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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

why has my milk suddenly reappeared after months?!

21 replies

mummy2isla · 10/05/2009 23:12

Something strange has happened. I gave up bf (with much heartache) when my dd was 2 months old as had never successfully got her to latch on.

She is now nearly 11 months old. Today we went to see my friend who's just had a baby in hospital, and I was trying to help her get her baby to latch on (funny how it's easier when it's not you!)

Then tonight in the bath my dd suddenly seemed interested in my nipple and seemed to latch on.

My breasts are really sore and after just having a 'feeling' I squeezed one and I have milk...?!

Would it be very weird / impossible to try and increase my supply at this advanced stage / age? Or is this just a natural response to seeing a newborn baby and it'll go away again. Help!

OP posts:
CherryChoc · 10/05/2009 23:15

Well - do you want to increase your supply and maybe start bf your DD again? I think it could well be possible. I suppose no harm in trying? Or could anyone see a downside - apart from disappointment and heartache if it doesn't work, but if you go into it with a nothing to lose attitude this would be minimised. I think it depends how you feel about it. Good luck!

Original poster
mummy2isla · 10/05/2009 23:19

I would LOVE to be able to bf her. First time I could only do it using a nipple shield, (thanks Harrogate hospital midwife for recommending that!) as I have quite flat nipples.. then I could only get her to latch on with the shield and then she wasn't getting enough milk through and lost loads of weight.

Do you think it is worth expressing or just putting her on the breast to see what happens? I would have no problem with being an extended bfer if it did work.

Thinking about maybe trying to get to a la leche league meeting but wondering if I'd feel a bit silly in these circumstances.

OP posts:
Meglet · 10/05/2009 23:25

Don't want to freak you out but there isn't a chance you're pregnant again is there?

Original poster
mummy2isla · 10/05/2009 23:26

well that WOULD be a surprise. I use a coil so I guess it would be unlikely but not totally impossible. I did have a period on 28 April so seems a bit unlikely. God.

OP posts:
tiktok · 10/05/2009 23:28

Go for it, mummy2lisa

It is not at all unusual to still have some milk even months later (years later after longer-term bf) but it is unusual to have a co-operative baby....you seem to have one

Even if you don;t build up a massive supply, it's fine to do what you can.What a lovely way to feel close and warm and loving with her!

LLL will not think you are silly at all - they'll be pleased for you and want to help you make the most of it

ImSallyIHaventAClue · 10/05/2009 23:30

Go for it! I think you could do it - you might have to express as well initially, and you might not be able to produce huge amounts of milk, but why not give it a go?

LLL do a good leaflet on relactation, you can buy it via their website.

You could also try domperidone to kick-start your milk production - you can buy it over the counter.

CherryChoc · 10/05/2009 23:30

I would probably put her on the breast rather than expressing, if she's willing - but I'm no expert at relactation, sorry, I'm one of those lucky people who had no problems bf from the start.

Could you ring the LLL helpline and ask about your local meeting? I think most of them are run as a coffee morning but also have an expert on hand who you can go off and chat to privately, which might help. (And you wouldn't have to speak to the other mums if you felt silly, though I'm sure they'd be lovely) There aren't any groups near me though so I don't know.

Relactation pages at kellymom - might be helpful, I don't know how relevant they are for an older baby though.

Original poster
mummy2isla · 10/05/2009 23:31

thanks tiktok ...

Do you think I should ring the local LLL person? I just filled in a helpform online.

I'm so excited about the possibility of even 1 v v small bf a day that I can't sleep..!

OP posts:
CherryChoc · 10/05/2009 23:32

Oh actually, have just thought, you might need to express as well as your DD will not be wanting to nurse often enough to stimulate a supply as a tiny baby would IYSWIM? Am just speculating here.

tiktok · 10/05/2009 23:32

Ring, mummy2lisa - you don't know how often they will respond to the online stuff.

Excited for you

moondog · 10/05/2009 23:33

How lovely Mumm

Original poster
mummy2isla · 10/05/2009 23:34

domperidone - will give it a go.
Thanks ladies.
Flicking through the relactation pages at kellymom whilst occasionally squeezing and looking at the drops of milk. ( !)

OP posts:
Original poster
mummy2isla · 10/05/2009 23:37

Going to try and just put her on again and again tomorrow (but in a chilled out way!) and just see what happens ...

it made me really sad in a way to see my friend's baby bfing today as I'd have loved to have not stopped. So I guess I'd better not build up expectations too much but just see what happens ...

Embarrassingly I've lent my medela pump to my friend and not sure if I want to discuss what I'm doing with her.

OP posts:
tiktok · 10/05/2009 23:41

Hand expressing is fine, and some people find it better, anyway, mummy2lisa.

CherryChoc · 10/05/2009 23:41

I think hand expressing should be fine if you're wanting to express - you're trying to stimulate supply, not get enough to fill a bottle after all

CherryChoc · 10/05/2009 23:41

Oops xposts!

Original poster
mummy2isla · 11/05/2009 07:25

well I hate to say it but I think starting bf now may not happen - tried Isla on the breast this morning and she shook her head (tried before, during and after milk, and even tried squirting formula onto my nipple, which was a nice way to start the day!)

Never mind I guess. Will continue to ff with love and to try her every now and then. Weird about the full-feeling breasts and bit of milk tho - am wondering if I may against all odds be pregnant!

OP posts:
moondog · 11/05/2009 18:17

I'd give it a few more goes, but if not, then so be it.
She's had some and you've given it your best shot which is all any of us can do eh?

tiktok · 11/05/2009 22:15

mummy2lisa - it is up to you how far to take this, obviously, but I would have been amazed if your baby had remained interested consistently...this refusal and apparent confusion is normal after a long time without bf. It does not mean it will not happen, but it does mean if you want it to happen, you need to hang on in there and take a long-term view.

You may decide not to - and that is fine, too

Original poster
mummy2isla · 12/05/2009 09:40

Had a few goes more and she's not up for it - never mind!

Have the feeling I will be a ridiculously extended bfer with the next one!

No more milk either so I guess I would need to hang round maternity wards to get some back !!

OP posts:
tiktok · 12/05/2009 10:13

mummy2lisa - hope it goes better next time, and you can still have as many cuddly baths together as you want

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