This is a serious question,I do not need to be lectured on breast milk.I gave my son my breast milk for the first 5 months,3 of that was partial breast and part pump and feed.He is very allergic to dairy,soy and something that we had not determand so his cardiologist suggest I switch him to formula so we can boost it easier for him to gain weight for his next heart surgery.(read my profile and you will understand my situation)So I switched to formula but I still wonder if I could try and pump again?Of course I would have to talk to the doctors first but do you think it is possible to get my milk going again after just over 2 months of not pumping?Would it still be beneficial to a 7 month old?I kind of know the answer is yes for that.
2007-03-22 05:18:51 · 14 answers · asked by Baby Pearce 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
When i did pump i had a huge supply!I would get at least 3 oz out of each breast every 3 to 4 hours so I am hoping if I choose this I can get maybe half of that after a whild.
2007-03-22 05:32:29 · update #1
I live in Canada,he is also on solids now,I would not go to breast feeding,I would pump and feed,his weight gain is the most important thing right now,he is 7 months and only 14 lbs 5 oz.I would also transition him slowly to my milk again...
2007-03-22 05:36:05 · update #2
WOW!! Thank you all sooo verymuch I am feeling very good about this now!! I have already spoke to my sons dietitcian at childrens and she will have an allerigist work with me to stay away from dairy,soy,peanuts,wheat and other foods that he may be allergic to.It will be hard but I am willing to do this for my little man.Thank you all again soo much!!
2007-03-22 05:45:33 · update #3
His dietitian had me start him on avacado,beef,chicken,bananas and prunes because they are all high in calories,but I do agree that breast milk is best for him so I will try this right when he wakes from his nap,see what I can do then i will start to pump!!Woo Hoo!!Yay I am excited now!!!
2007-03-22 05:59:16 · update #4
My son was too weak to stay on the breast for more than a few minutes,I see Dr.Sanatani,but Dr.Duncan did Pearce's Heart Catherization in october.
2007-03-22 06:09:55 · update #5
I got a little ahead of myself,I have to be dairy/soy free for about a week before he can have my milk.I will have to get in touch with his dietitician to get a good meal plan first but I can try to start pumping now.
2007-03-22 06:17:36 · update #6
First of all, ((hugs)) to you. My youngest son had Open heart Surgery back in Sept/06.
Breastmilk is always the optimum form of feeding a baby.....especially a baby with a CHD/illness. No matter your sons age, Breastmilk will benefit him, whether 7 weeks, 7months or 1 year. Breastmilk has known capabilities for increasing immune strength at any age......now, with our CHD babies, infections can be fatal, so ANYTHING that can boost his immune system is worth giving it ALL you've got :)
That being said, YES it is totally possible to re-lactate and nurse again. Most likely, you still have *some* milk left to start out with.
You should contact your local La Leche League for support. They have tons of info on re-lactating....heck, if an adoptive Mom can do, all the more that you can too.
Honestly, it won't be easy....it will take time and patience as well as lots of time spent relaxing and nursing....kinda like the newborn stage again. Same rules apply as in the beginning, you need to have LOTS of direct nursing to start stimulating your breasts to produce. Pumping in between will also help, but nothing is as effective as a REAL baby. Allow your son to pacify himself at the breast if he so chooses. If he seems reluctant to nurse without getting something more out of you (this will change as time goes on and your supply builds back up), look into a Supplemental Nursing System. Its a small sack that hangs around your neck and it attached to a tube that directs formula/pumped milk to your sons mouth as you nurse him. He gets milk AND your breasts get nursed.
There are also some herbs that have been fund to help with production...Domperidone and Fenugreek.
Surf the net, you'll find resources everywhere.
Please feel free to send me an e-mail as I would be more then happy to help you out.
ETA: I too am local to Vancouver. We see Dr. Duncan at Childrens Hospital.
Exclusive pumping *might* work.....how come you couldn't just breastfeed on demand? Maybe you could nurse/pump and bottlefeed?
