Help me bring my milk back.

[Julia24]

So - the short story is that I didn't really nurse this baby more than a week - then just pumped to comfort until I didn't need to anymore. At 1 month she got a cold, I paniced and started pumping. Got an oz the first time I pumped and then virtually nothing for he next 24 hours and then stopped.

Now, at 2 months old (this past tuesday), I am really regretting not at least continuing to pump, so I decided to try to relactate now before my chances really get wrecked.

So, monday I bought some More Milk Plus, took 2 pills and then started pumping every 2 hours (MINIMUM) during the day, and taking a break at night.

The first time I pumped I got 3ml. I was so happy I wasn't totally dry!!!! Then until today, I've basically been just getting drops, but almost all day today I've been getting 1ml total between both breasts each time I pump - so it's a definite improvement, but how do I get a substantial quantity back.

What other things can I do? I'm taking 6 of the MMP pills each day, but can I take more? Are there other things I could be taking? What and how much? I've been eating oatmeal too, I figure it can't hurt.

Does anybody have an insight on this? How long can I expect it to take to get more milk? And what sort of pattern does it typically follow? Am I too late?

[zensven42]

Pumps don't really do the job like an infant can. Unless you are returning to work and leaving baby during that time, it is likely you will never need to pump. The best way to relactate is to nurse the child directly. As you have low supply at this time, it may frustrate the child to try to nurse until your supply is more established. This can be helped by using an SNS such as this one-- http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com...ing-system-sns (this is just an example. I do not endorse this product specifically) I assume you would fill it with whatever breastmilk you do have on hand, or whatever formula you are using and slowly wean off the SNS as your supply increases.

Be sure to offer the breast often, and try to not use any more formula than you have to. Sometimes the milk can come in quite quickly if you just nurse, nurse, nurse. I would also contact a lactation consultant to help walk you through it, if you are feeling it is not working out.

You can do it so hang in there! Hugs!!

[Heba]

NO it's not too late! You can definitely do it, but it may take some time and perserverance, and you may perhaps find that it is a bit more difficult to establish a full than a partial supply. As to how long, this really varies. It may take a few days, but it may take a few weeks.

Totally agree with the pp; your baby will be more effective at building up supply than a pump, so if you can get her back to the breast, that will really help. One research study has found that babies under 3 months take the breast more readily than older babies, so your little one's age will work in your favour. Kelly Bonyata has some good tips here: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...to-breast.html

She also has some good info and suggestions on relactation here: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/relactation.html
and info on medical galactagogues here, which you may want to consider: http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/...actagogue.html

Finally, you might find this document helpful: "Relactation: review of experience and recommendations for practice"
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/1998/WHO_CHS_CAH_98.14.pdf

Sorry for all the links; the very best of luck, mama!

[Megan73]

If I were you, I'd ditch the bottles, use a Lact-Aid for feedings and take domperidone at a starting dose of three 10 mg tablets three times a day. I'd also pump after feedings and use whatever you pump along with the formula in the Lact Aid.
Even if you don't develop a full supply you can make sure all your babe's nutrition is at the breast.
Is there some specific reason you stopped breastfeeding that we could help you with?
Good luck, mama.

[isabchi]

Yes,...You can do it!. I re lactate my fist one. I agree with the previous post. Lets the baby do the work. Maybe, it's good idea to take a couple days for "vacation" for the baby and had lots of skin to skin contact. Offer frequently.

[Julia24]

I was just going to pump to make this happen - but man! This kid likes the boob. I swear if there was milk coming out she would nurse....I'm going to have to find one of those sns or lactaids.

I didn't nurse because I was fighting her onto the breast and I just didn't have the energy to keep doing it. (she was little and i was nervous because she kept going 6/7/8 hours without nursing! I started pumping but had no interest in EPing, but now that she's bigger - and I don't have the newborn stress/hormones thing happening....I know I can do it if I can get some milk to come back) I'm just taking it one week at a time for now. I have to get to monday and then reevaluate. But I certainly haven't exhausted all my options to get this milk to come in yet - so I figure I'll have to give it at least another week or two after that. I'll likely just tread water this weekend since I'll be out of town with the baby. Hopefully by Monday I'll have reglan or doperidome coming and some goats rue and an SNS/lactaid.