Re lactation after a week? Possible?

[mummyjanine]

I went a couple days of just formula feeding and relactated my son, it was hard work but I felt so happy.. Then, he began to get a bad rash, he was crying constantly.. Took him to docs they said it looked like a reaction to my milk and to give him formula! I was obv very gutted. Anyway giving him the formula and he is a lot better, also gave me Gaviscon as he has bad reflux.

Anyway the other day I began to notice big spots with blisters all over him they looked like chicken pox. Took him to doctors and it's Infact just a viral infection that's caused it and explains the crying and rash last week! And also he has reflux! So basically....

My doctor told me to stop bf for no reason and I am so upset! I didn't want to stop but felt I had to! So what I want to know is, do I offer him breast after ff to build it up? How often to express? It's been a week without breastfeeding, but I pumped yest and got out 2oz, my milk is still there cosnim still leaking if this makes any difference

[BertieBotts]

How old is he? I'd say if you're still leaking and producing milk you should just be able to put him back to the breast.

Is he on solids at all or just milk?

[doodledotmum]

I had similar. Express a bit every few hours, but don't give up if you only get a tiny amount... It will build. I was advised to put DD to breast for 1ins each feed and then if she needed more then top up with formula...then increase breast time and decrease formula etc. I ended up mixed feeding her til 9mths - good luck

[doodledotmum]

Sorry that should say offer breast for 10 mins every feed and in between if she would suckle. Baby suckling will stimulate milk more than expressing. It's also important that you relax so your milk comes etc. Stress is counterproductive x

[BertieBotts]

You need tiktok's advice on the breastfeeding board :) She is the MN breastfeeding goddess!

[mummyjanine]

Sorry forgot to add, he is 6 weeks old on Thursday.

[Theyaremysunshine]

Yes you'll be able to restart, as you're still producing milk. The only problem would be if your DS has decided bottles are easier!

I'd offer breast first every time, both sides and top up with a bottle, reducing formula amount each day.

Do post on the breast and bottle feeding section though, great advice there.

V grrr for you that you were told to stop. Wish you luck restarting

[BertieBotts]

I think the main thing you'd need advice on would be the amount to top up, when to do it and how soon to reduce. For this you could try phoning the LLL helpline, 0845 120 2918 or see if there is an NCT or LLL or other breastfeeding counsellor/lactation consultant local to you. That would be the part that I'd say take with caution.

But you definitely won't do any harm by putting your baby to the breast if they are rooting for milk. And I believe that skin to skin is advised and a bit of a "babymoon" snuggling down in bed, bathing together, if you don't have older children to look after.

[mummyjanine]

Thank you, where is the breastfeeding section I can't seem to find it?

[BertieBotts]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/breast_and_bottle_feeding :)

[NorthEasterlyGale]

Here's some resources that might be of use...

kellymom.com/ages/adopt-relactate/relactation-resources/

[Juliar12321]

As others have said, keep offering breast at each feed, but make sure you are topping up with enough formula. You can get domperidone prescribed by doctor, which can dramatically increase milk production and may really help you. There is also a Facebook group called Back to Breast which can offer lots of advice and support. Good luck!

[Fuzzymum1]

You can buy domperidone over the counter - it's sold as motilium.

[stargirl1701]

I did it after an 8 week break, OP.

You need real life help. Try:

The Infant Feeding Co-ordinator at the hospital you gave birth in.
The La Leche League helpline and/or a LLL meeting
Local bf cafe
Board certified lactation consultant

You can use an SNS to ff while bf

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B000W73YKY?pc_redir=1396071688&robot_redir=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Lots of skin-to-skin. Baths together. A sling with you wearing a low best top. Co-sleeping naked on top with baby in a vest.

Offer the breast as much as possible. Try a baby moon.

Use bottles that mimic bf like the Medela Calma. Try nipple shields.

Good luck, OP!

[ZuleikaD]

DON'T buy Motilium - domperidone is about to be banned by the EU because of its links to depression and suicide. Oats and fennel tea are better to build your milk up - good luck, I really hope you get to bf your baby!