[Charlie_girl]

Well, the thing about those hormones during pregnancy is they don't rise and drop with monthly cycles, since there is no monthly cycle when you're pregnant. From conceiving to giving birth, both hormones steadily and non stop rise, progesterone at a much higher rate than estrogen. After 9.5 or so months of this steady growth, birth happens and both hormones plummet and prolactin skyrockets. So, not saying anything against anyone who cycles hormones by any means, since in the long run, that's the better way to go. But to mimick pregnancy hormones and to do those protocols, you do not cycle. Those protocols call for you to use the hormones non stop, you don't stop for periods or monthly cycles.

So, in my opinion, if you want to mimick preg hormones, follow that protocol. The longer, probably the better for NBE, but don't do it for ANY longer than a typical pregnancy lasts!! After that time, I'd start to wean into cycling instead of abruptly doing so since that could trigger lactation. Once you wean into cycling, keep with the cycling.

You know, you can always go talk to a lactation consultant, your Gyno or doctor and just tell them you're inducing lactation "for a family member who is expecting their 2nd baby and couldn't produce enough breast milk for their first", or "because you're adopting a baby". They'll guide you and help you with the hormone levels and give you tips. If you say it's for NBE or anything that's not a "socially acceptable" cause, they probably won't help. Unless you find a really cool naturopath.