Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply want to try to get my 18 month old back to breast.

Is it possible.. He was nursed for 3 months with difficulties.. we had a tough time so I stopped nursing... I felt real guilty so relactated at about 4 1/2 months and did pretty well but he wouldn't really latch again so I did the pumping, trying to get him to nurse, and bottle until about 8 months... He is now 18 months and I am feeling really guilty... He has some health issues and won't drink milk (still gets some soy formula) and he is my last child so I think I would like to try to get him back to breast... I started pumping but nothing there... I just ordered dom so should be here in about 10 days... I am eating oatmeal and will get some fenugreek but just don't know if it's possable to get him back to breast. I felt soooo pressured to give up on everything and I got rid of my good pump and extra dom at 8 months... I have tried introducing him back to breast... I used a doll to show him and he will now go up to them and put his mouth on and say Yummm!! He will now lift my shirt when we are at home and go yuuummm so I lift my shirt up and he will put his mouth on but not really suck. I am hoping that If I get some milk it will make him want to more... Is this crazy??? Should I even try this??? I just don't know if it's just guilt or just because he's my last... Any advice?? Thanks so much!

Debi

I don't think there's anything wrong with trying!! Does he still take a bottle? I only BF my son for 6 months....but quit due to VERY sore nipples....if I had knows what I know now, I never would have quit....I would definately try to get him to the breast...maybe try when he gets sleepy, to try to comfort him....I've never BF an "older" child, but I would definately not give up.....give it a good try at least!! Good luck!!
Jenn

Thanks Jenn!
We are slowly but surely getting some milk.. I am waiting for my domperidone to come in while I pump about 7x a day. I am eating oatmeal and drinking lots of water.. I will give this my best shot for my son! I had someone on another board tell me that he will never nurse again! I was sooo upset! I told her that's crazy for her to say as she doesn't know my son! Anyway, if I give this my best try then I know that I did all I could to help my son!!

Debi

I know another lady from a different board who adopted a little girl from China. She was 3 1/2. She got her to the breast and nursed her til she was 5 1/2. So its definetly possible. Don't let people discourage you.