I breastfed/formula fed equally until my son was 3 1/2 months old when he got a double ear infection. I think the ear infection made it too painful for him to lay on his side in my arms to feed, so he stopped entirely and was only bottle fed formula. When the ear infections were healed up I tried going back to breastfeeding and he absolutley refused it. I tried several different tips from doctor, family, and friends to no avail. Now he is 10 months old and for some reason will not go to sleep at night, even though he used to just lay down and go right off to sleep. Doctor said there's no health reason for it, and suggested breastmilk to help calm and soothe baby before bed. He told me to drink the lactation tea to up my milk flow again, but the smell and taste make me want to wretch. Does anyone know how to make my milk come back without the tea. By the way pumping does nothing, because I only get one drop out of each nipple when I try to massage nipples before using pump.
2006-06-20 13:41:29 · 8 answers · asked by summer_00_butterfly 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It is possible to start nursing again, *if* the baby is willing (he probably isn't). It would be *really* stretching it to try to relactate by pumping alone, although there *are* women who have done it. I would strongly suggest you try nursing again, not pumping, if you really want to do this. Nursing also will help him go to sleep more than giving a bottle of your milk.
The first and most important thing is to remove milk from the breast. If you are pumping, get the most effective pump available--a hospital-grade rental pump that pumps both breasts at the same time. You need to nurse at least 10-12 times in 24 hours, and, if you are pumping instead, even more (probably *at least* 12 times a day). Nurse as long as your son will agree to continue, then offer the second breast and nurse as long as possible there. If he nurses only briefly, repeat so that you are nursing on each breast twice. If you are pumping, pump for as long as the milk flows (even if it's only drops), then another 5 minutes.
Do *not* use anything that is marketed as "lactation tea". It is a blend, so that you have increased risk of allergic reaction or side effects. Plus they usually contain fennel--an herb which *does* increase the milk supply for some women, but *decreases* it for others. Not a good risk.
Instead, try fenugreek. You *could* make tea, but capsules have a more controlled dosage. Start with 1 capsule 3 times a day for 3-4 days, then increase to 2 capsules 3 times a day for several more days. Keep increasing until you are taking an effective dose *for you* (usually 2-4 capsules per dose). You will recognize this when your urine and sweat smell like maple syrup. Fenugreek is not recommended if you have diabetes or asthma, and stop immediately if you have an allergic reaction.
2006-06-20 22:24:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can always try. Some women can still come up with milk months after weaning, some can't. If the baby is into restarting also, then you may have a go, but if the baby won't or can't latch on anymore then you may be out of luck. Just give it a try. At the least it will provide the pacifier comfort.
2016-03-26 23:19:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First start taking phenugreek...an herbal supplement, then i suggest pumping every two hours to try to build up a milk supply...i have answered this question before and then woman tried it an dit worked for her...good luck
2006-06-20 14:16:52 · answer #3 · answered by allisonndionne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to take a medication called 'sulpilan', check it out on the web or consult your doc.
2006-06-20 13:45:02 · answer #4 · answered by talanas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You wouldn't even have milk after that long so I don't see how you could possibly get some. Good luck.
2006-06-20 13:45:54 · answer #5 · answered by heidielizabeth69 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i have 3 kids and have never heard of lactation stopping and then starting back up again...once its dried up your outta luck..so sorry
2006-06-20 13:48:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No you can not start up lactation once it has stopped.
2006-06-20 13:52:14 · answer #7 · answered by oosweet_nenaoo 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes you can do it here are a fue links with relactation information :)
http://www.geocities.com/pwrmommy/relactation.htm
http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/relactation.html
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/relactation.html
http://breastfeed.com/resources/articles/relactation.htm
2006-06-20 14:12:34 · answer #8 · answered by tpuahlekcip 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