2007-03-22 05:36:44 · answer #1 · answered by Gr8fulmom 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can -most likely- restart breastfeeding or at least pumping. Because you built up a good supply the first 6 weeks you should be able to.
BUT it will be a lot of work and your son may not want to transition back to the breast. But as you know breastmilk is a very important source of nutrition until at least age 2.
There are herbs and even prescription medications available (though sadly in the US the best prescription for increasing milk is not technically available).
You or course have two problems: 1) making some supply -for this pumping would help a lot and probaby start with herbs. And of course the next is getting your son to suckle which will build your supply more than any pump. Here is some info:
Relactation and Adoptive Breastfeeding: The Basics
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/relactation.html
Galactagogues (milk increasing substances)
http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/herbal_galactagogue.html
2007-03-22 05:29:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I know breast milk can be beneficial for as long the child is still relying on a liquid diet ie until they are eating "solid" foods. As to whether you could still produce milk is a question that probably your physician would need to help you with. If you are not still lactating that may take hormone replacement, which I wonder if would be worse instead of better. I commend you on your interest in doing whatever it takes to do the best for your child. I will pray for your family on the surgeries.
2007-03-22 05:30:08 · answer #3 · answered by Laura Marie B 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would start with pumping, if you can to build up your milk supply. It should only take a couple of days, then transition from formula back to breast. If he still needs the extra calories, you could do both - like nurse morn, before afternoon nap and before bed, but formula with meals, etc.
2007-03-22 05:27:09 · answer #4 · answered by srog98 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes with guidence from a LC, maybe some medicine, lots of hard work and dedication...good luck...
http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/relactation.html
I would not count on having a large milk supply but it would be enough to benefit
ADDED:After thinking about it, I don't see why it would be a problem getting a full milk supply back... just put you baby to the breast frequently...your baby will kick your supply up in no time....you should be all good
ADDED: correct me if I am wrong, but if you are worried about his weight...solids are not going to put weight on him, breastmilk has more calories and fat than veggies or cereal...give him some avocado..mmmm...
2007-03-22 05:24:16 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I dont know if you could get your milk to come back in, but I think unless your baby dislikes the taste change it would be fine. My milk dried up when my daughter was 5 1/2 weeks old due to stress. She had to be airlifted to a nearby childrens hospital for a viral infection, and breast feeding did not protect her from that (for all you people who push breast feeding). I did not know stress could dry your milk up. I could not get mine to come back. But a friend of a friend a few years later took alfalfa tablets when she was having trouble and it helped hers come back (she had not stopped) but I would ask the Dr. about that also. Good luck and dont let anyone make you feel guilty whatever your choice is.
2007-03-22 05:28:06 · answer #6 · answered by Miss Coffee 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Mystic gave some great info... heres some guidelines for a diet to help you figure out what all his allergies are.
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t041200.asp
Also, talk to your lactation consultant about it... but there is something called 'skimming' where you let the milk seperate and feed the baby more of the fat to help them gain weight... something to think about.
Best of luck! I hope everything turns out good for you guys, stay strong momma!
2007-03-22 05:47:55 · answer #7 · answered by Mommy to David 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sure is possible. I'm so proud of you for deciding to make the effort to go back! It will be wonderful for your baby. I'd suggest you contact your local La Leche League chapter. They can instruct you AND reccomend a great lactation consultant yo help you! Best of luck!
2007-03-22 05:34:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes its possible...but you do have to be diligent....it can take a while...breast milk really pumps up a babies weight....these kids are usually HUGE around this age...im surprised your doc didnt have you continue to nurse him in the first place!
talk with a lactation consultant (IBCLC) and first speak to your insurance company, because your son has special needs...the pump rental and trip to the LC may be covered!
Good Luck
2007-03-22 06:34:15 · answer #9 · answered by motherhendoulas 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
More then likley your milk has completly dried up and you will not be able to just start pumping again. Try the lalechelage website or try contacting a local branch of their group. If there's a way to restart your lactation they will know.
www.lalecheleague.org
2007-03-22 05:27:53 · answer #10 · answered by Kelly B 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