Hi,
Well I have the ameda pump and have started pumping and I get a drop of really thick sticky stuff come out. Other than that nothing. Baby wont latch on at the moment as there is no milk but I am sure once Ihave some milk he will be interested again.

What other ways can I relactate?

Karen

You can probably do the protocal but you may not need to . Lenore is a lactation consultant and has helped hundreds or it maybe thousands now, lactate. Please email her she is glad to answer your questions and since you are a birth mom relactating I am pretty sure things will be a little different for you Her email is lenore@asklenore.info

Hi,
I am so sorry but what is the protocol? Well at least I am starting to get somehting out now. I am pumping every couple of hours so hopefully something will happen soon! I will email Lenore, thanks for your advice.

There are two protocals. They consist of taking a birth control pill (bcp) straight through without the sugar pills. The time varys based on the situation. But the protocols are intended for Mom's who did not give birth to their children but want to breast feed. So the bcp along with a med callled domperidone tricks your body into thinking you are pregnant. But since you gave birth, breastfed, and still have milk I don't believe these are what you need. That is why I suggested getting in touch with Lenore. If you have trouble with the email try this one, she posted it in a different topic last night. Apparently some people were not able to get through to the one. lengold@sprynet.com

Hi Karen,

The oldest baby that we helped to return to breastfeeding was 13 months. A 12 week old can learn to breastfeed again.
What bottles are you currently using? We've found that the AVENT system with the newborn (1 hole) nipples can help to get baby back to the breast. Short stubby nipples should be avoided as they do not encourage a good latch.

Since it's only been about 6 weeks since you last breastfed you can try re-lactating without the birth control pill. Domperidone would help to increase your supply but if you live in the US you'll have to bring it in. You can find it at www.globaldrug.tv. But please let your doctor know what you're planning so you can be monitored.

The starting dose for birth moms is 10 mg 4 times per day before meals and at bedtime. Then after about a week, you can increase to 20 mg 4 times per day.

The MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do is contact an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) to assist you with breastfeeding. You didn't mention why you stopped. The IBCLC can help you to overcome any number of concerns. You can find an IBCLC near you at this website www.iblce.org Just click on the "About IBCLE" button and the US and International Registries pop up.

There are several videos on our site that may help you as well. Just click on the "Breastfeeding" button and scroll down to "Video Clips".

A good double electric breastpump would help you as you rebuild your milk supply. Most of the mothers on this site have been successful with the Medela Pump in Style. I've used it to induce lactation twice myself. The Medela Lactina Select also works well. The idea is to pump 8 times in 24 hours but do what you can. If you can get your baby to the breast with the help of a nursing supplementer you may not need to pump as often. You can find one here www.lact-aid.com The idea is to feed baby at the breast which stimulates your own milk to come in. Then pump when you can. It takes work in the beginning but you can do this.

Warmest regards,

Hi

I have been pumping and I am getting something out now but not much though. Baby will latch on but very sporadically but his latch is definately better this time round.

Can I relactate without using domperidone or is it best to use it? And if I do hav to use domperidone how long would I have to use it for?

Whilst breastfeeding first time round I was in so much pain and my baby would scream and not feed and I got to the point where I could not deal with it any more so I gave up but I really want to breastfeed him again. My nipples were also cracked and bleeding. Is there anyway I can avoid all the pain this time round.

If I continue pumping and latching him on as I can will my milk supply come in on its own or do I need help in building my milk supply again?

Thanks for your advice and help,

Karen

Karen, you may be able to bring in your supply just by latching him and pumping. The best way to avoid sore nipples is to have a great latch. I think finding an IBCLC is the way to go. They can help you to get him latched and also help with ways to increase your supply. Some herbal remedies work well for natural moms. More milk tincture is a good one can be found in most health food stores it is made by mother love they have a website too www.motherlove.com there is also a tea that can be used I think it is called Mothers Milk tea I can't remember it is made by Traditional Medicinals. Eating oatmeal seems to help and making sure you are getting plenty of water. some say 6-8 8 ounce glasses a day. I believe Lenore teaches drink to thirst, meaning don't drown yourself in water but do drink plenty so you don't get thirsty. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Hi,
I think I may try the milk tincture first before I try the domperidone tablets. So I can use the milk tincture to bring my milk in? i see there is also goats rue milk tincture, will that work to?
Thanks so much for your advice,
Karen