check

Is a standard protocol for inducing lactation a good fit for you?

Your needs for inducing lactation are as unique as you are! 

 

Click the button below to answer the 8 key questions that will determine your most successful path to inducing lactation.

Start

Question 1 of 9

Let's start by understanding your hormonal profile.

 

(Note: "Cis" or "cisgender" refers to an individual who identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth. For example, a cis woman was assigned female at birth and currently identifies as female.)

 

I am

A

A pre-menopausal cis woman

B

A post-menopausal cis woman

C

A pre-menopausal non-binary or genderqueer individual AFAB

D

A post-menopausal non-binary or genderqueer individual AFAB

E

A trans woman

F

An intersex woman

G

Other

Question 2 of 9

I have at least 5 months before my baby is expected to arrive.

A

Yes

B

No

C

I don't know. For example, I don't have an adoption match yet.

Question 3 of 9

I am willing and able to take hormonal medications such as a combination birth control pill or progesterone pill

A

Yes

B

No

C

I don't know

Question 4 of 9

I am able to express milk with an electric breast pump 8 times per day, including once during the night, for the 6 weeks prior to my baby's expected arrival

A

Yes

B

No

Question 5 of 9

Extensive research indicates that avoiding artificial nipples (bottles and pacifiers) significantly increases the long-term success of inducing lactation or relactation. When supplementation is needed, it can be delivered via a nursing supplementer or another method that does not introduce an artificial nipple.

 

Unless medically necessary, I plan to avoid bottles and pacifiers for at least my baby's first 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, I plan to continue to avoid bottles and pacifiers unless I am separated from baby, such as when I return to work.

A

Yes

B

No

C

Not sure

Domperidone safety

A standard protocol for inducing lactation includes the pharmaceutical medication domperidone.  The following questions determine the safety of this medication for you [Haase et al., 2016].

Question 7 of 9

I have the following conditions

(Select all that apply)
A

Cardiac disease

B

Arrythmia

C

Gastrointestinal bleeding or bowel disorder

D

Pituitary tumor

E

Liver disease

F

Known medication sensitivity to domperidone

G

NONE of the above

Question 8 of 9

I am taking the following medications which may alter the metabolism or effectiveness of domperidone:

(Select all that apply)
A

Antacids: calcium carbonate (Maalox®), H-2 histamine antagonists such as ranitidine (Zantac®) or famotidine (Pepcid®), proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (Prilosec®) or esomeprazole (Nexium®)

B

Antifungals: ketoconazole (Nizoral®), clotrimazole (Lotrimin®), fluconazole (Diflucan®), or terbinafine (Lamisil®)

C

Macrolide antibiotics: azithromycin (Zithromax®), clarithromycin, (Biaxin®), erythromycin

D

HIV Protease Inhibitors: nelfinavir (Viracept®), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra®), atazanavir (Reyataz®)

E

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: phenelzine (Nardil®), selegiline (Eldepryl®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®)

F

Over-the-counter medications that decrease milk production: pseudophedrine or diphenhydramine

G

NONE of the above

Question 9 of 9

I understand that the medication domperidone is not approved for use in the United States. Even so, domperidone is commonly used in the United States as well as other developed countries all over the world. In many countries it is even available over-the-counter. 

 

Serious cardiac events and even death have been reported when domperidone was taken intravenously and/or by patients who are male (to treat gastrointestinal difficulties), over age 60, or with a history of ventricular arrythmia. When taken orally by women under age 60 without contraindicated medical conditions or medications, it is a safe medication. For referenced evidence-based information on domperidone safety and efficacy -- as well as sources for obtaining domperidone -- please check out DomHub at https://www.alyssaschnellibclc.com/domhub

 

If safe for me, I am willing to use domperidone. 

 

A

Yes

B

No

C

Not sure

Confirm and Submit