After 6 Weeks of Not Breastfeeding Can I Start Again??

Updated on August 22, 2011
C.L. asks from Kissimmee, FL
4 answers

I was breastfeeding my son even though he was tounge tied, I had to stop tought because it was starting to get very painful (he cut me open). He just had his tounge clipped this week and I would love to start breastfeeding again, I still have milk (when I squeeze my breast). I was hoping that if I started back more milk would come back in.

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So What Happened?

Thank you guys sooo much!!! I ended up feeding him twice yesterday, each time was only about 15 minutes but he latched on without any problems at all. Im excited to get starting again, all your advise was very helpful!

More Answers

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S.C.

answers from Des Moines on

YES you can relactate and get him back on the breast. You may not be able to rebuild your supply totally depending on how good it was before, what age he was when you stopped, etc, But you should be able to make it a considerable part of his intake. I wouldn't worry about the taste-- breast milk tastes SO much better than formula!

HOWEVER, I would STRONGLY advise working with a La Leche League leader/group (you can find one here: http://www.llli.org/webus.html) and/or a lactation consultant while you do it. AND be sure you count the wet diapers -- if enough's coming OUT then you know enough is going IN.

1 mom found this helpful

J.M.

answers from Orlando on

Yes, definitely! Breast milk functions on demand-creates-supply so the more you nurse, the more milk you will make! Keeping track of wet diapers is a great idea, too, and if you want to pump every once in a while that will give you an idea of how much you are producing. Good luck!!

1 mom found this helpful
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R.P.

answers from Cleveland on

i would pump and feed him the milk and then once he was healed try the breast again but i dont think quitting cold turkey and then waiting 6 weeks to start again it will work because he wont be used to the breast milk taste

P.M.

answers from Tampa on

absolutely!! latch him right on, get him used to the breast again. You may have more issues with nipple confusion than actually relactating. Look at www.llli.org, www.kellymom.com and www.drjacknewman.com. Also don't feel embarrassed or stupid to ask for help from the local Le Leche League or IBCLCs, CLCs or LCs!!

If you have a pump... try to pump every 2-3 hours to stimulate production more... if you don't have a pump, buy a cheapie manual one.

***ADDED***
Since you too live in FL, most Dept of Health WICs will have a FREE IBCLC (the Master's degree Lactation Consultant and the best!) on site! Call the WIC dept near you to see which Dept is the hub for Lactation. They can even allow free hospital grade pump rentals to those serious about breastfeeding!

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