Am I Crazy???? - Pawtucket,RI

HI S.
You're not crazy & it's a great idea. The benifits for both you & your son are so numerous, that trying to get your milk back is definately worth trying! I'd be more than happy to help you off-list with more ideas (I am a student midwife with extensive breastfeeding knowledge & experience)I'm on my way out the door at the moment; but I can give you a few ideas to get you started. Pick up "Mother's Milk" tea from the natural section of your grocery store- I know Hannaford carries it & I believe Shaws does too.The herb blend in it is designed to boost your milk production. Keep yourself well hydrated. Offer the breast at each feeding before offering the bottle. If you have a sling, try wearing him as often as reasonable. The noises a baby makes, helps cue your body that it's time to make milk.
You're definately not crazy for wanting to try- it's a great idea- good luck!!!!
My email is ____@____.com if you want more suggestions.
D.

First of all stop beating yourself up over it, you made a decision based on what you thought was best for your family. Now if you want to try to breastfeed again your baby is still young enough and you definatly can do it!. Just keep in mind that the jealousy issue will be there and you just have to make sure that you are spending some one on one time with your 2 year old when you can and be sure to involve him in helping with the baby. Ask him to be your little helper and give him lots of praise. Mine are the same age difference as yours and I breastfed both until 14 months old so I know it can be done and it is a wonderful experience for both mother and child once you get through the rough spots. As for re-lactating, there is a wonderful site called www.kellymom.com that will give you lots of advice. You need to offer the breast frequently and have lots of skin-to-skin contact with the baby, a sling can be a lifesaver. Don't forget to drink lots of water! Good luck to you and let us know how it goes :)

Hello,
It is awsome that you want to try again...you are not crazy...have you ever gone to a La Leche League meeting? They have meetings once a month (Westfield/Southwick, Northampton, ) The women who run these meetings are so knowledgeable...they will defintely help you...I will try to get you a number or a date and time etc. of the next meetings around here...you can call the leaders anytime though for advice...Mothers milk tea is also great...you can go to "Choice Health" (Near Big Lots in Westfield, ) Sue Ann is very helpful with herbal remedies...Don't give up....email me anytime.
M. ____@____.com

Hey S.,quit beating yourself up over this,You did what was right for both your sons.You really don't want a jealous tot running around.Remember twenty years from now you'll look back and know you did right by equality in the home.As for restarting to breastfeed-ouchy,Never did it,heard of it.Try having somebuddy sucking on a breast gone dry.I repeat,OUCHY.Good job trying on both. Some Moms don't even try! Good luck.
A. W.

Hi S.,

You've already received some great advice, but I have two things to add.

First, I definitely recommend contacting La Leche League for help on resuming breastfeeding. The main website is http://www.laleche.org/ where you can look up the local meeting location & contact info for the local leaders.

Also, I have personally used Fenugreek capsules to help me keep up my milk supply during the 9-1/2 months that I've been breastfeeding my daughter. It's an herbal supplement that comes in capsule form, and it does the same thing as the Mother's Milk tea but in a stronger version. It's been especially helpful when my daughter has had growth spurts or when my supply temporarily decreased due to stress. I get mine in the organic/natural section at the Hannaford's in Nashua.

Good luck!

I am a breastfeeding mom. Although, I never gave it up I do have great contact with my lactation consultants, and she has told me that it is possible to lactate again. When me son was born he was small weighing in at 6lbs 11oz and by the time he was 12weeks he was already 16lbs. He grew quickly! I had a hard time keeping my supply up then. My LC told me to pump every 3 hours to get it up a bit. I wish I had some advice for you on the whole jealousy thing your 2 year old is having. I thought my son surely would be jealous and want to nurse when my daughter was born. He was ok though. My LC suggested that if he did get jealous then sit him next to me with his sippy and a snack when I nursed, so he felt some what more involved. I hope everything works out for you and good luck!