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Relactating
By Bammom » Posted Jul. 20, 2014 5:45pm - 397 views - 5 comments

Ok so I am hormonal and I can't make up my damn mind! I tried switching to formula and I missed the breast feeding. I kinda had an epiphany while in the shower a couple of days ago. I am making this too hard on myself! There is no reason Violet can't have both breast milk and formula. She doesn't have to be one OR the other. I was stressing myself out over it. Unfortunately in the 2 or 3 days that I was using only formula, my breast milk supply tanked and I can barely get a half an ounce out of myself now. I am trying "relactating" now. Basically letting my body start over with the milk making process. From what I understand, it will take days or even weeks to build up a drinkable supply again, but I do miss nursing Violet. I just don't want to be her ONLY food source. I am pumping, hand expressing, and nursing often now in an effort to get to a point where I can nurse if I want to, or give her formula if I don't. I hope I build up the supply fast.

Comments for this Journal Entry

	Comment from Bammom » Posted Jul. 22, 2014 11:43am Well that is disappointing, but I won't let it discourage me :) We are sticking to condoms and avoiding hormonal birth control. Violet still latches and nurses like a champ even though she takes a bottle too so I have that working for me too. Milk is increasing slowly but surely. I can't wait for my Domperidone to come in because it seems that will really help get me caught up to her needs.
	Comment from jennavee » Posted Jul. 21, 2014 7:08pm If you need success stories you don't want to hear mine. I never totally quit nursing, but birth control made my supply tank. My son wouldn't get back on the breast after we started using bottles. I eventually gave up. Our case was unique though, so don't let it discourage you!
	Comment from Bammom » Posted Jul. 21, 2014 1:47pm I need to buy more oatmeal and I keep forgetting to buy mothers milk tea when I am at the store, but I have made a point if putting it on my list this time :) I have been taking 6 capsules of fenugreek everyday now. I also ordered some Domperidone just in case I need it. I don't even know when it will arrive but I have heard great things about it increasing milk supply. Tell me about when you relactatated. When did you quit and start again and how long did it take to build your supply up again? I need success stories to keep me going!
	Comment from jennavee » Posted Jul. 21, 2014 11:01am have you tried taking any supplements or tea? When I was working on relactating with my first I ate oatmeal every day, drank Mother's Milk tea, and took fenugreek (don't take if you have blood pressure problems).
	Comment from Mrs_HT » Posted Jul. 20, 2014 11:00pm Awe, mommy. Its okay. My lactation cccoach told me to try pumping at least 8 times a day for about 15 mins in the beginning to build my supply. My supply this time has come slowly but only on one side. I am pumping abiut four times during the day and once in the evening and its usually about 30 oz. or so. It took time and dilligence but I finally have a decent supply two weeks in and I am trying to build more. Know you are not in it alone. I got your back girl.