Thinking about trying again - is it even possible?

[shelle65]

I was a miserable failure at breastfeeding - DD never once got a full feed from me, despite 3 days at a breastfeeding clinic, weeks and weeks of domperidone, expressing, trying different positions... nothing worked. When I ran out of domperidone my milk slowed to a dribble, and I all but gave up - DD is now 3 months old and almost completely formula fed, she has a little suck at the boob every now and then, when she's tired, but I don't know if she gets anything out. I can still express a few mls, but can't really collect enough to give her.

The thing is I just can't get over it. I am haunted by the memory of my newborn screaming with hunger for the first week of her life, only finally stopping when we gave her some formula. I am eaten up with jealousy everytime I hear about a new mum who gets lots of milk. The sight and sound of other babies in my mothers' group happily breastfeeding makes me want to cry. I am consumed with the what ifs - what if I had done this, what if this hadn't happened like that, what if this person had told me this or helped me do that... The old "you have a happy healthy baby, that's all that matters" doesn't make me feel any better. I want her to be happy and healthy because of me, not in spite of me.

Anyhoo, sorry to ramble on, I am getting to my point - is there any possibility that I could try again at this late stage? I dream of being able to give DD just one full feed that doesn't come from a bottle... but if I couldn't do it before, is there any hope that I could do it now? Or am I just dreaming.

Thanks.

[hayleylea]

Im no expert but i think it is possible! ring the breast feeding association to get some advice. I had a kidney stone when DS was 3 months old and was in hospital for a week on morphine so i gave up breast feeding. A month down the track i was told but a nurse it was possible to re-lactate - so id say it is possible. I choose not to because i wasnt physically well enough but if thats what you want to do its certainly worth following up.:hugs:

[niamh75]

how awful you feel like this i think its is very possible and ild say it has been done i remember seeing a post from one girl who only started when her baby was a month old
i would get in touch with La Leche league they have helped ladies breast feed adopted babies and are a mine field of information on breast feeding im sure there are herbal supplements you can take to up your milk supply if its necessary but the fact your dd is taking the breast even if its the odd time is a start in it self
the first thing i would do is get an good breast pump and start expressing dont be disappointed if you are only getting a little but keep trying or offer the breast at every feed slowly upping the amount of time on the breast to bottle and sure if she is happy taking both then top her up with a bottle aways
also make sure you are getting enough nutrients in your own diet and have faith in your body also remember for every onz we express they get two as they are so much better. also the more you feed the more milk you make but also remember you need to be calm and not stressed when you are trying as this can stop the let down

i hope this has helped and try not to beat your self over what has happened already you gave her a great start any amount of breast feeding is better than no breast at all.i think its worth trying and fair play to you
Niamh

[♥Heaven Sent♥]

First try fenugreek its a natural herb and it really helps with milk supply.

If this dosn't work try going to your doctor and getting a script for mottlium its really good i am on it for low supply i only take 2 at night and it boosts my supply for the day.

You can try expressing to build the supply up and also putting your dd to the breast when ever you can,this will stimulate the milk.If shes not happy to suck just keep up the expressing.

Theres also a cookie recipe here somewhere im sure someone can link you to it.It is a cookie that actually boosts supply,i have made them and they ARE yummy.

[flib]

And don't forget to drink lots of water!!!

Good luck. I think it's wonderful that you're going to try again. It is lovely feeding your baby. But if it doesn't happen at least you'll know that you gave it your best. (It sounds like you've tried just about everything already and are grieving over the loss.) From what I've read you can still do it but breastfeeding will have to be a major focus for you to start off with.

Anyway best wishes!!!

[shelle65]

Thankyou for the wonderful advice and support ladies! :hugs:

DD had quite a few goes at the breast yesterday, and I was reminded of the attachment problems we always had. I am wondering if 3 months is too old to break a bad attachment habit, I think I will ask the ABA as you guys have suggested.

Also, got the pump out and managed to get 15ml over three goes - hooray! :D

DD has had two non-green poops so far since last night, which I think is good, formula poops are supposed to be green (I think, I may be wrong about this) so if this is true, then she is getting some breastmilk.

Thanks again :hugs:

[Mum&bubs]

I think it's great that you are trying again and wanted to wish you the best of luck with it!!

One thing to remember though not everyone can express milk, no matter how much milk they have. I feed both of my little girl's and have plenty of milk but can barely express a thing!! ;) :hugs: