Breastfeeding after formula feeding previous babies

[Laurafitz]

I didn't breastfeed my previous 2 children (now 4 and 3) however I'm really want to try and breastfeed this time round. Is it still possible or would i now not produce milk due to not using before (if I did before I never saw any leak or anything) not sure if this is a silly question sorry

Yes you absolutely could, not having done it previously won't have any bearing on it. If you could speak to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counsellor while pregnant they can give you the help support and information you'll need. Leaking isn't an indication of ability to produce milk or breastfeed so that doesn't matter at all 🙂

From an evolution point of view - a lot of babies died in infancy historically. Therefore it was vital for the survival of the human race that a woman who did not breastfeed her first two babies (as they did not survive) is still able to breastfeed future babies.

(Sorry to be morbid!)

I breastfed my third for 18 months. Few issues at the beginning with loosing weight and tongue tie but never an issue with my milk supply.

I formula fed my first from day 2 (couldn’t latch and didn’t really know where to get support or what to do), breastfed DC2 until past his third birthday and still feeding baby DC3 who is 13 months. It’s absolutely possible, good luck!

Like @Mumoftwoinprimary said, every pregnancy is like hitting a reset button on lactation. Even if you're still feeding an older child boobs go back to newborn mode because of pregnancy hormones.

My first baby I mixed fed for the first six months, formula taking over more of the feeds until at six months he went onto formula fully alongside solid food. It was really painful breastfeeding and he and I just never seemed to get it. Turns out he has a massive tongue tie that nobody spotted and I only realised he had when my second baby's tongue tie was spotted at birth.

So, second baby, tongue tie spotted at birth, and it was divided at about 4 weeks. He then went on to breastfeed for four years! So it is absolutely possible, especially if you have the right support and the right people around you to help and spot any potential issues!

This is so helpful thank you!