re-starting Breast feeding after a break of 48hours

[fullofregret]

my dd is 4 weeks old and was ex-bf,until wednsday night when i stopped bf a decision that i regret. When I stopped feeding, my breasts were full until last night, now they seem 'normal' no gushing milk, and very soft. I stopped feeding as i was so tired, and needed to sleep.

I would like to start bf again, but not sure if it is possible. dd will latch on and happily suckle, but how will i know if she is getting enough milk, or do i offer her the breast first then give a ff 'top-up'?? How long will it take for my milk supply to come back?

I can express milk but not alot, so i know that i still have some milk.

Of course it's possible, just do it

In two days your milk will not have gone.

Just put your baby to the breast as often as you can - every time she gives even minimal cues and then other times as well.

Use your judgement as to whether she needs formula or not, but if you were fully bf up until 36 hours ago (not even 48, as it's only Friday morning now), then my guess is she will not.

Post to give an update, won't you?

You can restart breastfeeding. A very good start is to have a Babymoon: undress yourselves (only to the nappy, of course) and take your dd into bed with you. Plenty of skin-to-skin contact, cuddling and touching, and letting her feed as much and as often as she wants. Drink plenty, yourself, too. Rest with your dd as long as possible. You could always transfer to the sofa if you like, with remote, phone, book, bottle of drink, plate of sandwiches, etc next to you.

Try to hold off giving her a botttle as long as you can, and then only as little as she'll take.

Don't worry about feeds being close together - the more milk she removes from your breasts, the faster they will make milk.

Thank you both. I will post a update i feel so stupid now, that i stopped but the need for sleep got the better of me

Update:

I started bf again Friday morning, after her first feed I offered her a bottle as she would not settle, but dd refused to drink it, and was really upset. so i bf again and she suckled for a while then went to sleep.

Saturday was alot easier as I didnt have to rush about in the morning getting the other dcs ready for school. so we all had a pyjama day.

Thank you both.

You're well on the way to happy bf.

Wonderful. Relax and enjoy.