Is it too late for me to relactate?

Question

I had my son very prematurely on October 25. I pumped for the 3 months he was in the hospital, and when we got him home he never could latch because he was bottle fed in the hospital. I was tired and overwhelmed and my milk soon diminished. I quit pumping in late January. Now when I squeeze my nipples I can get tiny droplets of milk, and I am rethinking my decision to stop pumping. I am also thinking that now my son is stronger perhaps he can be trained to latch on?
What are my chances at taking another shot at breastfeeding? At worst, I am hoping to pump again and at least supplement his formula with pumped breastmilk.
Anyone with similar situations or expertise in this area please let me know what you think.
Thanks!

Answer 1

You most certainly can but it will take some work and dedication on your part. You should pump every 2-3 hours for about 15 minutes on each side (unless you have a double pump) and make sure you're drinking plenty of water. It could take very little time or a number of weeks before you start to see some significant results so don't despair. Your supply possibly won't be what it was before but you could at least give your little one what you do pump. If you aren't having any luck after a couple of weeks, talk to a lactation consultant and/or your OB to see if they might be able to lend a hand. There are some drugs that will help induce lactation but try and get things going with a pump first. Best of luck to you and Kudos on deciding to give it a try again!

Answer 2

It's not impossible, but know that it'll take a lot of work when you are only pumping. Many mothers find that when their baby is a certain age they can no longer express as much milk by pumping (and this is with the baby still breastfeeding). So definently give it a try, but don't get frustrated and give- up too soon. Wait a couple of weeks of pumping before you have had enough. Hopefully you have results, cause even a little breastmilk is better than none!

Answer 3

Never to late...
for hundreds of years people from rich families used to pay someone to be a maid or balia for their child. The Balia´s job was to breastfeed and take care of the baby. Many of these women had never given birth some where said to be virgins but breastfeed anyway.
Adoptive parents can also breastfeed even if they have never given birth.
A little know secret...... men can also breastfeed...but only a handful have ever tried.
Where there is a WILL there is a way.
It is all mental. I would say it depends how much you really want to breastfeed.
You can get a tube (small -like for IV´s) put one side in the bottle. Suck the milk till its coming out the other side. Tape this other side to your breast. Do left side one feeding right the other feeding. Try to latch on your baby even just to comfort him when he cries. If the baby is not sucking enough train him with the tube tied on your pinky.
It will take lots of patience and time but its worth it. Try contacting the closest LLL. They´re there to help people relearn how to breastfeed. Best of luck.....I´m proud of your courage your doing the best thing for your baby
PS. Fennel tea has helped women increase milk production for centuries.

Answer 4

If you can still express a little, its worth a try. Your son can learn to latch on, but may not want to. In any event, try pumping (you should try nursing, but pump too) every two hours. See what happens. You may not get alot for days, even as long as a week or two, but it will come back. La Leche League, WIC, the lactation nurse, or breastfeeding.com are all good places to go to for advice and help. Best wishes.

Answer 5

Call a lactation consultant. They are awesome. She can address your exact situation and tell you how to get your baby on the breast. In the meantime, why not give the pump a try? You can give your baby a finger to suck on too. Best wishes! I think it's great that you're interested in giving your baby your milk. Kudos.

Edit: I just found out that a friend of mine is trying the same thing! Her doctors advised her to switch baby to formula (because the health care in the Army is hit-or-miss, and she wound up with an idiot). She has decided that after a months of not nursing and a past breast reduction, she will try to get her baby on the breast! Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in this. There are other women out there doing the same thing! :)

Answer 6

It is possible for you to start lactating again. It would be good to let your doctor know your intentions. Start by seeing if your baby will suckle. It may be a bit painful because your nipple will not be prepared for a good latch. Start up as you would with a new born, and be prepared to finish the feeding by bottle because your baby will be hungry and cry for more at first.
There are true stories of grandmas beginning to lactate to feed a grandchild in the illness or death of the baby's mom.
Be patient and well nourished. Patience and that loving feeling will help you a long ways.

Answer 7

If you still have a little milk I think its really worth giving it a shot. pump as much as you can like 8-12 times a day. and talk to a lactation consultant about getting some mothers milk drops.

Answer 8

I would never give up on breastfeeding. I breastfed all of my children. It's a wonderful bonding experience for both mother and child. If you are unsure you can call your doctor or maybe there is help for new moms at the hospital where you gave birth. Or you could contact http://www.lalecheleague.org/ This group has been around for many years and may be able to help you.
Congradulations on your new addition.

Answer 9

You can "relactate" ...there are several websites and sources for information about how to do it.

If you nurse nurse nurse or pump pump pump every two to three hours after a few weeks your supply should be back in full force.

I also take a supplement called "More Milk Plus" that really really helps you can find it at most health food stores or at their website http://www.motherlove.com

I also take Fenugreek pills and Goats Rue...They all taste like poison...but they are all natural and they totally work!

Check out La Leche's website and kellymom,

http://www.lalecheleague.org/

http://www.kellymom.com/

http://www.militantbreastfeedingcult.com...

READ THIS
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/relact...

Answer 10

Generally if the baby is less than 4 months old there is a high chance of success, I am not sure how that works for preemies -if it would be adjusted or not.

In any case you have nothing to loose from trying.

Adoptive Breastfeeding & Relactation
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/adopt/index.html

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