relactating and/or pumping for 2 at 2 months old.

[ericaness]

I am looking for resources and or advice for my sister and her baby. Her DS is 2 months old today. She chose feed him formula right off the bat, but he has not tolerated any formulas yet. Yesterday her Dr. started the baby on a prescription formula, and they are hoping he tolerates it well, as she is running out of formula options. I told her that if he does not tolerate what she is giving him now, we could talk about possibly me pumping milk to feed him. My DS is almost 4 months, and I have an oversupply of milk. Would it be feasible for me to pump milk for her baby while I am also exclusively BFing my son? She has not indicated any interest in attempting to re-lactate (probably has never heard of it), but would it be possible for her milk to come back at 2 months? She had no interest in BFing before, and works full time, so probably would exclusively pump if it was possible. I want to give her as much advice and help as i can. She is a single mom, and doesnt have much money, so i would hate to see her spend the money on a breast pump if there is little to no possibility of it working out for her Help!

[rparker]

I would think that relactation would be possible, but hopefully those with more knowledge/experience will speak to that.

Would WIC pay for a breast pump or a hospital grade rental where you live? Another option would be seeing if her son's doctor's office could work with her insurance company to pay for a breast pump. This might be possible since he isn't tolerating formula and a breast pump would be way cheaper for the insurance company than "special" formula or donor milk.

If you're willing, pumping for two with babies that close in age is definitely viable, especially if you pump on one side while your son is nursing on the other.

Edit: You might want to call a local La Leche League leader for advice and/or local resources.

[texmati]

There is a pumping/relactating forum on kellymom that may have more info. Pumping is hard work, but definitely doable.

[blessedwithboys]

the answer to all of your questions is yes!

you can pump, it wont take milk away from your own baby, and it is totally worth it.

your sister can induce lactation and bottle feed the milk to her child, possible in addition to the milk you provide. her dr can write a rx for a pump and if it isnt covered by insurance, it will be covered by an HRA.

and i'll end it on those positive notes. best wishes!