How does one go about relactating?

[cch]

A friend just called me and while she was in the tub with her little one she tried latching on. As soon as I pick her up she starts rooting and nuzzling on me, and I've been telling my friend it's because I smell like milk. Anyway, tonight with her little one trying to latch she's decided she really does want to breastfeed. She tried in the hospital, but had VERY LITTLE support so gave up after only 3 days I have a cheap Gerber pump that I'm going to take to her, because it's better than nothing, but what are the actual steps she needs to take to start relactating? The baby had just turned 3 months old and she says she still has a TINY bit of milk. I'm searching thru posts here, but am needing info quick, and searching thru tons of posts takes FOREVER. Any advice, please?!

[bec]

A couple of quick bits of information.

She will want to rent a hospital grade pump. A Medela Lactina or Symphony. She needs a powerful double pump.

She should start pumping every two hours for 10-15 minutes (she can work herself up as she gets used to it).

If she wants to use galactagogues (herbal or prescription supplements to increase milk supply), I would recomend she go to Kellymom for information about which to take.

Oatmeal is an excellent way to increase milk supply. And make sure she is drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of food. Lactating is hard work and can be exhausting. Don't lose sight of that.

If the baby is latching on and willing, she should have the baby attached to her breast as much as possible. If possible, she should get an SNS (Supplemental Nursing System) so she is getting the stimulation while the baby is being fed, thus setting up the correct associations.

It took me about a month to go from pumping 10 ounces a day, to a full supply of 24 ounces a day. I am currently pumping 30-34 ounces a day.

It is hard work in the beginning to rebuild a supply. But it is definitely well worth it. Good luck, and keep us posted.


Bec

[Justice2]

I would also add that she can take Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle. 3 pills 3 x a day. She should spend lots and lots of skin to skin time with the baby. She should do her best to get rid of the bottles. Finger feed, dropper feed or cup/spoon feed. Another great website for relactation...Four Friends This is a website designed for adoptive mothers to induce lactation for their adoptive babies. This website was a great help to me. I relactated at 9 weeks, after never putting K to the breast and nursed until he self weaned at 10 months. Also, when she pumps, for about 5 min afterwards, she should hand express. It's very important that she hand express for atleast 2 minutes after she sees her last drop. She needs to empty those breasts! She can mix the pumped milk (because at first she will only get drops and will build from there) in with whatever she is currently feeding the baby. I also second the SNS. The more the baby latches on, the quicker she will build a supply! Tell your friend that I said Great Decision!!!!!