Is it possible to restart breastfeeding?

Question

I had my baby January 25. (She is now approx. 6mths & 2 wks) I tried to breastfeed and it lasted about 2 weeks after birth. (I thought I didn't have enough milk b/c she was always sucking and then screaming moments later) So I made the stupid conclusion that is wasn't going to work and I quit. Since then we have had nothing but problems with gerd. She has been on eight different formulas and three different medications. (It is driving me crazy) The thought of restarting breastfeeding was always in the back of my mind, but I didn't think it was possible. I read a few other questions about others feeling the same way, but I haven't found one that has stopped for as long as I did. Do you think it is possible? I already own a dual electric pump, and I don't know if my daughter will suck off of me. Any help would be great!!

Answer 1

Google re-lactation and check out Kellymom's website for some good tips.  A lactation consultant would be beneficial.  I stopped breastfeeding my son at 4 months of age and then started the re-lactation process 2 weeks later.  My reason was b/c he, ironically, got sick as soon as I stopped breastfeeding.  My full supply isn't back yet but I've been successful so far.  So.... it IS possible!  : )

Answer 2

The doctor can give you a hormone to restart lactation.

Here is something you can keep in mind as well.

Did you know that men can breastfeed?!

Biologically, they have the same gland that we do.

If a MAN can produce milk, women can too...at any point.

Apparently, they constantly pump to stimulate lactation.

As for me, I slowed down on the breastfeeding three weeks ago. My milk had started to dry up.

I realized that I wasn't quite ready to give it up.

I put my daughter back on it. Yesterday, I was literally leaking like I had never taken her off.

Anyway, just thought I'd throw those things out there to make you feel better.

Hope that helped!

Answer 3

yes you can, but if you, still have troubles try looking at teh water you use to make the stuff with.you might have to look at the ph level of yoru water.  

Answer 4

Yes! They relactate females in Africa who haven't breast fed in 10-30 years to feed hungry infants (a friend of mine just got back from a relactating mission trip with her church). It is possible. I think you should consult with your daughter's pedi, your obgyn, a lactation nurse from the hospital, or a lactation consultant. It'll be lots of work, but it is possible. Congrats to you for trying again!! Best of luck!

Answer 5

I re-lactated...though admittedly my baby was much younger. I stopped BFing 3 weeks and then restarted when he was 2 months. It took about 6 weeks to get him off formula completely.

I started by contacting La Leche league. I worked with a wonderful volunteer who encouraged me to work with a lactation consultant to get baby latched. Many people will tell you to start pumping, but I found that my milk supply came back faster when I could spend a lot of time with baby directly on the breast. When baby was sleeping or I was at work, I would pump every two hours (minimum), including waking at night to pump.

If you have difficultly with regaining your milk supply you may want to try a medication like Domperidone or Reglan to jump start your supply. If you don't want to go that route Blessed Thistle, Fenugreek or other herbs can be helpful.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you need any help.

Nina is also a great person to talk to since she has been successful at re-lactating.

Answer 6

I would say go for it and try. I stopped for about a month in the beginning and then restarted and we've been fine ever since, she's almost 13 months now. Won't hurt to at least try. And don't get discouraged after one  try, it may take awhile for her to actually latch back on but I don't see why it wouldn't work.