Relactating fenugreek; help.

rebeccarouse27

I exclusively bf'ed until about a month and a half ago, Madison will be 5 months on the 20th. I had a very weak support system refer to my last post about the mil from hell and ended up going with formula. I am so mad at myself for giving up, I want to cry. I have been googling the crap out of fenugreek and how to relactate, and from what I've read/been told, it's entirely possible. Has anyone ever chose to go back to breastfeeding after formula? Or used fenugreek? I pumped for a few minutes yesterday and got quite a few drops from each side. I put baby on both sides today and she latched with no problem, and i started my prenatals again yesterday as well. Am I crazy? I planned on getting the fenugreek today, but wanted some input first. TIA.

pinkmoonlight

I have never tried to re-lactate however it is possible. It maybe helpful to talk to the mom's on the breastfeeding board. I am sure there is someone who has or had re-lactated at one point. What I do know is that if you want to re-lactate you will need to pump/breastfeed often.

I have taken Fenugreek and it worked to increase my supply. 

rebeccarouse27

Thank you.

kcircell

Good luck ; Don't have any specific advise, but fingers crossed it works for you

bellelamb

I would post on the breast feeding board, there are women over there who have done it.

notallisonmarie22

I was able to relactate with Fenugreek.  It worked for about 2 weeks before my supply dwindled again.  Good luck to you.  I would reach out to a LC for some support and advice were I you.

bellelamb

Have you figured out your mil issues?? Do you have a good support system now? It's going to be a lot of work to go back to bfing your going to need support if not from your family I'd suggest finding a bfing group in your area,

wedsept

I haven't relactated.  But, I had a low supply in the beginning.  The only thing that helped is domeridone. You can take 2 pills 3 X a day.  You can buy it at inhousepharmacy.biz.  You also have to keep pumping after each feeding. 

kami1977

I would definitely contact an IBCLC lactation consultant or you local LA Leche League to get some support and help. Based on my understanding of how it works you would probably have a good chance at having a full supply.

JuliaJAG

I tried everything to relactate (I hadn't stopped completely, but my supply had dropped to just a couple of oz./day) and the only thing that worked for me was domperidone... I didn't ever get back above 10-12 oz./day, BUT, I also found out I was pg again (!), so I have a strong hunch that's why my supply never got back up to what it was.

Since you're still getting a few drops, assuming you don't get pregnant, it will probably work for you! Also make sure to drink plenty of fluids, eat oatmeal and flax seed, get a diet high in B vitamins, and get yourself on a crazy pumping schedule for the next couple of weeks to jump-start things. 

BTW, even if you can only get back to a few ounces/day, that is still WONDERFUL for LO because of all the antibodies... especially as we approach cold/flu season. Don't get discouraged if you can't feed LO exclusively... literally every drop will help your baby. My new baby is due in March and I'm actually hoping to produce enough that I can give our first baby breast milk again... even small amounts are just so good for them.