If I pump exclusively for now, will my baby ever go back to the breast?

Question

She's 4 weeks old and has thrush. I know pumping doesn't cure thrush, but it's been helping lower my pain level. Until we find something that makes the thrush go away (already tried gentian violet and nystatin) I plan on pumping. This could be a couple weeks maybe? Will she want to breastfeed again after being away from it for that long?

Answer 1

thrush help:
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/c-candida_protocol.html - more than gentian violet and nystatin - one more here: http://www.kellymom.com/newman/20fluconazole.html

as for returning to the breast:
She may not WANT to return, since bottles are so much easier for her to use... but she can be convinced to.
You may have to start from square one in teaching her, it will take some serious patience but totally "do-able"... maybe a lactation aid can help encourage her to nurse, if the pumped milk is dripping freely from the lactation aid, she may be more inclined to latch onto your breast.. here's photos of one in use: http://www.selfexpressions.com/supnursys.html

this site has a lot of great breastfeeding help, search it for more!! especially the adoptive breastfeeding and relactation sections: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/index.html

Answer 2

It's possible, but not likely. It depends on how long you have to pump. And the type of bottle and nipple you use may make a difference, too. Another concern is losing your supply if you don't pump enough.

Certainly, no one will judge you if you pump and your baby doesn't latch after and you end up using formula either because of lack of supply or you just get tired of pumping. Just know that it is a slippery slope and if nursing is important to you, you may want to talk to a lactation consultant first.

If you pump, try using a Nuk nipple on the bottles. It looks and feels most like a compressed nipple.

Answer 3

Make a fresh solution, daily, of 1/4c distilled vinegar and 1c water, cotton ball your nipples after each feeding. Acidophilous, garlic and lots of water. Avoid sugars and other dietary restrictions for yeast infections. Possibly invest in a bottle of GENTIAN VIOLET if its serious or reoccuring. Finally get a prescription of anti-fungal Diflucan for a 10+ day course. You and baby should be treated and all precautions should be considered as yeast is very persistent and will return if one is not careful. Do your research, you'll find more details.

Answer 4

You could try nipple shields. They'll help limit the pain, but you won't have to deal with pumping or any of the hassle that comes with it.

Here's a page of thrush resources, including ways to treat it:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/thrush/thrush-resources.html#treatments

ETA: Also, if you aren't treating both yourself AND your baby for thrush, it will be passed back and forth and never seem to clear up.

Answer 5

You can always get the help of a lactation consultant when you are ready to try again if she doesn't pick it up right away. Make sure that you check with your own doctor to make sure that your breasts are "Clean" from any thrush that may have been tranfered before you try breastfeeding again. You don't want to give it to her again.

Answer 6

Nipple confusion is a big concern. No one could guarantee either way. If she can't breastfeed, it's not the end of the world and you can keep pumping and hold her skin to skin when bottle feeding.

Answer 7

Make sure that you rotate pumping and feeding, this way you can keep your milk supply up and baby will still breast feed. if you work, pump at work and feed at home.