Relactating after (my) serious illness- please help me

[mergirl]

After 10 weeks of wonderful nursing I was hospitalized with a horrible digestive disease. I was dehydrated and lost a ton of blood and had to be put on heavy duty steroids to bring things under control. I'm taking such high levels of drugs that according to the Thomas Hale book, it could interfere with my baby's growth and development. So now he is on formula and it breaks my heart every time he roots at my chest and I can't nurse him.

Before I got sick I felt like I was overflowing with milk and now I can't pump more than 4 oz a day. I'm home from the hospital and taking care of 2 kids under 3.

I feel like the only thing that gives me hope for a real recovery is the idea that I can go back to nursing my son. I want to relactate so badly, but it may be up to 2 months before I'm off the drugs. I'll have to pump and dump for that long before I can go back to really nursing him.

My question is- can I really relactate? Can I keep my milk supply up for these 2 months? Will he go back to the breast? Domperidone is not an option in my case.

Please somebody give me some encouragement

[Drummer's Wife]

I really think you can do it! And your LO is young enough that he will likely transition back to nurising like a champ.

I would pump, pump, pump, and build your supply up again (while taking care of yourself and eating well, of course). By the time you are off the heavy duty meds, I imagine you will be producing a good amount of milk. Then, as your LO gets the hang of nursing again, you will make even more milk - and soon have enough to ditch the formula for good.



really, i think it's very doable! Do you have help with the babies and a supportive partner? A hospital grade electric pump is a must. I know pumping and dumping is very time consuming on top of feeding your baby as it is, but you will be grateful in the long run that you put in all the hard work and effort.

I don't personally have a positive story regarding re-lactating, but I imagine there are many mama's here who can inspire you.

I was hospitalized for 3 weeks last year, and was also very sick. Once I was out of ICU I was on morphine and heavy duty abx that were not compatible w/breastfeeding - not that I was in any condition for at least another week and a half to manage it (if my LO's were there with me, which they weren't). Anyways, unfortunately for me, by the time I was able to get help pumping my milk was almost completly dried up. I think the trauma of the illness/surgery was a big part of it, too. My nurslings were 13 months and 37 months (was tandem'ing) and ended up completely weaning during the ordeal.

But really, I think you have an excellent shot at re-establishing your nursing relationship with your DS b/c you are being pro-active about it now (and he is still so little). I wish you the best, and hope for a speedy recovery!

[mergirl]

your words are really encouraging. It's just so hard to imagine that at 2 months old he can take a break from nursing for another 2 months and then remember how. Is this possible? Will I have to retrain him? Also, it's so hard to find time to pump, but I'm trying to squeeze in at least 4 or 5 sessions a day.

I hate formula! It makes him colicky and I feel like my illness has hurt us both.

[2goingon2]

I don't have any advice to offer but wanted to offer my encouragement via cyberspace. What a wonderful thing you are doing by not giving up. I'm sure it won't be easy but will be oh so worth it. I hope these next couple of months fly by for you. Your son is very lucky to have you as his mama!

[Lydiah]

Aw. I have crohn's so I know about what you went through. Can you contact your local LLL? They will have some excellent tips on how to bring your milk back. I think you have a good shot. With the right support its possible.

[mergirl]

thanks so much for your support you guys. I pumped 6 times today and didn't even get 4 ounces. I NEED to get this supply up! I can't take any of the herbs or drugs. Hopefully as I begin to feel better and retain more fluids the supply will rise.

I'm using a double sided pump. It's really hard to pump even 6 times a day with 2 little kids and cooking and bottle feeding.

And you're all right. I need to find a lactation consultant and get some LLL support. Won't it look funny to go to a LLL meeting with my bottle of formula?

[PatioGardener]

When you pump are you doing a massage/jiggle before you start? That helps to get the letdown flowing in some women. Also doing another breast massage half way through can stimulate another let down.

How about oatmeal - can you eat oatmeal? That helps some moms.