Was The Inspiration Behind Wanting To Co-Breastfeed?
A: What inspired us to want to co-breastfeed was so that we could both share the bonding that comes with breastfeeding your baby and to also share the responsibilities of motherhood. When we both became aware of inducing lactation, it was a no brainer for us. We knew right away that co-breastfeeding was the route we wanted to go.
Q: Will It Be Your Wife's First-Time Breastfeeding And Do You Feel Like You May Be Able To Offer Her Some Tips And Advice Since This Is Your Third Time?
A: This will be my wife’s first time being pregnant and breastfeeding. I didn’t receive as much support as I should have with our first two children with regards to breastfeeding and I found out the hard way that breastfeeding isn’t always as easy or as natural as people make it seem. Luckily my wife has me. I have so much information and experience to share with her regarding breastfeeding. I also plan to be there for her every step of the way to guide and support her through this process.
Q: Do You Have Any Tips For Other Moms That Want To Try This Method?
A: Sure, I have lots of advice and tips but the most important one is to NEVER give up on a bad day! Inducing lactation is not easy and it takes time but if you focus on the reward then it will all be worth it.
Q: Can You Explain A Bit About The Newman Goldfarb Protocol And What Made You Want To Use That Method?
A: First, it’s important to note that the Newman Goldfarb Protocol isn’t the only way to induce lactation. But after doing extensive research, I found that the Newman Goldfarb Protocol seems to be the most popular and most effective to induce lactation. It starts by “tricking your body into thinking it’s pregnant” by taking a combination birth control (active only pills) and increasing your prolactin levels by taking a medication called Domperidone. The hormones each have a role to play to prepare your breasts to make milk.
The protocol suggests having at least 22 to 24 weeks in preparation time, it’s very important that if you decide to go with the protocol that you start as early as possible for best results. For the most up to date information I recommend visiting Dr. Jack Newman’s website on inducing lactation.
Q: Anything Else You’d Like To Tell Moms Who Are Considering Induced Lactation, Or About Breastfeeding Overall?
A: Be patient! Like anything else in life…Hard work always pays off. Consistency is key!
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
About the Author
My name is Glenis Liz-Decuir. I am 33 years old and happily married to my wife, Tiffany Decuir. We have 2 beautiful children ages 12 & 10, and we are also expecting a little boy due in September 2018! I was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in NYC but recently moved to Atlanta, GA about 4 years ago. I currently work full time, am a student at Herzing University to obtain my degree in Legal Studies and I own my own small Business. I am passionate about breastfeeding and am a big advocate! I am super excited to share my experience with women everywhere.
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