Anyone Had Success with Relactation?

Updated on November 16, 2006
A.G. asks from Brookfield, IL
14 answers

HELP!!! I stopped breastfeeding ten days ago, and I think I made a mistake, has anyone here had any experience with relactation themselves...success...advice??? Long story short, I had been supplementing with Lactose free formula for feedings which worked fine until my daughter was completely weaned onto it, and now apparently she has a sensitivity to formula. If it comes down to it I will of course get hypoallergenic formula, but at $35 for a 13oz can, it would cost me over $70 a week to feed her, and of course my insurance will not cover it. Please if anyone can help me that would be great. Also has anyone used frnugreek tea, and has anyone experienced deep breast pain during letdown..like horrible burning, that is part od my original choice for weaning, as is keeping a pumping schedule, because i'm a hair stylist and beleive me eating lunch can be a trick let alone taking breaks. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

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B.N.

answers from Chicago on

I was having a problem producing enough milk for my 7 week old. I asked my OBGYN if there was anything other than pumping ( my baby wouldn't latch on)that I could do, she recommended drinking a third of a can of beer or taking brewer's yeast tablets. Within a few days I was pumping a half ounce more on each side.

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

I don't know about relactation, but the pain you describe happened to me and turned out to be thrush. I had to use a cream prescribed by the dr. and the infection returned a couple times, so I had to keep using the cream and keep my towels, bras -- anything that came in contact with my breast -- washed in hot water every day. My son did not need to be treated, but most of the time babies do. It's just a rinse of a diluted version of the cream that you swab in their mouth. I got info about it from my La Leche League leader and of course, my doctor. Good luck!

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P.D.

answers from Chicago on

A.:

contact a board certified lactation consultant for assistance.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com

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F.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,
As the mothers have said, yes it is possible!

4 mths after my first child my appendix ruptured and I was hospitalized for a week. On meds at home for a week. So I was further off nursing than you are now.
I used fenugreek and had my son to my breast as often as possible.
I'm happy to say that he continued to nurse until he was 18 mts old!

Just do your research, talk to the lactation group at the hospital and follow your heart.

Best of luck to you.
F.

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S.P.

answers from Chicago on

It's definitely not too late! You can try Mother's Milk tea by traditional medicinals- available at health food stores and organic sections of some grocery stores. fenugreek tea is something to definitely try, too.

Also, getting skin to skin with baby- in bed, bath, shower, your body will naturally sense to produce. I would also contact your local LLL http://www.lalecheleague.org/ visit that site and also find one near you, you should be able to call someone in your area- they would be so glad to help you! If you had a lactation consultant at your hospital or OB/GYN then I'd give them a call, too. Wish you the best!

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J.J.

answers from Chicago on

you have to increase your fluid intake and pump at least every 2 hours to stimulate your milk. breastfeeding is a supply and demand game the more you breastfeed and/or pump the more milk you will produce. amke sure you are well hydrated this will help your body supply more milk. I had to do it and it will take some work but you get get your supply up again. as long as you have not complete stop producing milk. also massage your breast this helps with the let doen process. this is best done in the shower with warm water falling onto your breasts. Talk to your doctor about the pain and burning. you may have an infection.

hope this helps,
J.

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N.S.

answers from Chicago on

malt and beer also help to get your supply up, non alcoholic if possible - it works better than the alcoholic. Good luck!

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R.M.

answers from Chicago on

One thing to consider is to do part-time nursing, part-time bottle feeding. I did that with my daughter for about 6 months (from 6 - 12 months). I nursed her in the morning and at night and then bottle fed during the day (I was back at work and pumping wasn't going to fit in my day).

I actually stopped for a few days and then restarted...it can be done, but you'll be having to supplement with bottles to make sure she is full. She' likely prefer to nurse, so keep trying.

Regarding the pain, see your doctor ASAP as it won't get better without intervention. I had mastaitis twice and know that it's really no fun!

Good luck.

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D.C.

answers from Chicago on

I read that it IS possible-chicken noodle soup is supposed to increase your milk supply, as does your baby nursing. Try both of those until your milk comes in again-you should be fine. Definitely contact La Leche League with ANY questions-they're fantastic. I originally planned on BF the first 6 months, but my daughter's been sick all month, with one thing or the other, and with winter coming, I decided I'll keep BF for a while. I cut down a lot, b/c she has rice cereal, apple juice, applesauce, & 1 bottle of formula during the day, but I still nurse in the morning & at night. At work, I only pump once, instead of the 3 sessions I used to do. I made the decision to keep going at the last minute-I had started reading all on how to wean, & had started to cut off feedings, and I'm so glad I decided to stick with it. We both really enjoy it, and the benefits of breastmilk can't be beat. Good luck!

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L.

answers from Chicago on

I don't know about relactation, but I do know a really good private lactation consultant. She is happy to answer questions over the phone and can probably set you in the right direction. Her name is Janet Talmadge, phone number is ###-###-####, and her website is http://www.lactationinnovation.com/

Best of luck!

L.

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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

From what I've heard, Relactating is quite possible. YOu will need to be dedicated to continuing. I would check out this site http://www.kellymom.com/bf/adopt/index.html
It discusses relactation. I wouldn't start until you have a few days off to work with...because you are going to need to nurse as much as possible. You can take fenugreek (capsule form) and mothers milk tea and eat oatmeal. YOu may want to consider talking to a lacation consultant (her pediatrician may have a nurse who is a certified LC).

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

A.,
Contact a lactation consultant/La Leche League and KEEP YOUR BABY ON YOUR BREAST! I'm certain that you can increase your supply after only ten days. However, it will take dedication and hard work.
Good luck!
A.

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J.

answers from Chicago on

Talk to your OB. With my second child I was on some meds that I had to stop BF for a small amount of time. Even though I pumped and dumped I lost most of my milk. I called my OB and she gave me a prescription for Reglan(SP)this is a drug that is used to help regulate bowels, but it also helps increase (or restart)milk supply. It worked for me in both areas. I took this with fenugreek.

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