Is 4 months (16 weeks) too late to re-lactate

[alis]

Hi everyone

As it says - is 4 months/16 weeks too late to re-lactate

Long story short, my boy had severe shoulder dystocia and multiple fractures at birth, was put on the breast for the first 3 days, made his injury worse, caused fear of breast (according to LLL and LCs) and he dropped an incredible amount of weight (way more than recommended). Exclusively pumped for several weeks around the clock but was only getting about 2oz per day by the end, along with postnatal depression/colic, gave up the dream.

He's had extensive physical therapy for his shoulder but still has this fear of the breast (it's bizarre and very heart-breaking), but I was wondering if it is possible to re-lactate through exclusive pumping. I have a medela harmony. I did not know about the various medications/remedies to boost supply the first time around and was wondering if I can give it another shot.

I hope so, if adoptive mothers can do it, why can't I? He is on soy formula and he is always so gassy and sick from it, I hate it, it's made from corn syrup solids I mean come on!!!

Thank you

[MountainMamaGC]

You can relactate. Start pumping regularily. At first only a drop or 2 will come, but as you getting going it will build. If you are having troubles, you can ask your doc for some medication for supply. I would start with mothers milk tea, and maybe some brewers yeast at first. Set yourelf a firm pumping schedule and stick to it whether you see milk coming or not. I have a friend who adoptive breastfeeds and this is how she got going. She did need some medication for a little while but not for long.

If you are having trouble pumping to cover all his needs maybe try to find a donor on milkshare.com or in your community to cover the gaps.

[rhiOrion]

You could also try More Milk Plus tincture or capsules. Or More Milk Special Blend- which is for relactating and inducing lactation specifically.

[Amy0417]

Originally Posted by rhiOrion

You could also try More Milk Plus tincture or capsules. Or More Milk Special Blend- which is for relactating and inducing lactation specifically.

^ this and start pumping. I don't think it is too late. There is also a new herb on the market called Shatavari, which also increases milk supply.

It's so beautiful that you are trying so hard to give your boy your milk

[LZP]

I might suggest renting a hospital grade double-electric pump for the first week or two that you're trying to get supply back up (?) I'm not an expert of course, but it seems like that might make it easier than using the hand-held harmony every couple of hours. Rental costs surprisingly less than I thought it would.

And I'm so sorry that you and your LO had to go through all that.