Is it possible to relactate after I have stopped breastfeeding for a month? I breastfed for four months and then my right side dried up. it wasn't making anywhere close to the amount the left side was making. Also, it took forever for the right side to let down, so my baby never wanted that side. So, basically my baby was only getting half the milk he needed. I tried pumping that side but would only get an ounce at most out after pumping FOREVER!! (not to mention the size difference in my breasts) I got so frustrated, i quit. I wish i wouldve known about all of the herbal supplements I could've tried and even the prescriptions??? Now my poor baby is having problems with formula....I have him on Nutramigen, (dr orders) but I hear it has added table sugar, corn sryup, salt, and I feel horrible about that. So is it possible to relactate at this point? Maybe then I could try the supplements?
Yes!! Mine did the same after a month of full weaning. Doc said it is just hormonal changes. So, I just avoided directing the warm shower in that area or anything else that stimulates milk flow and it went away in a couple of weeks. Good luck!
Yes you can! You should start with getting a SNS feeding system (like this one http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/breastfeedi...) and giving your baby the formula while the baby is being put to breast. You should also start pumping every 3 hours for 15 min if you have a double pump (or 15 min each side if you only have a single pump). Do not worry at all about production at this moment. A lot of moms can't get anything at all from pumping but still have a very ample supply. You can start looking into lactogenic foods and supplements as well as research a drug call domperidone. The best thing for you to do is get that baby to breast as often as possible. Even comfort suckling will signal to your body that it needs to start producing again. If your baby is taking a pacifier I would skip that for now when possible and allow the baby to use you instead. Offering the breast when the baby is not super hungry or just looking to comfort suck is a very good place to start. I would also suggest you contact your local LLL and/or find a really good lactation consultant. This probably won't be a quick easy thing for you to do but with patience, conviction and lots of support you can do this!
www.kellymom.com is a really, really great site to visit for more research and support. They have a forum there you can join and ask this same question. I am sure you will get a lot of great advice and support over there.
Good luck! You are an amazing Mom! ::hugs::
Oh, I almost forgot! You should look into getting a wrap or sling and start wearing your baby skin to skin when ever possible allowing your child to nurse when ever he wants/needs to.
I did it, maybe you can too! I weaned my daughter at 2 years. A few months later she got the chicken pox and wanted to nurse even though I didn't have any milk. Within 3 days my milk came back and I nursed her another couple of months and then weaned her again. There is a GREAT supplement called "SUPERFOOD" by Dr. Schultz from American Botanical Pharmacy that I would take nearly every day. It made my milk plentiful and rich and helped me feel stronger. Drink lots of water too. Green juices help make good milk too. Good luck. It's really worth the effort.
You have gotten some great advice already but I wanted to add even if your baby is only nursing from one side they will get what they need! Your body will adjust as baby's frequently favor one side over another. Your case was extreme but it's only temporary lop-sidedness. This part of babyhood is over so quickly!
And please, please keep in mind what you make and what you pump are 2 very different things. Baby is much, much more efficient at getting milk. If baby seems satisfied, has wet diapers and is gaining weight they are getting what they need!
You can also pump the right side while baby feeds on the left. That helps get things going too. I found it also helped to use visualization while I was pumping for my preemie boy. Silly as it sounds I would actually visualize milk bursting thru flood gates and it would stimulate my let-down when I was learning to pump
Good luck and get to feeding that baby mama!
You are close enough to Orlando to make a drive over to visit Pat Lindsey. She is a top notch lactation consultant that is very knowledgable, but more importantly believes in a mama's body and the ability to provide for your child. She can guide you on herbs, supplements and even prescriptions if needed. You can do this and you will be so happy you made the effort...your child deserves the best start in life. Hang in there.
Formula, no matter what type, can ever compare to the custom made milk that you are able to produce for your little one.
hi,
Your story sounds very similar to mine. just a few days ago some one else had a question about relactating, you should look it up. there were a lot of good response.
I relactated 8 weeks after quitting because my daughter couldn't tolerate formula either. It was a lot of work but I would do it again in a heart beat.
I used domperidone to increase my supply after I was able to pump a half ounce or so. it really helped. Your Dr. can give you a prescription for it. I had a hard time getting the prescription, it is not well known. finally my daughters pediatrition gave it to me. works amazing.
try to get you little one to start nursing again, taking a warm bath together can help get him to latch on.
In the mean time you can get breast milk from milk banks, or a lactating friend. the milk is a little expensive.
we didn't have the $ to buy breast milk so until I was producing again we put my daughter on rice milk. it was only temporary because there isn't much fat or protein but she was able to tolerate it much better, and it tastes way better. while she was on the rice milk i would put a tsp.of oil in her cereal, just to make sure she was getting enough fat.
good luck let us know if you need more support. you can do this!!!
Everyone already gave you the advice I would give (Terra's was exactly what I would say!) so I just want to give you a GO FOR IT! ANd Congratulations! and GOOD LUCK! You can do it!
Quick answer is YES! Get in touch with a very good Lactation Consultant. Start taking fenugreek (herbal) and you may need to go on prescription Domperidone (avoid Reglan - too many side effects) and get a HOSPITAL GRADE pump. You will have to pump both sides at LEAST every 2 hours initially to get your milk flowing. Be careful of certain OTC medications that can dry up your milk and certain birth control (i can help you with that as well)
The good thing is once you start producing and nursing the baby AT THE BREAST, you won't have to continue on the medication.
Lots of fluid and the fenugreek as well as pumping. Make sure you are relaxed and confident as well - psychology is a HUGE part of lactation.
Let me know if you need me to find you some local contacts that can help you, BUT YES YES YES!!!! You can restart lactating - it is not too late!
Yes, it's totally possible to relactate. I read a blog recently about a women that was able to get her supply back up to 100%. You'll need some medication, a lact-aid and some persistence, but you can do it. I commend you for even doing this, I wish more people would try. Good luck!
http://womanuncensored.blogspot.com/2010/03/relactation-l...
Check with LaLeche League and ask to speak with a lactation specialist.
Stress has a big part in the breastfeeding experience.
Yes, yes- laleche or a doule or mid wife to help-ugh ugh ugh on fake food formula- corn syrup not only abuses the pancreas like sugar does, but it also hasmercury.
You are so right in what you are thinking-- get la leche league, or someone to assist.Check WestonPrice, for the correct diet fo ryou.
best, k
