Expert: ruth kraft - 2/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: My baby girl was fully breastfed until 6months when started on solids. She then continued breastfeeding until 8 1/2 months. After a few weeks of fussing during feeding, at this time she suddenly dropped from 4 feeds a day(she sleeps through the night) to only feeding first thing in the morning. As most of the other mums in my mothers group had gone through something similar and called it "weaning" I started replacing her refused feeds with formula. My milk supply, which i feel was a bit a low anyway, very quickly dropped- i never had any issues with engorgement at all! By 9 1/2 months she dropped the morning feed as well and is now on approx 720mls of formula a day.  After doing some reading i now recognise this was likely a 'strike' not weaning, and i'm really disappointed as i really wished to feed her until at least 12months and beyond. I can still squeeze a few drops of milk from my breasts, but there doesn't seem to be a let down reflex any more. My daughter also doesn't seem to know what to do with a nipple if it's put in front of her! I know it's possible to relactate with a lot of time and effort, I'm just wondering if it's worth it if she won't feed at the breast?? I'd really love to get that relationship back, but it is a lot of time and expense(I would have to hire or buy a good breast pump) if at the end of it she still isn't interested. Is she likely to come back to the breast if there is milk there? I can also see myself getting a lot of questions from friends and family about why I'm even bothering! She is happy and healthy but I know the breast is so much better for her.

ANSWER: you are correct there is much that is involved with relactating. although because you have milk already it will be MUCH easier for you :) but it will require effort for sure. I cannot guanrantee that she will go back to nursing, but if you can pump and express the milk that is profoundly beneficial to her. It is likely also that if you work with someone who knows relactating then you could likely get her nursing again as well. There are people who breastfeed babies they adopted at 9 months so I know its possible. :)

I hope that helped! I definatly think its worth it. the antibodies and perfect nurtrition alone make it worth it in my opinion.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thankyou for your answer:) Just as a followup, if I do go ahead, I know you're supposed to pump approx. every two hrs with a decent pump, but how long should i pump for? Especially in the the beginning when ther is likely to be not much milk? Also do I need to pump overnight as well? Thankyou again.

Answer
I would reccommend pumping for 15 mintues with a good pump. one of the best ones that has the best warranty would be the Hygeia. You can go to www.hygeiababy.com. They have a 3 year warranty and you can return it if it doesnt work and get a tax deduction so you arent out alot of money. They also have the best no question return policy. I am working on a deal with them to try to get a bulk amount a cheaper price if you are interested email me at ruth@honoringwomen.com

I would say if you wake up at night go ahead and pump but dont force it at first. you dont want to get exhausted and give up. Take mothers milk tea and drink metamucil a few times a day and that will help increase milk as well.

Good luck!