I had a baby 7 weeks ago. I breastfed him for 3 days and on the third day pre-eclampsia set in and my blood pressure went sky high and my liver shut down. I was put on a IV with medication to prevent seizures due to my high BP. The meds in the IV were not safe to continue breastfeeding. I was sad but knew I had to do what I needed to do to make me better for him. I also have a three year old that I had the same thing and was unable to breastfeed her as well, so I was really wanting to this time.
My son is now 7 weeks old and I was takling to his pediatrician today about his formula and mentioned how much I wanted to breastfeed and still feel like I am missing out on something. It's weird with my first I was ok not to do it, but this time I am longing for it. I want that time, that motherly bonding thing that only I can do. The doctor told me if you still have some milk, which I do, that I could start breastfeeding again a few times a day, and my milk would build back up again, but would still have to supplement with the formula. Which I figured cause he is such a big boy! Is this weird to start doing it again now that he is 7 weeks? Any thoughts?
First off, thank you to everyone for replying! I found your tips very helpful and comforting!=) I built up my courage this afternoon to see if he would even latch back on, I found myself anxious that is wouldnt and excited that he would cause I want to do this so badly! And.... with just slight very very slight hesatiation, He latched on, and ate for an hour! I was thrilled, overjoyed, and very very relieved, I hadnt lost this opportunity at this experience. Since that first time, I have fed him an additional 45 mins on another feeding. I think we might be on our way back!!! I know it is going to take time, patience and understanding from both of us and possibly a little help. Thank you for giving me the websites too, I loved them and think I will check out a lactation consultant too. Just to make sure we are getting on the right track. I know for now and possibly always I will have to breastfeed then formula feed to top him off. He is a big baby and eats a lot. Not sure I will ever produce enough. But I am so happy and feel so blessed that I can even do something now! Im hoping this will also be helpful with some of his gas issues. He is on a formula to help with gassiness so maybe this will help too, as well as the expense of formula! Hey, it might even help me with losing the rest of my baby weight. But honestly that would just be a 2nd helping so to speak. My baby is my sundae and breastfeeding again is the cherry on top! =) Thank you again to everyone for sending their words of encouragement and advice! If you think of anything else, please send it my way!
A. B
Ok day 2... not going so good. He wont latch on and is very frustrated. I try for a good 10 min or so... with no luck all day. He may suck for 2-3 sucks the cries. Is there something more I can do?
Day 3... he hs latched on a few times but no more than 5 sec or so. I tried putting some milk drops from his bottle on my breast to see and that helped but once that was gone and he was having to work hard to get anything, he basically said forget it! Still keeping my head up though gonna keep pumping and hopefully soon it will get easier!
It is so worth doing. Contact La Leche League and they will be so much support. Drink lots of liquids and let that baby suck and it will come back full blast I would think.
Do it. It is great that you want to start now. I was sick after my first baby and did not start for a couple of weeks. It is absolutely a great idea.
Good luck.
Go for it, girl! I think it's fabulous that you are considering this. What an awesome mom you are!
NOT AT ALL!!!!!!!! Go for it, girl. I haven't had to start late like this, so I don't have good, solid advice for you. But if it's something you want to do, then just try it. It's not weird at all. He is still so tiny and could benefit from it so much. You might try pumping for a few days, to get your milk supply going before you try latching him on. He could possibly get frustrated with the process if he doesn't get anything when he tries. So if you get your supply going before you reintroduce the breast, he might be more apt to go for it. I nursed all 3 of mine for over a year each, and I still had milk. I even know of a mom who adopted a newborn baby a few months after weaning her own child, and was able to start nursing again and build up to a full supply. With you still just 7 weeks post partum & if you pump during the times he takes his supplemental bottle, you could possibly even build back up to a full supply. Any way you look at it...it's worth attempting. At least you won't have any regrets. Good luck!
C.
I just want to say how awesome you and your pediatrician are! Not all moms would conside this, because of the time/effort. And many pedis would have just said "live with it". Kudos to you!
Go for it, Mama!!! You'll get a better milk supply if you try to limit your sugar and you can make ice cold tea with "Mother's Milk" from Traditional Medicinals. Might have it at HEB, definitely have it at GNC and other health food stores. It beefs up your milk supply quickly. There's an awesome breastfeeding organization based in San Diego which can give you a lot of specific information if you want to know about milk supply content and studies, but I can't remember the name of it. If there's ever a question about medicine and breastmilk get a breastfeeding manual from a midwife, again, I can't remember the name. I'm pretty sure it's published by the San Diego association. Very detailed, much better than word-of-mouth and then you won't have to rely on a doctor to tell you interactions (although I don't doubt that he was right about what you went through, and you did the right thing of course). Best wishes and NO it isn't at all weird!!!
