Want to start breastfeeding again - how?

[nervousnewmummy]

I really really want to start producing milk again. I BF for the first 7 weeks, (the last 3 of those was combination with bottle feeds). I have Rheumatoid arthiritis which flared up badly after the birth making it very painful to hold DS during the night (when the symptoms are worst), as a result we introduced some bottle feeds to give me a rest, at 7 weeks my milk had gone :o( At the time I was desperate just to be able to move without pain so would have done anything, but now my symptoms have calmed down I feel like I have let my baby down so badly. Any suggestions for getting my milk back? I tried the fenugreek tablets for about a week, but nothing. Any advice??

that 'grin face'- :o) was meant to be :(

Just feed feed feed. Skin-to-skin in bed, be prepared for it to be a long process.

You haven't let your baby down, chuck. But if you want to go back to breastfeeding, it can be done.

Worth calling the LLL, see if you can get some in person advice.

thanks x - I'm sorry but what is the LLL...??

La Lache Legue. Where abouts in the UK are you?

Basingstoke, Hampshire

How old is your baby now?

If it's only been a few weeks since you bf, then bringing the milk back is indeed possible.

If it's a few months, it is gonna be difficult - but not impossible.

Look on Kellymom.com and www.askdrsears.com for advice on relactation and boosting supply.

You need to be stimulating your breasts, ideally through latching the baby on but pumping can help - you need to be doing this a lot (at least 8-12 times a day I think).

A nursing supplementer / lactation aid may help as then baby can get milk or extra milk whilst suckling even if you're not producing any/much. Medela do one or you can make your own by putting NG tubes in a bottle. Dr Jack Newman had lots of online advice and youtube videos about these.

I'd also recommend working out how to nurse lying down so you can do it even if your arms can't take it.

thanks guys - I know it's gonna be hardwork and take a while, but will give it a go!