Has anyone successfully relactated?

Kguinn2410

The first 2 weeks of BF, my daughter screamed and cried constantly. I decided to exclusively pump for both of our sanity, but that only lasted a month because not only could I barely keep up with her, the demands of my other child and family life weren't leaving me much time to pump. To top it all off, I was experiencing ppd and severe anxiety and I finally had to talk to my dr and get some help. It was a rough first 12 weeks, to say the least. However, I now feel like I have turned a corner and am so guilt ridden because I quit nursing. I just cry every time I think about it and I would give anything to be able to get that precious time back. Any advice or thoughts?

lovelypaula

Join a local LLL group if you haven't already. Takinga warm bath with LO ive heard numerous personal stories from friends that this helped their baby latch from the skin to skin. You can look up some great recipes for lactation cookies & also start taking fenugreek and other supplements to aid in breast milk production. These are just a few common things mothers do, but I think an LLL group would really help with tips and support. They are so supportive. Breastfeeding is so special it's definitely worth a hard try to get it established. In my LLL group it took some moms 4 months working with their little one to finally establish a latch. Don't give up! And remember you're a great mom so sorry you had a rough beginning but it's normal and remember it all passes. I too had some ppd & have always had anxiety. I like to repeat a certain saying or quote when I feel disconnected from the world and feel like my emotions are caving in. "This will pass, emotions and thoughts are fleeting, I am a great mother". *hugs*

kettlekitten

It sounds to me like you did the best you could. Exclusively Pumping is really, really hard and even more so when you have an older child. I have been mostly pumping and have a toddler, and supply issues - the only way I have been able to continue is my dr prescribed medication to help get my supply up, otherwise I don't think I could have continued. I had PPD with my first baby so I need to make sure I take care of myself too.

The PP gave some good advice. I would start with an LC and get some practical advice from them. You should not feel guilty as it sounds like you could not have done more without sacrificing your own mental health, and you did provide breastmilk for a month which is awesome. Best of luck!

rjanice

I have no clue how to relactate which I know is your question. But I do know all about the guilt from switching to formula and wanting to be able to breastfeed now that the ppd is dealt with. I stopped nursing when LO was 4 weeks for most of the same reasons you described. Ive been fighting the guilt for over a month. I unsubscribed from multiple sites due to the guilt I feel when I read about other peoples breastfeeding journeys. One day I'll be ok with the choices I made. It was the best for us at the time. At least that's what I tell myself

Have you had any success?

princesslockness

Kguinn2410 @rjanice, You both did the best for YOU. It is important to take care of YOURSELF as well as your LO. Please don't beat yourself up over it.

If you need any ideas I know that the breastfeeding board is a wonderful resource. Here is a link:  https://forums.thebump.com/categories/breastfeeding