Will I be able to restore my breastmilk?

Question

Ok...I've been exclusively pumping for the last 3 months. Last week, I decided to stop pumping. I let myself get engorged and everything and didn't pump for two days. Then, I started regretting my decision, so I tried to pump twice and nothing came out (then I cried). Two days after that (last night) I felt a little engorged, so I pumped..and amazingly, I got 6 oz out! BUT..the milk was watery looking. So my question is...If I pump every 2 hours or so now, is it possible that my milk will fully come back in? Or was that a fluke? I desperately want it to come back.

One more question...how often should I pump to try to get it back. Can I pump every hour, or do I need to wait and do it every two hours?

Thanks in advance for your answers.
Mandy

Magic 8 ball: How DARE you criticize the fact that I am pumping?? Don't you understand that I'm doing it for the health of my child? It would be MUCH easier to feed her formula, but instead, I am working twice as hard as a breastfeeding mother in order to give her good nutrition. You should be ashamed of yourself for criticizing me for that. And as far as being attentive mother...I don't even have to defend that. I KNOW I'm a wonderful mother.

P.S. It would be MUCH easier if I could breastfeed, but I can't. Believe me, I would if I could because pumping is hard work.

Thank you for clarifying, Magic. I'm so sorry I got so defensive. Many times, breastfeeding mothers have rittled me with questions regarding why I'm pumping and I thought you were just another judgemental breastfeeder. Thanks for understanding why I reacted that way. I'm a proud pumper and it hurts when I think someone looks down on me for it.

Thanks for the compliments about my mothering and my cutie pie. It's always nice to hear that someone thinks you're doing a good job.

Answer 1

Breast milk production is stimulated by how much is removed and by how often...since I have never been in your situation, I am assuming you can restore your supply.
I can, however, understand your emotions surrounding your problem...and I do know that if you are upset, letdown is, well, a letdown :)
I am curious why you have pumped exclusively for 3 months??? Baby is the best & most efficient way to empty the breasts...
I would also like to know how you are able to care for baby and do all this time consuming pumping?

**ADDITIONAL COMMENTS**ADDITIONAL COMMENTS**

The problem with reading typed words is that they can be misunderstood and misconstrued...I am so very sorry that you took my questions in a negative manner--after re-reading them, I can see why you did. I asked only because I thought it might help me (and others) answer your question more thoroughly. It was not my intention to offend you...I can tell already that you are a wonderful & loving mother who wants what is best for her baby. And I also know firsthand how hard it is to breastfeed, it was a struggle for me all 4 times & I applaud you for being able to pump for so long...
I understand your emotions as well...I was devastated when I decided I just couldn't do it anymore--I'd take a shower and my breasts would "cry" as hard as me...
Anyway...I'm sorry for upsetting you. I wish you lots of luck--I have faith you can do it!! And p.s. You milk is fine no matter how it appears
Is your picture your baby? She's gorgeous :)


**MORE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS**

I just also wanted to say that even if you do have to stop pumping for WHATEVER reason, don't beat yourself up about it! Remember that even 1 DAY of breastfeeding is better than none and you have given your daughter 3 MONTHS!! That's great and I hope you remember that! Don't be hard on yourself by feeling like a failure, or a bad mother...you absolutely are not! And don't feel bad or guilty if you just don't want to do it anymore or if you are unable to replenish your supply--it is A LOT of work...much harder than I ever imagined it to be. It is not selfish and it's not a cop out...close your ears to anyone who says it is, okay :)
Keep smilin--

Answer 2

When I breast fed, I fed or pumped every three to four hour. I don't know if you can over pump. In my case, the more I fed or pumped, the more milk I produced. Your body thinks that the baby is eating more, so it produces more.

If it is a problem with letdown, some say that a beer helps. I have tried this before, and it worked for me. The hops in the beer is what does it. You can feel the letdown within a few minutes.

You can also get clogged ducts, but you would know. You would run a high fever, and then a few days later your breasts become very sore. I had one with my first child, and it was very painful.

I hope this will help a little. Most women get discouraged, and stop feeding all together, but you are a trooper for sticking with it! Breast feeding is one of the best things you can do for your child! Keep up the good work!

Answer 3

I don't think it's too late. If you got 6oz you are still producing but VERY slowly. Right now you need to pump every two hours regardless of time of day and regardless of whether you get 6oz or nothing. You can also take an herbal suppliment called Fenugreek which actually has a strong maple smell and once your system is saturated w/ it .... it will make you smell a bit mapley also. It does work though..... Also, you can call your Dr. and tell him you want to increase your supply and tell him you aren't producing enough and he will probably prescribe you Reglan. I took this, and as w/ all prescriptions they effect people differently but it made me super tired (and my daughter had colic at the time) and also made me feel like I was going to jump out of my skin, i pretty much had every negative emotional side effect that you could have while on it. I do work in a Hospital and see others take Reglan (it is an anti-nausea med) and have none of these side effects.
So make sure you
Pump every 2hrs
Take Fenugreek
Call your Dr. (try some Reglan if you feel comfortable w/ that)
Eat Balanced meals
Try to reduce stress
Get plenty of sleep
All these things are necessary for a healthy milk supply.

I hope this helps :)

You could also visit the Le Leche League's web-site
(this is their specialty) They could arrange you to talk w/ or at least have an e-mail correspondance w/ a Lactation Consultant.
http://www.lalecheleague.org/

Good Luck!!
Don't Give Up!

Answer 4

You can pump every hour if you want. The milk is made on demand at the time that you would pump or nurse, not ahead of time. I'd suggest starting out by pumping every 2 hours for about 20 minutes and see how that works to start with. You can also start eating oatmeal every day, as many moms report this boosts their supply.

Answer 5

If you are worried about your milk supply then try Fenugreek. It is an herbal supliment that the Hawaiians believe to help with there breast milk, I tried it and noticed a slight change but I did not stay on it long enough. Also pumping will get your milk flow going but the only thing that will really get it going and really bring it in is nursing. I didnt know but there is a difference in a pump and in a child that nurses. Hope this was helpful.

Answer 6

Way to go Mandy! I'm so proud of you for standing up for yourself. You are a wonderful mommy and your little princess is lucky to have a mommy who cares enough to work that hard just to give her the best start possible.

When I was trying to increase my supply I was told by the lactation consultant to pump every two hours on the nose and increase my fluid intake. I've heard about that herbal supplement and I'm not sure if that is safe or not, but it wouldn't hurt to call the Dr. and ask about it. (Although I understand the nurse is a little judgemental about it anyway LOL) Keep at it :)

Answer 7

I think 2 hours would be fine, every three hours even works well for most women. But pump for about 15 min

Answer 8

You can pumb as often as you want, try a warm fannel or heat pad it helps the flow, when feeding your little once try to pump off other breast and try to pump at least once during the night, you produce more at night can't remember the reason. Hope you get it back.

Answer 9

Mandy,

If you want to get your milk back then you have to stop pumping and let the baby latch on to your nipples that is the only way your milk will come back fully. I breasfed my daughter and my mom's best friend is a lactaid consultant. Try this I promise your milk will come back!!!

Answer 10

no