Expressing to 'restart' defunct breast...advice please

[wishbird]

Hi,

I am currently mixfeeding 7wk old DS. Had nasty dose of mastitis and due to desperation and crapness on my part I started topping up my screaming DS (BF DS1 and DD till 12 months plus - but a long time ago!)

DS is a big eater and gaining approx a pound a week - v tall - HV said he's size of average 4 month old already! He gets prob 70% BF on one side only - and 6-10oz ff over day/eve - none at night.

I would like to reinstate the defunct breast if poss - haven't fed on it for over 3 weeks - tried a few times but DS not interested as I guess there is bugger all in there! Have got a breast pump to try - how often will I need to try? Guess I won't get much to begin with? Also hard as DS very colicky (phew...hard work!) so needs loads attention and worried about trying to fit in constant pumping? Also have 2 teens to take care of - I know not as demanding as toddlers in some ways, but are in other ways, and don't want to 'neglect' them either? I'm also very lopsided - small issue, but slight vanity - tho socks work well!!

Any advice, or anecdotes of people who have successfully reinstated boob after so long really welcome - worry that like loadsa people here I will really regret not exc bf, and obv worried about ff taking over. Happy to put in some effort, but also realistic that I have other commitments - bit scared if I'm honest...

Sorry - v long post, just wanted all facts out for helping hands!

I don't know much about this but would suggest you hire an electric pump. You will needto do alot of pumping and the manual onescanbe hard work.

I know Association for Breastfeeding Mothers hires them out. Checkthe website and give helpline a ring too.

Thanks moondog.

I have a manual breast pump - tried and failed miserably to get anything at all, so have lent an electric one - haven't tried yet. How often do I need to etc see above.

I think maybe 6-8 times aday but god amno expert.

Keep at it too.You only get a`bit out of a 'normally' functioning boob to start with anyway.

Also option of putting little tube with formula in on breast so baby suckles it and nipple but this is truly expert specialist stuff. ABM willtalk it through with you.