Am I crazy?

[Mommy2Austin]

My DS is 5 mo. I stopped trying to BF him 2 months ago. I still feel guilty for it. Would it be weird or wrong of me to try to do it again? I know it would be hard (although I am producing a little still) Any input would be a big help. I still haven't talked to DH about it (I know its ultimately my decision, but we're a team)

[RobynFSU]

Go for it!! Many moms are able to relactate esp if you are still producing some. Hook up with a local La Leche League leader or good lactation consultant (look for an IBCLC) for help. Good luck!!

[Mommy2Austin]

Thanks Robin ANy suggestions on what to do besides get him to breast asap as much a possible?

[RobynFSU]

What were your original difficulties? What made you stop? What does you baby do now if you offer your breast? Hooking up with someone local that is supportive and can help you overcome your original difficulties will be key I feel. Once you get a good latch going, you could also use a nursing supplementer until your supply increases to get rid of bottles.

[Mommy2Austin]

Originally Posted by RobynFSU

What were your original difficulties? What made you stop? What does you baby do now if you offer your breast? Hooking up with someone local that is supportive and can help you overcome your original difficulties will be key I feel. Once you get a good latch going, you could also use a nursing supplementer until your supply increases to get rid of bottles.

Original difficulties were: my own awkwardness with my large breasts, ds being tongue tied, him being fussy at the breast, lack of feeling like I had support....

I actually tried to nurse him today, because he has a cold and I made him upset when I cleaned out his nose and wouldn't calm down. SO i latched him on and he was fine for a few seconds, but got mad when the milk stopped coming out. I got him latched to both breasts for maybe a total of three minutes, but it was a latch.

I'm worried about having the $$ to get help from an LC. And with LLL only meeting once a month (and me being out of town for the next meeting) I'm not sure who else could help?

[Mommy2Austin]

Talked to DH last night and he's gonna help me He didn't even know you could relactate (although to cover his lack of knowledge he add if he had thought about it long enough he would have realized ) he said whatever I need to get me to where I want to be he'll get me.

DS woke up at 7am this morning (Has been sleeping through the night) and I got him set up in the chair with me. I pulled my shirt up and laid him next to my breast all snuggled up and gave him the bottle. Half way through I put him on that breast for a minute until he got fussy and then burped him and turned him to the otherside which I repeated He's now happily playing on the floor attacking his bag of baby wipes (he loves the sound the bag makes) Today is the first time in a long loooooong time that I even held him when he was eating. I've really missed that bonding feeling....it was awesome. he also didn't throw up for the first time after eating!

So I had a great morning to start and as long as I have DH to stand beside me I'll be just fine!

[*caitlinsmom*]

I'm so happy for you that it's going well. Keep us posted and I'm sending supportive your way.

[timneh_mom]

Hi Austin's mommy.. even though you won't be able to make the LLL meeting, the leader will still help you outside the meeting, and it's free!! Just give her a call...

[mochimama]

Keep it up!!! You are very courageous to take this step. In addition to nursing like crazy, you could also begin pumping after each feeding to increase your supply. Blessed thistle and fenugreek herbs help too (you can get them at many health food stores). Can you meet with the LLL leader outside of the meeting?
Good luck!!!

[Mommy2Austin]

I tried the LLL site and they dont have a direct way to get in touch with the leader of the group I would be in...I'll keep trying though.

[Mommy2Austin]

I think I'm going to invest in an SNS and a pump. That way I'll (try to) completely eliminate the bottles (with the sns) and just feed the formula through the SNS until i can pump enough to go in. What do you ladies think? Also should I try Fenugreek and Blessed thistle at the same time? TIA

[onlyboys]

Originally Posted by Mommy2Austin

I think I'm going to invest in an SNS and a pump. That way I'll (try to) completely eliminate the bottles (with the sns) and just feed the formula through the SNS until i can pump enough to go in. What do you ladies think? Also should I try Fenugreek and Blessed thistle at the same time? TIA

I think you sound like a very smart mommy!

I've heard good things about an SNS, and definitely try to contact your LLL locally!

Good for you!

[operamommy]

Definately invest in that SNS! I relactated with my ds, and the lact-aid (similar to the SNS) was probably the most instrumental thing in getting our nursing relationship back. Good luck!

[MaryJaneLouise]

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/adopt/rel...resources.html

has some good info.

to you!

[Ruthla]

Good luck in your relactation journey!

Remember that you can't possibly "fail" at this. If you're able to give your baby even a few drops of your precious breastmilk, even if that milk is mixed into a formula bottle, you've succeeded. If you manage to get even a few feedings at the breast, even if it's mostly or entirely formula, it's a success. If you get your baby comfort nursing, it's a success. If you're able to increase your milk supply enough to cut back on formula, that's even better, but the volume of milk produced is NOT the measure of success!

[Mommy2Austin]

Just a little update, I've been nursing at each feeding (or at least attempting) and keeping skin 2 skin contact. I'm also letting him nap on me in his wrap write now. Just today I've noticed a few differences in him. He's not as cranky, he has not spit up once today. Just wanted to let ya'll know!!

[2 in August]

Good for you momma! You are doing a great job!

Try contacting your local hospitals for an LC. I found out that at the hospital based birth center in our town there is a free breastfeeding support group that meets once a week (I gave birth there and didn't even know about it, but it is open to any mom). There is a nurse/lc that runs it and she gave me an sns free just because I needed it. So call around and see if your area has anything like that.

[Emmalina]

Go for it! Good luckxx

[bamamom]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

Good luck in your relactation journey!

Remember that you can't possibly "fail" at this. If you're able to give your baby even a few drops of your precious breastmilk, even if that milk is mixed into a formula bottle, you've succeeded. If you manage to get even a few feedings at the breast, even if it's mostly or entirely formula, it's a success. If you get your baby comfort nursing, it's a success. If you're able to increase your milk supply enough to cut back on formula, that's even better, but the volume of milk produced is NOT the measure of success!

I think that is the nicest thing i've ever heard you say!:

[alegna]

Keep up the good work! Sounds like you're on the right track. Another good tip is to cosleep and nurse as much as possible through the night. Supply goes up at night due to hormones and the skin to skin contact will signal your body to make more milk.

good luck!

-Angela