Hi A.,
Try it. It may feel strange to you and baby at first because you are changing feeding styles. But different does not mean wrong. Satisfy your desire to try. It is a win/win situation. It works out or it doesnt work out but you tried. I Loved nursing all 4 of my babies. Good luck!
Go for it! Try Mother's Milk Tea. It is available at HEB. It has fenugreek herb, and is excellent at building up milk supply. It really helped me with my 10lb 7oz baby! I was over filled! Good Luck!
Hi, I'd say do it since it's wonderful for the baby, & help's mom's loose weight fast!But for sure you will still have to supplement, A) it may take awhile to build yours up more, pumping while your not feeding will help a lot! & B) their already use to formula, so it will be nice to supply them with both. I managed to b/f for 15 months, but I also did formula when he was on road trips or with babysitters. And once he was a year, he also started drinking a little regular milk as well! I had an emergency c-section, so I had to pump & dump at the hospital, but started b/f at home as soon as I could. It is worth it, but hard when their little, because your b/f so much, then it's time to pump, and repeat. So rest as much as you can too!!! Rest & drink plenty of water will help with milk production too! Good luck, Jules :) Hi again I just read your day 1 & 2, try putting some formula drops on your nipple until he's latching on well from just you??? Hope this helps!!!
Please don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Do what
you feel is right for yourself and your son. I would like to recommend that you look into visiting/joining a local
La Leche League group in your area. They were such a wonderful support group for me when I was a new & 2nd time mom.
La Leche League groups can help you with any problems and concerns that you may have about breastfeeding while providing a comfortable environment for you to learn and grow with your young children.
Our group got together once a month to talk and socialize. It was basically a neat little play group of breastfeeding mom's with their infants/toddlers. We learned about interesting topics relating to breastfeeding and shared our experiences with one another.
The nice thing about La Leche Leauge is that you will feel supported in your decision to breastfeed your baby.
You can check out their website at: WWW.LLLI.ORG
La Leche League Mission Statement: La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. All women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to attend the monthly Group Meetings or call a Leader for breastfeeding help.
I agree with Cari...
A few thoughts...
When I had my twins, a doctor mistakenly told me I needed to supplement them to get their weight up (I didn't need to I just have small children) but she insisted and then gave me improper instructions on how to do it...My twins stopped breastfeeding all together by the end of the first night and I was in tears. When I explained the situation to the NICU doctor they were still seeing to make sure they were thriving well and suffering no ill effects from being 7 weeks premature, He told me that there is a medication they could give me to restart my milk supply and they would happily put the twins and I back in the hospital a few days to make sure that I could get my supply going and that they would make the switch back to breastmilk...
I think if you pump and start slow with the actually feeding a couple of times per day that you could actually build yourself back up...I do suggest (highly) that you contact either your la leche league rep and discuss some sort of support for you or WIC as I bet they will help you get going good and strong as well. I suggest this, for the simple fact of with going back there may be struggles and with the emotions you will be experiencing from the extra hormones you don't want to lose ground and give up due to a rough patch...
Make sure to remember wheny ou are breast feeding you still need to eat a larger caloric supply than when you are not breast feeding. So lots of water, lots of small noutrishes snacking with a few well balanced meals should help you to get up and going really well...
Good Luck... I was able to breastfeed my oldest for five months and it made me very sad to have to give it up with the twins...there is so much bonding I got with my oldest i feel was lacking when my twins were babies..
;-)
I see you have already received several responses & even responded back yourself! You're doing it!!!! I'm sooooo happy for you. Breastfeeding has been the single most wonderful experience of my life. Enjoy that special time between you & your little one (that only YOU get to have!) & breastfeed for as long as you want! It's awesome for everyone involved! Congrats!
God Bless,
H. B
Hi A.,
I don't have any advice, but I have a thought or two. I'm the oldest of 4 girls. I was the ONLY one NOT breastfed as an infant. My mom and I honestly believe this is the main reason she is so much closer to my sisters. Also, I have 3 beautiful children of my own. For reasons I don't want to get into here, I didn't breastfeed my son, my oldest child. I probably could have after things improved in my life, but I didn't take that step. I regret it soooo much now. I feel so much closer to my girls. I love my son, but I feel like that bond is missing!
