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Is it possible to start breast feeding when baby is 6 weeks old. I still have milk in my breasts but not much.?

I had good reason for not breast feeding in the first 6 weeks. To long of a story to explain here. Thanks for your advice.

Public Response to Is it possible to start breast feeding when baby is 6 weeks old. I still have milk in my breasts but not much.?

  1. Yes it is. Ask your midwife or paediatrician.
  2. As long as you have milk it sure it - and it will be good for you and your infant. There may be issues with nipple confusion, but go ahead and try anyway. And do consult a lactation specialist, they can help you with latch if that is an issue for your infant as breastfeeding isn't automatic but a learned skill.
  3. Yes, it is possible to start breastfeeding again. The easy part will be getting your supply back. Just start pumping and (if baby will latch) nursing frequently. The stimulation will bring your milk back. The harder part will be getting baby onto the breast. After 6 weeks of bottles, he won't know how to latch or nurse, so he won't get any milk out. Sometimes patient effort will do the trick, but you'd be better advised to call a lactation consultant. She can work with you and baby, hands-on, to teach baby what he needs to know and get him nursing again. She can also provide you with helpful supplies, like a nursing supplementer. Good luck.
  4. You absolutely can start breastfeeding at that age. It may take some work, but if you contact a lactation expert, she can help you tremendously. I would also invest in a breast pump to pump between feedings in order to boost your milk supply.
  5. Yes it is Possible;e. If you want to start to breastfeed at this time - you have to be 100% committed because it can take a lot of work. First you will need to get a hospital grade pump. You will need to pump every 2 hour during the day and every 3 hours at night. Try to bring the baby to the breast first and then after 10-15 minutes of nursing (if he does nurse) then pump for 15 minutes. You will need to keep this up for at least 72 hours. Then it depends on how your milk supply is on what needs to be the next step. You can try to take some Mother's Tea and eat oatmeal every morning. If your milk supply is very low after 72 hours you may need to take additional medications and/or herbs. A lactation consultant working under a physician can prescribe these for you. You could also try taking fenugreek - although this can take 24-48 hours before you start to see any side effects. http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/fenugreek.html It would be very beneficial if you make an appointment with a lactation counselor or consultant to help you get started but in the meantime before you get to see pump, pump, pump.
  6. It is SO possible. Nurse often and then nurse some more you will eventually supply as much as the baby needs. Bonding is great.