I've stopped... but I've changed my mind!

[waffler]

DD is 8 months, and for the last 10 days, I've stopped b/f. It was her choice. I'd been supplementing the b/f with a bottle as my supply was low and she was losing weight. So it was inevitable really that she'd find b/f frustrating and prefer the bottle. So, it was very sad (I'd wanted to b/f for at least a year) and I thought I'd finally accepted it.

However. Tonight, DD was so upset (combo of teething, overtired and fever) and the only thing that calmed her was when I offered my boob, and she did some comfort suckling. She looked at me confused - doubt any milk. And right then and there I thought, is it too late? Can I still b/f?

I'd given up pumping about 7 days ago. Has anyone stopped b/f for a bit and then successfully re-started it?

I miss it So much. So so so so much.

[¤ Efka ¤]

I think it should be possible, I read it somewhere.Cant remember where.But I know it is possible.Have you checked LLL site?
http://www.llli.org/

[¤ Efka ¤]

Found something else

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/adopt/index.html

[Samuel's mum]

Re-lactating is certainly a possibility. People have gaps of weeks, even months. Mothers use re-lactating methods to develop a supply for an adoptive baby when they never even breastfed in the first place.

You have been given some good pointers and there's some more stuff here:

http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/relactation.html

Lots of stuff about building up supply here:
http://www.bfar.org/

I'd say step one is get nursing and get your pump out.

You could consider this option too (relactating using a lact-aid - bear in mind it's the product's site):
http://www.lact-aid.com/rpt025.htm

It's hardwork so just take a pause to reflect on whether this is something you really wanted to do.  How might you feel if relactation doesn't work out or when she's well again she shows bottle preference? I totally think you should go for it if you want to but just take a moment to think about how it might play out. Have a chat to an LC or a helpline too if you can.

[waffler]

Thanks for all the info. I've been thinking about it, and yep, I know it's going to be hard. I'm going to try... see how it goes. I have a feeling that she may "reject" me and I'm not sure how I'll deal with that - might break my heart!

[Samuel's mum]

Well whatever happens she won't be rejecting you. At the very most it will be 'nah, mom, I prefer this faster plastic boob - thanks though'.
Good Luck.

[Aggs]

Oooh, just wanted to say good luck.  DS stopped BFing quite suddenly (he was older, 15 months) and I was devastated.  I hope it works out for you, let us know how you get on! {HUG}

[waffler]

Here's where I am...

I attempted to kick start the process, pumping, motilium etc. Nursing was an issue - she just kinda held my nipple in her mouth and went, "this is all very nice, but hey, how about feeding me eh?".

Anyway. I had a loooooooong hard think about it. And I absolutely loved BF, no doubt about it. And wanted to bf for as long as possible. But then I had to remember WHY this all happened in the first place. She wasn't gaining weight. She lost weight over 2 months. And it was because of supply issues. I tried to increase it by pumping and all the other methods. But it wasn't good - because of course by this stage i was so worried and the ducts all seized up and went on strike! So I had a chat to the LCs and agreed to supplement with formula (didnt have enough stored EBM). Anyway. Long story short - she had an awful latch to start with, and wasn't really stimulating the ducts. So every feed had to be supplemented either with formula or EBM. And that's what happend. I did this for 2 months. Then one day, she just kept pulling off, and drained the bottle.

So while I really want to bf, I felt in my heart that it wouldn't be 100% boob, but I'd probably have to supplement. And then, I sadly put away the breast pump, and called it a day. I feel like I've given up, but it was a hard decision, but I think, in light of everything, probably the best one.

I've been hinting to DH about a second baby so I can bf though again 

Thanks for all that support. I'm so Pro bf and wish I could have done it for longer, but am happy that at least I did it for 8 months.

[RachelC]

{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}

[¤ Efka ¤]

 

[Aggs]

I'm glad that you came to the right decision for you even if it isn't what you planned.  More hugs!