I agree with the first poster. Get in contact with a lactation consultant, someone, anyone, who can offer you some advice on taking this step. If you are still producing even a little milk, give breastfeeding a try. It's a wonderful experience for the both of you, plus the health benefits you and your darling baby will enjoy are worth it!!
Hope it all works out for you!!!
I say try it! You will have the best of both worlds if it is successful. Your son will get breastmilk, you will have that experience, and yet you will be able to give a bottle when you need/want to. My 1st child was NICU for one week and I had to give her a bottle as well as breastfeed. The nurse advised me to still give her a bottle on a regular basis for convenience sake after I left the hospital. It was so nice that I did it with all 3 of my kids.
I don't think it is weird at all. I also had problems breastfeeding due to preeclampsia. Gradually I weaned my newborn off formula and onto 100% breastmilk.
Try to nurse before each bottle session, or you could try a supplemental nursing system. I'm sure the La Leche League would be helpful with info on re-lactation. http://www.llli.org/FAQ/relactation.html
http://www.lllaustin.org/
If you would like to connect with other moms who also suffered from preeclampsia, check out the forums at http://www.preeclampsia.org.
A.-
Go for it, its so not weird. Its the best thing to give your son. Good luck to you. Glad you are better. Hope it all works out for both of you.
Mel G.
A., It is not weird to want to feed your baby and bond with him. If you can get your milk supply up, then go for it. If this is what you are longing for, then you cares what anybody else thinks. I say do it and you can go to GNC and get some special vitamins that will help you with your milk production.
Good luck.
I know exactly how you feel. When my 2nd was born, she had to be put in the NICU and I was not able to breastfeed during that time. Like you, I really longed to breastfeed as I knew this would be my last child. It was 2 weeks before I could start breastfeeding and it was VERY difficult - not enough milk, I could not get her to latch on. But I stuck with it and eventually she and I got our groove going. It was worth it and I would not be one bit concerned that your baby is 7 weeks old.
Go for it,mama! Its not wierd at all and you will love it and so will your baby. I breastfed all 3 of my little ones and I loved every minute. Make sure you have a good friend or family member who has had a successful and positive nursing experience to be your coach and support system. Eat lots of milk producing foods like alfalfa sprouts and make sure to nurse the baby often even if it seems like no milk is coming, it will stimulate milk production and will soon increase flow. Best of luck and good for you for making the choice to breastfeed. Feel free to respond to me via Mamasource with any questions
-D. C.
Weird? I think its fabulous! And if anyone were to think its weird....their problem!!! Do it if you can! It's something you'll never regret while NOT doing it just because someone might think its weird is something you could very well regret.
L.
I second Mother's Milk Tea at HEB to increase your supply. Eat oatmeal and drink lots of water. The best way to increase your supply is to nurse often. So, breastfeed, top off with formula, and then an hour later try to latch him on again. Just suckling sends signals to your brain to make more milk. Medela Hospital Grade Pump is awesome. I recommend using it after feedings while you give him formula. That will also tell your brain to make more milk and you can start a freezer stash. Good luck! You are providing the very best for your baby! Get in touch with a lactation consultant. Texas Children's has an awesome group of women and you can rent a pump fairly cheap from them. HTH
Keep us updated on your progress!
Breastfeeding was the best thing I could have done. It was such an awesome bonding experience and I wish I could have done it longer. If you can get your supply back up, this is a great idea. Even if you have to still supplement, he will get the benefits of breatfeeding. Good luck!!
Saw note late and noticed you were having problems day 2. Hang in there! Be careful with your nipples and don't be afraid to air dry and use lasinol. He may be fussy because he needs to have a BM and be a little gassy. With babies solely on breastmilk the baby uses so efficiently that sometimes baby won't have BMs for 3 days, but I'm not sure how that works when formula is in the picture. Just keep working with him. I think the 2nd and 3rd days of doing this were the hardest! Wish you and baby well.
No I say go for it. Breastmilk is always better than formula and even though you went a while without doing it it's still better. You may not have to supplement for too long because your body will build up pretty quickly. Good luck.
Hi A.,
Congrats on your new little bundle! I have been breastfeeding my son for 8 months and I love it! I don't think its wierd at all to start trying to breastfeed now. To help your milk supply though, you may want to try Mother's Milk Tea and Fenugreek (both are available at GNC and other places). If baby is not used to breastfeeding, you may also need to pump between meals at least until he gets used to it again. I've been called a "milk nazi" by some friends because I'm such an advocate for breastfeeding. I feel that it is absolutely the best thing you can do for your child so if you are able, definitely do it! It also may help you to get in touch with some other moms who are breastfeeding for support. I joined my local La Leche League and I like the "Breastfeeding Buddies" Mommy team on www.babyfit.com. Here is the link:
http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/mommyteams_individual.asp
Good luck, I hope it all works out for you!
