I was wondering if anymone has went back to breast feeding after drying up, to help there childs reflux? If so did it help? Was it worth it? How did you do it?

I have not personally done this (as I was lucky enough to be able to b'feed all throughout B's infancy); however, I weaned her almost 2 months ago b/c I am pregnant again. There have been days that I have really wanted to start nursing again--I really feel it was soothing to her when her reflux flared.

That being said, I am *pretty* sure you can relactate after you've stopped nursing. I think that if you continue to have your baby stimulate your letdown response, the milk might come in again (albeit slowly). I do remember reading this and I'll see if I can get you the article.

:-)

I have some info for you...hang on, as I'll be editing for the next few mins. to add a few links:

This gives info on how/why it can be done:
http://pregnancy.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=pregnancy&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lact-aid.com%2Frpt025.htm

A bit more of the same:
http://pregnancy.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=pregnancy&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.artofbreastfeeding.com%2Frelac t.html

A more step-by-step guide:
http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/breast/exjl20.htm

Another step-by-step guide with answers to questions, too:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1782

yes i did this when alexys was a few months old. i dont have time to go into detal right now...give me a few hours and i will tell my story. it definetely CAN be done, but it is EXTREMELY hard and requires endless dedication.

Hi, it can be done I know, but is extremely time consuming and difficult. I would get in contact with a lactation consultant, you are definitely going to need their help. You will probably need some reglan or domperidone to get things going. I have some good links for you, but I am not on my laptop right now. I will be back later with a couple sites that have some support boards for you. Looks like Mary posted some great info too!

Amy, when you have time, I have a few questions for you? How long had you stopped before you relactated? Were you completely dried up? Do you think it was worth it, did it help your baby? Thanks

I don't really have much help to offer but, I just want to say it's worth it even if only just for your own sanity, and piece of mind.

I didn't re-lactate successfully, and I am still struggling with all the emotions I had/have about not nursing him longer (what if? I should have tried... etc), but I also didn't have any help. Talk to your doctor, find an LC whatever help you have available.

I just wanted to offer some encouragement, and let you know that you have someone here rooting for ya!!!

Whatever you decide to do (it is difficult) and whatever the outcome may be I wish you ALL the best.

Oh and try posting your question here
http://dgroups.americanbaby.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=rsngbabies

I know there are lot's of re lactaters that will be able to offer even more help to you

Thanks Minnie, I am still debating on what to do. I am scared that if I did relactate something in my diet might cause him to do worse. I wish I would have never quit, but like you I din't really have much support even Ty's Ped. told me to just switch to bottles. See my son was in the NICU for 8 days after he was born for resp. distress and I started pumping for him then, but it was hard to pump the 10-12 times a day when I was a t the hospital and stressing out because I didn't know if he was okay. Then when he first came home he had a hard time latching on because I hadn't been able to nurse him the first 8 days and he had bottles. But I stuck with it even though I thought about quitting because it hurt so bad. Then he wanted to nurse every hour and it was so hard and I felt like I wasn't making enough milk and started supplementing him. And as he grew his supplements grew, then the doctor said I should just switch to formula. And all the papers I had recieved from the lactation consultant said that if you hadn't built your milk supply up by the 2 week mark it would be impossible. Then I had surgery and my son had surgery for hernias the next day so I just gave up. And I am really regreting it now. He will be my last and I just miss that bond. But anyways, thanks again for the encouragement.

ok, i relactated when alexys was around 6 mos old i think....she hadnt been breastfed for about 3-4mos. what i did was pump EVERY 2-3 hrs around the clock, yes even in the middle of the night....i also took fenugreek, drank mothers milk tea, and had LOTS of skin to skin contact. the rule of thumb is that it will take as long as you havnt nursed to get your milk back. (3 months since nursing equals 3 months until supply comes back) yes i think it helped, unfortunately i just couldnt keep up with the demands of pumping anymore, because alexys was so sick. she had a total breast aversion at that point, so i didnt think she would every latch on again (although she finally did around 10 mos old when i was pregnant,when i didnt really want her too lol) also she had/has so many food allergies, that it was hard to know if i could eat anything or if she would react to it. that being said, i can tell you that when i stopped breastfeeding her when she was around 2-3 mos old, is when she got REALLY bad. she was a silent refluxer until i started formula, then when she took formula all she did was puke. she lost TONS of weight, became FTT, all because I couldnt keep anything down her. i didnt have this problem on breastmilk. i am also going through the same thing with my son, he cant tolerate anything besides breastmilk or he just vomits like crazy. Breastmilk is definetly better, but its a long hard road to relactate, and you have to be totally dedicated to doing it, and you have to have a really good pump. also there is no guarantee that you will ever be able to totally get enough milk to breastfeed only, you may still have to supplement. but any breastmilk, is better than none. if you have more questions on how to do it, id be more than happy to share with you. good luck!

If you are serious about doing this I would really really suggest getting some domperidone. Herbal supplements like fenugreek and blessed thissle just won't cut it usually when you are trying to relactate. Unfortunately, domperidone is hard to get your hands on because there was a warning issued on it. It has been used for nursing mothers for a long time, the warning stemmed from when it was used in the 70's through IV's on very high doses. The gov't didn't take the time or money to look into any further. I used it myself for low supply.

Hungry baby....let me know if you want more info.

yes i forgot about dom and reglan, both used for milk supply...the only problem with dom is it isnt prescribed in the us so you have to buy it off of a website.

it also wont just create a supply on its own, you have to use it with religious pumping or nursing.

Good point Amy.....I may have made it sound like all you had to was take it, definitely not the case. You have to also become a nursing or pumping machine.

Breastmilk is much easier on their tummies and definitely does help with the reflux, so it would definitely be worth it to give it a shot. What does baby do when you put him/her to breast?? Some babies once they don't nurse for a certain amount of time won't nurse again others seem to never forget.

Edited to add....I also have a website where you can order the domperidone at a reasonable price.

He ahsn't forgotten, he still latches on, but then gets mad after a couple of minutes when nothing is coming out. What is the website where I can order that? Thank you!

That is great he still latches. I would invest in a SNS a supplemental nursing system. It's worn around your neck and you can put formula in it and it attaches to your nipple that way he can actually get something from there and is stimulating your milk production at the same time.

Here is a link for that http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/accessories.html#SNS.

I have never personally used one but I know they are good for relactating especially if your little one will still nurse.

I will have to get you that website for the domperidone tomorrow. I for the life of me cannot remember it. I emailed a friend who I know has it, so I will get it to you when I get it. It is a place in New Zealand and is like global something.com.

I would also call your LLL and try and see if they could hook you up with a mentor or someone who has been in your shoes.