Here is my story. My son is almost nine weeks old. I breastfed him for about the first week, and pumped and bottlefed the second week after he was born. I suffered from severe postpardem depression and had to be medicated so he could no longer drink my milk, so I quit. Plus, with the depression the pumping was stressing me out more. Now, I am feeling much better and am no longer taking the medication that prevented me from breastfeeding. I would like to try to start pumping or breastfeeding againg because A. It is good for my son, and B. I could maybe lose weight faster. I'm just afraid that I might be messing with my hormones again and I do NOT want to slip back into a depression. What do you think?
2006-11-09 08:46:23 · 23 answers · asked by JuJuButton 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I think you are brave and courageous to want to do the best for your son. Contact the hospital where he was born and ask for an appointment with the lactation consultant. They should be able to get you set up to do this for you and your son.
Or contact: http://www.lalecheleague.org/ and find someone in your area willing to help you with this.
2006-11-09 08:50:29 · answer #1 · answered by finaldx 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Give it a try. If you feel it is leading to depression you can always quit. Actually breastfeeding releases hormones that cause you to be happy. Since it has been a while since you breastfed or pumped, it will probably take a bit for you to produce milk like before, but with consistant trying you can bring back your milk. Good luck.
2006-11-09 10:40:56 · answer #2 · answered by JordanB 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your milk production is based on the demand, and if you've been pumping this whole time, you should be OK. However, if you've not pumped, and he's not nursed, your milk may have dried up. I'd try pumping first to see what you get. But before, I'd give my doctor a call to make sure all is good. Good luck!
2006-11-09 08:52:18 · answer #3 · answered by Lady J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think you should go for it. Put some formula on your nipple if the baby won't latch at first. Also look into getting a SNS (supplemental nursing system) or lact-aid. There are many depression meds that are nursing compatible too.
Please read the link below and see a lactation consultant for A Lot more info.Good luck to you!
2006-11-09 10:10:57 · answer #4 · answered by Terrible Threes 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should try, but don't overwhelm yourself. Start out nursing during the day and keep the bottle at night. When I was nursing, the most stressful times were in the middle of the night because I was so tired and sleep deprived. However, when I nursed, I actually felt an overwhelming feeling of peace and it made me happy to bond with my baby that way.
If you are tired, give him a bottle. Otherwise, give it a try. The benefits my even help keep your spirits up.
2006-11-09 08:51:37 · answer #5 · answered by 10timesalady 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if it could trigger your depression again then it is not worth it. I have been through the whole nightmare of postpartum depression and i think in that case the risk would outway the benefits...your family needs you happy and healthy...your child will be fine...you breast fed him for a little while and that did him a lot of good. I would not take the chance of slipping back into darkness...if you know what I mean
2006-11-09 08:56:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You will be fine, it might take a while for your supply to come back up but if you feed him and you pump you will eventually have a lot more for him. Breastfeeding works like the economy it's all about supply and demand. So the more you demand from your breast the greater your supply will be. Good Luck
2006-11-09 08:51:17 · answer #7 · answered by Mely 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
first i would have my dr. do a blood test to make sure all the meds were out of your system, some stay for 30 days and then try again, the depresion was prob. just about the nerves of being a new mom. good luck
2006-11-09 08:57:42 · answer #8 · answered by angeldeebra 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont think you can start breastfeeding again can you? Your milk supply has probably dried up and I dont see how medically you can do it? Yes breastfeeding is good for the baby, but having a mom whos mental health is in tact is much better...so I would do what is best for you and that will also be best for you baby.
2006-11-09 08:50:36 · answer #9 · answered by jennyve25 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If 7 weeks have passed, you may not be able to any longer, your milk should have dried up by now. You really need to discuss this with your doctor.
2006-11-09 08:55:19 · answer #10 · answered by HereweGO 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