Relactating. At 5 months. Yes or no?

[november]

Please be honest with me. Is this possible? My breastfeeding journey was not a good one and I don't really want to go into the details (you can find my breastfeeding post back in November if you're really interested) but I'm curious about the idea of relactating.

I have my reasons, but I don't want to try to breastfeed again. I know it's not a popular opinion, but I'm just telling you--I'm not interested. I want to pump ONLY. I can't be convinced otherwise. Is it possible to relactate and ONLY pump?


If so .. what do I do? How do I go about this? Any advice from someone who has been there, done that?

Even if I could just get a few ounces in her a day, that'd be so much better than nothing at all. Help??

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I looked back through but didnt see what went wrong just that she was nursing a lot and you where worried about output.

But I hope that you are able to relactate and give your baby even some. Yes it is possible even just pumping I know I have read posts here of mothers doing just that and doing it for an adopted baby as well.

[november]

Oops. I forgot that I posted about my struggles on another forum. I had serious, serious struggles that I really don't want to type out because it upsets me so much. I hope you understand.

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond, though! I really hope I can figure something out.

[mambera]

No BTDT, just a and some thoughts.

Here is a suggested relactation program assuming the presence of a breastfeeding baby.
http://www.fourfriends.com/abrw/Boot%20Camp/bcr.htm

It sounds intense... I guess you could replace all the 'nurse' bits with 'pump' but it sounds like a LOT of work. A LOT.

Also I hear it works best if you do a hormonal regimen that sort of mimics pregnancy and parturition beforehand. Perhaps you could talk to your Ob-Gyn about this.

Another thought... Would donor milk be a possibility? I know it wouldn't be *your* antibodies she'd be getting but it would be so much easier for you than relactating since you mainly want the milk and not the bf'ing relationship.

[greenmomhappymom]

Do you have a local La Leche League you could contact for some support and insight? I know my group had a fair share of working moms who had a lot of experience pumping and primarily bottle feeding due to the rigorous work schedules...good luck.

[Carhootel]

I think you can do it. I don't know the resources out there but you might try google searching for lactating for an adopted baby - I have a friend who has just recently done this with great success. I think pumping and using all the supply inducing natural supplements (teas, fenugreek, etc...) is worth a try. Who knows how much you'll get but any is better than none! and hugs for your difficult breastfeeding journey, I hope wether you relactate or not that you continue to heal and enjoy your lo

[CheriK]

I haven't gone back and read about your experiences, but I want to send your way. It's so very hard to struggle with breastfeeding. As you probably already know, any breastmilk your LO received was beneficial. And kudos for even considering the idea of relactating.

Have you tried to pump? Are you able to express any milk (pump or manual)? For most women, stimulation leads to milk production. So, yes, probably, if you pump using a high-grade pump frequently, you'll produce some milk. How much depends on so many factors - why you had troubles in the first place, how well your body responds to the pump, how often you pump. . .

What's your best outcome? Will you be satisfied with less? If you're counting on being able to fully breastmilk feed your LO, then you might not be successful. . . would that make your feelings harder to manage? If you'd be happy with ANY milk, then of course. . .

http://www.lowmilksupply.org/ is one place to start. The author, DIana West, also has written a book entitled Making More Milk which includes pumping protocols for induced lactation and hormonal protocols (if you want to go that route). You might want to spend some time talking to an LLL Leader or an IBCLC as well, who can listen to the details of your experience and help you determine a plan to follow, plus provide the emotional support for whatever you decide to try.

Good luck, whatever you decide.