Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Natural Methods to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Breastmilk for my son ...

So, I have an 11 month old son. I breastfed him for around 8 months and I loved it. My husband and I had some relationship issues and I spent a lot of time away from home whilst we sorted it out and as a result Alex was given a bottle a lot. For three days at one point he was exclusively on formula. When I attempted to start him nursing again he refused. He bit me really hard when I tried to "encourage" him and he had no interest whatsoever in resuming it. So, I gave up and he's been formula fed since then. I tried SnS because I thought it might be the instant gratification he was missing and my supply was down, but he just refused to nurse and wanted nothing to do with me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

He's also getting every single cold/flu bug my 4 year old brings home from school. ARGH!

So, I bought a Pump In Style double electric breast pump. Before I did this I could hand express a few drops when I try. It's either clear or white... it kind of changes daily! When my husband asked if I was still lactating I said "I think so" and proceeded to squirt him in the face.. this is good, right!!!???!!!! But I can't pump anything <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I've been drinking Mother's Milk Tea and pumping around 6 times a day for about 20 minutes. What do I have to do to get my milk supply back??? Do I need to pump more often? I'll be happy if at the end of this I can get my son 2 bottles of breastmilk a day.

I'm sure some people think I'm crazy, but I'm really sad he's not still breastfeeding and if I can pump for him I might then try and reintroduce the breast. Has anyone ever successfully restarted lactation in a situation like this AND encouraged a toddler to start BFing again???? What are my chances at getting a decent supply back and how long do you think it will take to start producing anything substantial? How long before I know if this is a fruitless exercise <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks in advance!

Pet
x

Hi Pet,

Some moms take longer than others to let down to a pump. It sometimes took me 30 minutes. And then it's important to hand express afterwards to be sure to get every drop. Fenugreek and blessed thisle herbs and help you. We usually suggest 3 capsules of each, 3 times per day.

You can try breastfeeding with the help of a Lact-aid www.lact-aid.com filled with formula until your own milk comes in.

My son did a breast refusal thing when he was about 8 months old. I found it helped to nurse him when he was sleepy.

And the best advice I can give you is to contact a board certifed lactation consultant to assist you. You can find one here www.iblce.org Just click on the "About IBLCE" button at the top of the page and the US and International registries pop up.

Best,

I have been going through a similar situation. I just wanted to encourage you that every drop that you give your baby counts! Look at this article. It is amazing. It tells how just 1 tsp of breastmilk provides 3 millions germ fighting cells. That is enough to keep me going! I wish you well and hopefully you can get your baby back to the breast.

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/immunefactors.html

HI, I'm hoping Nona or Lenore can post Nona's donating website link again. I started the protocol (did BCP and dom for 4 months then quit both, weaning off dom) , then adoption plans fell through, and now I'm pumping 6-8 oz a day without even trying! I'm just pumping 2or 3 times a day with a hand pump to relieve the pressure in my breasts and prevent leaking. (Wearing black btw is key, it shows the least.) I'm embarassed to say I'm dumping the milk as I have no little mouth to feed and no future plans for that anymore (long sad story). Apparently my breasts are made for this (okay, well, duh, but you know what I mean) so I'd love to learn how best to keep the milk and donate it. I know I've seen the link before and apologize for there having to be another repeat of the post, but I'd appreciate it. Thank you!

Here it is:
http://www.breastmilkdonations.com
I'm sure she will appreciate hearing rom you.