Mango

Hey there ladies, yet another question from me. I got a horrible case of mastitis and stopped breast feeding 2 weeks ago. My milk supply has since dwindled seriously but I would like to start breast feeding again. Any ideas on how to re-establish a supply so that I can soon breast feed exclusively again?

Kina

Best thing to do is put babe to the breast whenever she wants feeding and don't top up with formula, express in between if she wont feed regularly off you, take a supplement (domperidone, you need to ask your doc to prescribe it, it boosts your supply), fenugreek also helps (you can get it from Holland and Barretts).
Eat well, drink plenty, try to include lots of oats in your diet as they can help with supply.

Good luck!

P.S Kelly mom also has lots of info www.kellymom.com

freckleonear

Sorry you've had mastitis.

If you cut back on everything you're doing, rest plenty, eat and drink well and put baby to the breast often, your milk supply should begin to increase after 2-3 days. If you need to supplement with formula at first, do this after feeding her at the breast and reduce the amount you give each time.

Increasing suckling time is the most important thing, so feed your baby whenever she is hungry, allow plenty of time for the baby to empty the breast well and let her comfort suckle for as long as she wants, as this will help build up your supply. Try not to go for more than two hours between feeds for a few days, and offer her the breast even if she doesn't actually seem hungry.

Basically feed as frequently as possible for as long as possible. Good luck, you can do it!

Mango

Freckleonear I've been putting my lil one to my breast whenever she is hungry and then topping up with formula as you said. So far she will drink for about 5min and then take less formula than normal which I am hoping means that she is getting something from my breast. I'll keep going, but it is hard when she is frustrated and wants the bottle as a quick fix.

So really, my milk supply can be re-established in a week or less??? I hope this is true for me!

Kina

If she'll only feed for 5 mins, then still express afterwards to stimulate your supply. My supply for DS dropped to practically nothing and he refused to feed for a day or two (he was older though at 9/10 months). With expressing every 2 hours, taking domperidone and drinking plenty I managed to get him back on the breast within a couple of days. I could give him the expressed milk then instead of formula in the meantime

Mango

Thanks Kina!!! I'll try express right after she feeds! I'll let you know how it goes. You guys are encouraging, thanks for giving me some hope! I've been struggling with breast feeding since the begining

Kina

Awww hon Breastfeeding is hard work, but rewarding. I still love my boobie cuddles with DS, even though he's dropped to one feed a day now.
With DD I strugged for the first 8-10 weeks, but then it all clicked into place.

You can get her back onto the boob full time, it will just take a little peserverance and hard work. Put your feet up, stick on your fave dvds, and have a nurse in with lots of yummy foods and drink. Plenty of skin to skin contact can help boost your supply, so strip yourselves down and snuggle under blankets, or trying bathing together. Just let her root and feed whenever she wants and you'll get there

Phexia

It's all about supply and demand. So just breastfeed as much as you can and if the baby is ok with it let her suck even if there's no milk. When you give her a bottle because you don't have enough milk, make sure you pump for maybe 15 minutes or so even if no milk comes out. It sends signals to your brain and in return you get more supply It worked really well for me when my milk got low.

I've heard that stinging nettle tea increases milk supply and I think you can go to any health store and ask for tea or pills to increase it.

Good luck

freckleonear

Kina and Phexia have given you some great advice. You're doing really well, keep it up, and let us know how it goes!

Mango

Hi ladies, since I started trying to wean her off formula and reintroduce my breast she's become VERY fussy and cries a lot. I feel like maybe I'm making a bad decision. I'm not sure what to do, should I keep going? She's constantly upset, even after I give her the bottle.