A question about re-lactating?

Question

Hi.

First let me explain the situation as it is developed:

My son is 4 months old. I breastfed him solely until he was 6 weeks. Then I noticed that no matter how often I let him latch on he was still hungry and kept crying for food, esp in the evening, so I started giving him 1 bottle per day before bed (this was also the time where he started having reflux, which he doesn't have at all anymore now). Over time this built up until the point that I only breast fed him at night and in the early morning. But also at night he started to cry for a bottle all of a sudden.

I've always kept trying to breast feed him, thinking a bit is better than none at all. These last few days I have been getting him to latch on more and more and he seems happy to do so (no more crying, head shaking and nipple pulling). We're not at the point yet where I can substitute a bottle for a full feed of breast milk, but I hope to god we will sooner rather than later. I have never liked the idea of bottle feeding my baby (even though he's mad about it :)

I know that having him latch on a lot helps and I have read that I should start pumping to increase the flow.

Does anyone have any experience with this and maybe, hopefully some good tips?

I am already very excited of the prospect to pack in the formula! :)

Thanks!

Answer 1

Put simply, supply equals demand so the more he feeds the more milk you will make. You may have mistaken his cries as hunger when in fact he may have just wanted to breastfeed for comfort. This is very common in newborns. You will know if he's had enough milk from the quantity of wet nappies. 6 - 8 wet nappies a day is a good indicator that he's getting enough milk. I know my daughter liked to feed frequently for comfort, not for hunger. This, by the way, is perfectly OK because you can't overfeed a breastfed baby and frequent feeds make your baby feel safe and secure and he'll learn to trust that you'll always be there him.

It's great that he's latching on well now and you should feel encouraged to keep breastfeeding him exclusively.

If he is waking in the night after the age of 6 months then it is related to sleep, not hunger and you should consult books/information on how to teach your baby to fall asleep on his own.

Well done on the breastfeeding and good luck!

Answer 2

Congratulations!  You are very lucky, most babies have a hard time going back to the breast after the age of 4 months (that's what my lactation consultant told me anyhow).  Just continue to do what you are doing and remember the more you feed, the more milk you will produce.  You can try Fenugreek & Blessed Thistle, drink a lot of water, a lot of skin to skin contact, nursing in the bathtub, and pumping after each feeding to increase your supply.  Once again, congrats!

Answer 3

You can do this one of two ways: pump FIRST, then feed the baby, allowing him to get more hindmilk, or feed the baby then pump.

The LLL instructor I work with suggests doing both.... pump the side you are not currently feeding on, while he nurses.  this both cuts down the time it takes to feed and pump, and if you are switching sides, allows each breast to be alternately pumped first.  the goal is to trick your body into thinking it's feeding two babies.

Get rid of the bottles now.  If he needs extra, let him lap at a cup.  Take a paper or plastic cup and cut away one edge, so that it won't startle him by coming at his eyes.  Put small amounts of breastmilk in it, and gently tip until his lips are wet.  He'll eventually get it.  The bottle is too easy for him, so of course he prefers it.