pumping help

[flutie]

I recently had to stop breastfeeding and was having to supplement with formula.  Since, my milk supply has gone down and LO has been reacting to the formula.  Any advise on how to reestablush my milk supply so I can pump ans bottle feed

[Samuel's mum]

You need a great pump - ideally double electric - and time and committment but within a few days you could see your supply return.
You need to drink plenty and could also consider taking a natural galactalogue to boost your supply like fenugreek.
There are some good tips here (you are 'relactating'):

 http://www.kellymom.com/bf/adopt/relactation-resources.html#linksrelactation

A lot of the materials are aimed at adoptive mothers who want to bf but the techniques apply.

Can I ask a couple of qus?
How old was your LO when you stopped?
How long ago was it that you stopped?
Would you consider returning to the breast as it's a much easier way of maintaining supply than pumping long-term?

[flutie]

Hi Samuels Mom,
Thanks for the reply. The web references were helpful.  To answer your questions, My son was 6 weeks when I stopped fully and that was 2 weeks ago.  I would love to go back to the breast but we had such difficulties and worked for weeks with a LC and could not get things right.  I was ending up with bleeding nipples and my son was fustrated and very aggressive at the breast.  I am really disappointed and sad that I cannot breastfeed but do have to accept my situation.  I really want to provide him with the best start and that is why I have to get these breasts-a-flowing.

[Samuel's mum]

I'm sure you will get the breasts-a-flowing. It sounds as though you worked really hard and should be proud of all your determination. If you only stopped 2 weeks ago it shouldn't take long to reestablish a supply. If you don't have an electric pump there are various places who will rent one. Good luck.