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Is there any way to start breastfeeding again when the baby is one month old???? (Only bf for a...  

post #1 of 8
8/28/08 at 7:36pm
Thread Starter 
Has anyone ever been able to do it? Restart breastfeeding after not doing it for a few weeks or even a month? I bf my baby for a few days when she was born, but we had trouble with it, so I felt I had to stop.

Now I can still squeeze out a few drops from each breast at any time of the day. Sometimes some even squirts out. I know there isn't much milk still in there though.

Is there any way to get my milk back as much as I had in the beginning? Has anyone ever been successful at restarting as I want to do???? How did you do it?

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!
post #2 of 8
8/28/08 at 7:55pm
Short answer: Yes! It is possible and women have done it - women have breastfed babies that they have adopted even - but it takes work, and often some extra help either from herbs or medication. Plus hands on help from a Lactation Consultant or La Leche League member to help with the latch - and whatever the issues were that caused you to stop breastfeeding in the first place.

Do you have a pump? If so, pumping is an excellent place to start, as is hanging out with baby and doing lots of skin to skin time - that is mama naked on top and baby only wearing a diaper, and cuddling a lot on your chest (easy access is baby decided to have a sip!)

There is an Induced lactation tribe here on MDC that may give you some pointers, and also some great info int he low milk supply sticky at the top of this forum. There is another forum that may have some good info too:
www.asklenore.com

Good luck and good for you for looking into this

ETA: You may want to start giving your pumped milk or supplemental formula at the breast rather than by bottle. If you do a search on SNS (supplemental nursing system) you will find some info, and there is great info and videos here: www.drjacknewman.com
post #3 of 8
8/28/08 at 8:16pm
I know many many mamas that have done this very thing. I also know several adoptive mothers that induced lactation for thier little ones.

The links above are great. http://www.kellymom.com has a lot of information too. I would suggest a call to your local La Leche Leader for help and support.

Wendi
post #4 of 8
8/28/08 at 9:01pm
The PP said everything I wanted to say. Kellymom is a great place to start.

Pump, pump, pump. Get a good pump (like a hospital grade pump). Pump every 3 hours or so.

You may need a prescription from your doctor for domperidone.

You should also take Fenugreek and get plenty of water.

Lots of skin to skin contact and lots of nursing. Put the baby on the breast even if you aren't producing a lot. The breast contact will help stimulate supply.

Best of luck!
post #5 of 8
8/28/08 at 9:13pm
Yes! You can do it,please try. I wish I had had a fabulous support system as mdc,when I had my first ds. He did not take to nursing and I did noty seek enough help.I gave in to everyone's pleas to formula feed. I have deeply regretted this for 8 years.

Please give it a try!
post #6 of 8
8/28/08 at 9:47pm
I have no advice but want to lend support. BFing my dc is the best thing I ever done.
post #7 of 8
8/29/08 at 1:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by concernedmama82 View Post
Has anyone ever been able to do it? Restart breastfeeding after not doing it for a few weeks or even a month? ...
Yes. Here is a link to a Tribe thread on Relactation.

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=952031

I actually just completed a draft for a sticky on this topic to go at the top of the BF'ing Challenges board.

I will PM you a copy.

~Cath
post #8 of 8
8/29/08 at 11:30am
Yup, do it and you won't regret it - but you probably will regret it if you don't try. Start pumping a lot.
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Mothering › Forums › Breastfeeding › Breastfeeding Challenges › Is there any way to start breastfeeding again when the baby is one month old???? (Only bf for a few days when she was born)