Re-starting breast feeding

[nonsense0name]

Hi

Looking for some breast/combined feeding advice please....

DD is 3 weeks old, EBF for first 2 days then straight to FF as I tried with all 3 DS's to EBF and had over supply/engorgement/mastitis which I couldn't go through again.

I've been taking combined contraceptive pill and kept bra tight to dry up milk but still leak when I have a bath and FF DD.

Last night DD whilst having a particularly sleep deprived night I BF her - only for a few minutes but I'm sure she got some and she seemed so settled afterwards.

Can combined feeding at this stage work?? or have I missed the boat...or will I just end up with too much supply and then battle with engorgement and mastitis again...is one small feed a day worth it??

Grateful for any thoughts...DD currently using NUK newborn teats apparently designed to combine feed and had no problem latching on to me.

Thanks!

I'm no expert, but hopefully this will bump it for someone who is. However, if you wanted to build up supply at this point, I think you still could. You could perhaps talk to one of the phonelines for further advice?

However, regardless of what you decide on that, if you want to, and your DD is still interested, you could continue to let her feed when you choose to even if sporadically. If you both like it, then it's worth doing, and even a small amount of milk would have antibodies and things. As I understand doing only occasional feeds, your milk wouldn't last indefinitely, but you could enjoy it while it was there.

It's also all about the comfort, the suckling and the cuddle...not only the milk. Hope it goes well!

I don't know much about this but I'm sure Dr Jack Newman has some information sheets about it,maybe you could google? I've heard of adoptive mothers being helped to breastfeed so it is possible. I think it's wonderful you're considering giving it another try and wish you every success.

There may be something of use/interest here see the download on adoptive nursing

Thanks so much, I think I'm concentrating on the milk supply rather than the comfort factor which I shouldn't underestimate. If it keeps DD settled I'll carry on and see how we go :)