~R.
I don't think it's at all weird to start again after 7 weeks. There are lots of resources out there to help if that's what you want to do (La Leche League, lactation consultants, books - the Ultimate Breastfeeding Answer Book is good).
Good luck!
If you still have milk, give it a try. You may have problems getting him to latch on since he is used to the bottle. If you have problems, call La Leche and they will give you advice. You could also have a lactation consultant help you out. If this is something you are longing to do, go for it and best of luck!!
Doesn't sound weird to me. Try it and see how it works. It may take your body awhile to adjust and it may be hard for your son to accept your breast now that he is used to a bottle. It might be easier if you can find a lactation consultant to help you out. There is probably one in your area.
Hi A.!
I also have a 3 yr old and a 10 wk old! So crazy, huh? What I want to say to you is - No WAY is it weird at all to start breastfeeding!!!!!! Just so you can compare, I was breastfeeding my little guy for the first month, but then started supplementing with formula because he wasn't gaining proper wait and was just HUNGRY, poor guy. Turned out I'm not producing enough milk for his needs. So, I always start with the boobs, and when he starts getting frustrated, I give him 4 oz. of formula. So far so good. He's gaining wait and is less fussy. And he's getting all the health benefits of breastmilk as well. So my point? Just start small with the breastfeeding (cuz it can be difficult at times) and see how it goes. You can do it! Good luck ;0)
try renting a hospital grade pump to build up your supply. it will have strong suction to help build you back up again while trying to feed baby
It is wonderful that your doctor is so supportive of you breastfeeding again. Don't give up. Find the La Leche League nearest your area and get in touch for support groups and women who can guide you into a successful breast feeding experience. I had to stop breast feeding years ago because my child-now 31- wow- had billirubin and had to go back into the hospital into an isolet. I was quite upset because I was told to stop breastfeeding and I got a breast infection. Well, I found a great herbalist who helped me to cure the breast infection naturally with olive oil and herb compresses. Then, I got back to breastfeeding with the help of a La Leche League leader. I think I would have given up and used formula without the help of La Leche League. I was in L.A. at the time. I am sure there are groups in Austin as well. You can bond with your baby even if you don't breast feed. Just hold the baby for each feeding and develop eye contact and a good relationship. However, if you can breastfeed, it is a great experience. J. K.
I think you should start nursing again! It will be great for you and your baby!
YAY!!! Your milk will adjust. Put him to the breast for each feeding. Then top him off with formula. I bet it won't be long before he doesn't need the formula!!!
I think it's great you want to try again! It is NOT weird at all. I think you would definitely need to supplement at first (feed from the breast FIRST, then bottle). Try pumping also to bring your milk in. Feed on demand so that he can build back up your supply. Realize he might have a harder time with breastfeeding at first because the bottle is easier, but don't let it discourage you. Perhaps one day you won't have to supplement with formula at all!!! And lastly, I really encourage you to go to your local La Leche League meeting. They can help you SO much, and I guarantee they know more about breastmilk and breastfeeding than your pediatrician will!
Good luck and congratulations!
I don't think it's too late, but you won't know until you try. Give it a shot...what do you have to lose? It might be tough to get him to learn to latch on at this point, but contact a lactation consultant or la leche league to see what they recommend. Good luck to you! I hope you're able to breastfeed at least a little bit with your baby. It is a very rewarding experience. Oh, and it is DEFINITELY not weird! :-)
Do it - he is still young and should take to it quickly! You will have to supplement but breastfeed first and have a four oz bottle ready for when you finish on both sides. That will allow you to feed him the way you want each time he is hungry and it will be great for both of you! Good job mom!
absolutely not weird! breastfeeding was the best thing i did with my daughter. now that she is weaned i actually miss her nursing. i would recommend seeing a lactation consultant or la leche league member to give you the support you need. i saw cheryl h at special addition (across from central market on lamar). i absolutely loved her and highly recommend her. good luck!
Keep it up. You can do it. I know you are having trouble and have gotten a lot of good advice. Definitely contact your local LLL...but also try a new postion. Football hold with a pillow support can be great (especially if you are big-chested) also try side-lying (it can be relaxing for both of you though I know you have your hands full with a 3 year old).
