Baby Parenting Guide

can i start back breast feeding after stoping for 1 month?

I stopped breast feeding and pumping my breast milk 1 month ago. Now I feel guilty because I havent returned to work yet, And I would like to start back breast feeding. How do I make my milk come back in. There is still a little left im my breast. My baby is almost 8 weeks old

Public Response to can i start back breast feeding after stoping for 1 month?

1. Nurse and nurse and pump and pump like every 2 hours. Take Fenugreek and Mother's Milk tea. Talk to your doctor and a lactation consultant, there might be other medications/remedies you can try. But the more you stimulate your breasts, the more milk you will produce.
2. nurse nurse nurse!!! and pump when not nursing!! stimulation is best... though taking 3 fenugreek capsules 3 times daily helps most women... here's some more info on herbal remedies and other ways of increasing your supply: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html#increase http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/herbal_galactagogue.html
3. Try investing in a lactation consultant. It will save you tons vs formula. She'll be able to give you lots of guidance and support. You can also google relatation for some Internet tips. As well try going to Dr.Jack Newmans Internet site. Hes a Canadian pediatrician and will personally answer your question.
4. The chances of re-establishing a full milk supply and getting the baby to latch on again are really good with a baby this young. Basically the more you stimulate milk production through the baby suckling or pumping the more milk you will have. There are also herbs, and if needed prescriptions to help. Start here and you can read all about it. Relactation and Adoptive Breastfeeding: The Basics http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/relactation.html this link is broken in the article here is the right page: Weaning from formula supplements http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/decrease-formula.html
5. Just do it...your body will re-adjust, especially since you still have some milk left. I think its great!! There are tips for making your milk come in... http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html#supply For the time being, until you are completely adjusted, i would follow up each nursing setion with maybe 2-3 ounces of formula. #1 priority is keeping that baby happy & healthy. Good luck...and I think its great that you want to do this for your child. Your going to be a great mom:)
6. Relactation is hard work. After returning to work 8 weeks postpartum, my supply dwindled and I couldn't keep it up. I eventually only managed to get 3 drops out of each breast. I tried to relactate and couldn't get more than a tablespoon of milk after trying for a month. My son wouldn't latch on no matter what either. I was ok with quitting, but only after all my other options were exhausted. It will take as long as you have stopped for, so it will take about a month before you see results, maybe even less since you were bfing exclusively. it will take time and commitment. Start by offering your baby the breast, even if you have no milk. Let the baby use you as a pacifier. Or if your baby doesn't like that, get a lact-aid system so that the baby will get something for his efforts. Pump every 2-3 hours, even if you see no results. If you can, pump every hour like you would nurse if your baby had a growth spurt. Pump at night too, so that means getting out of bed to pump. Take Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle capsules. 3 of each, 3x a day. Also try Mother's Milk Tea. I used 2 tea bags each 3x a day. To have some support, consult a lactation consultant who will be your own personal cheerleader and help you with latch issues you might encounter. I'm hopeful that you will be able to bf again! I'll cheer you on!
7. once you stop nursing your milk gradually disintegrates and you will only have Little bit left so you can still try but your baby may be very fussy and want more to eat so maybe try breastfeeding for a few Min's then put the baby on the bottle.