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Thread: Relactation

  1. #1
    God/dess kitty260's Avatar
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    Default Relactation

    So, it turns out that munchkin is allergic to cows milk protein and lactose intolerant and probably a whole bunch of other things which basically eliminated just about every formula on the market including soy based ones. We have her on Nutramigen now, which fixed her tummy ailments but now she's decided that she doesn't like the taste and refuses to drink it. We've been force feeding her for the last two weeks but I'm sick of the screaming and fighting with her. She's also losing weight because she's not eating enough. She irritable as fuck because she's always hungry but won't eat any of the Nutramigen until she's absolutely STARVING and even then she'll only drink an ounce or so willingly before we have to force it into her. She literally gags on it and more then once I've managed to successfully get four ounces into her which she promptly gags on and vomits back up again. The doctor recommended giving her water just to fill her up and keep her quiet but that's not going to help her gain weight. She's still too little for rice cereal and frankly, I'm afraid to give her any because she has so many stomach problems. Even though this Nutramigen is supposed to be hypoallergenic she still has explosive diarrea several times a day so I'm starting to wonder if there 's something physically wrong with her.

    So, even though I really don't have the time to do it, I think I'm going to have to give her breastmilk. The problem is that my milk supply sucked at the beginning and never really improved. Little one never got the hang of nursing and I could never pump enough out so I said fuck it and let it dry up. Now I have to try to get it back and be able to produce (eventually) 30 ounces a day to sustain her. Is this impossible?

    Seriously, has anyone been successful in relactating even if you never produced much in the beginning? This kid seriously cannot tolerate formula and I can't tolerate the screaming and fighting with her all the time.
    \

  2. #2
    God/dess phillyvixen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    im not sure if its possible but i want to give you some hugs
    I can't imagine how frustrating this is for both of you
    Hang in there!



    Quote Originally Posted by Hatshepsut View Post
    Tell him that he's a load his mom should have swallowed.

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    Veteran Member Daisa's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Wow. We went through almost the exact same thing with my son as a baby. Have you tried a formula called Alimentum? When my son was a baby, I had to quit nursing due to a breast infection that clogged my milk ducts. It's called mastitis. Soo painful. But anyways, when we put my little boy on formula he got so sick. I'm talking diarrhea like you would not believe. Overnight he was basically emaciated. When I took him to the hospital they could not even find a blood pressure, my little one was so sick. I had a pediatrician with the audacity to accuse me of not feeding my child. By that night, they discovered that he had a type of chemical imbalance. That doctor profusely apologized and they transferred him to UVA medical center and proceeded to perform every medical test known to man performed on him for weeks. They kept switching his formulas, but the bloody diarrhea persisted. The doctors could not figure out what was wrong. He had to have so much fluids that a central line was inserted to prevent having to stick him every time. Ended up having 4 blood transfusions. 3 weeks later it was discovered he had a milk protein allergy. Unbelievable that doctors of this caliber could not figure that out. So they put him on Alimentum and finally he could eat and hold it down. A week and a half later he was released. Unfortunately being so sick really affected his muscular development and he had to spend a month in in-patient rehabilitation.

    Today he is a completely healthy and normal 9 year old.

    Just thought I'd share my story. That formula was a literal life-saver for my baby.


    Last edited by Daisa; 03-07-2008 at 12:21 PM. Reason: sp
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  4. #4
    God/dess kitty260's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Yeah, we tried Alimentum too. She won't eat that either. I don't blame her really, this hypoallergenic formula smells like vomit and probably tastes like it too. It is pretty gross, but she has to eat SOMETHING. She's losing weight and we don't want her to end up in the hospital for dehydration again because she's got the squirts so badly. She was SO ill on regular formula but she loved it and ate it happily, then proceeded to scream in pain all night and constantly gouge at her eyes because it gave her eczema on her eyelids and brows so badly. Now we try to feed her formula that agrees with her and she won't eat it because it tastes yucky. We're literally stuck right now until she outgrows these allergies but that can be months and I can't take this anymore. I'm at the end of my rope. I don't know what I'm going to do if I can't get my milk supply to come back, and I don't think it's going to happen now since it didn't even come in before.
    \

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    Veteran Member Daisa's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Quote Originally Posted by kitty260 View Post
    Yeah, we tried Alimentum too. She won't eat that either. I don't blame her really, this hypoallergenic formula smells like vomit and probably tastes like it too. It is pretty gross, but she has to eat SOMETHING. She's losing weight and we don't want her to end up in the hospital for dehydration again because she's got the squirts so badly. She was SO ill on regular formula but she loved it and ate it happily, then proceeded to scream in pain all night and constantly gouge at her eyes because it gave her eczema on her eyelids and brows so badly. Now we try to feed her formula that agrees with her and she won't eat it because it tastes yucky. We're literally stuck right now until she outgrows these allergies but that can be months and I can't take this anymore. I'm at the end of my rope. I don't know what I'm going to do if I can't get my milk supply to come back, and I don't think it's going to happen now since it didn't even come in before.
    You're right. It has a horrible smell. But for some babies it is the only way they can eat.

    I wish you luck.
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  6. #6
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Relactation

    I don't know if the proteins and everything are different, but have you looked into goat milk? My baby brother wasn't gaining weight on formula or cow milk when he was little, so my mom tried goat milk until he was old enough for solid food and he thrived on it. Your daughter might be allergic to it too, I don't know, but it would be worth investigating.

  7. #7
    ajbaer
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    Default Re: Relactation

    I love alimentum. As I said in another thread, I'm not a mom but was a nanny for several years. It is Similac's version of Nutranigen (sp?) and is slightly less expensive. You're DR. probably will tell you otherwise because Enfamil brand SOO runs your pediatricians office. It is horrible. Anyways.. I would try it. One of the babies I worked with was on the Enfamil and switched to Similac because he didn't like the taste either. Also, what bottles are you using..that can make a difference as well. I recommend Dr. Browns or Playtex(shit I can't remember which one it's called...it has holes in the bottom of the bottle and a plastic insert that also has holes...also is called natural shape) I hope that helps.

  8. #8
    ajbaer
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    Default Re: Relactation

    ^^sorry take all that back. I didn't read your above post. I don't know about this, but can you mix formulas? I never have, but if you can could she get half the flavor she likes, and half she needs? I don't know if this would work...but worth a shot if it's OK. What has your pediatrician said about it?

  9. #9
    ajbaer
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Quote Originally Posted by Daisa View Post
    Wow. We went through almost the exact same thing with my son as a baby. Have you tried a formula called Alimentum? When my son was a baby, I had to quit nursing due to a breast infection that clogged my milk ducts. It's called mastitis. Soo painful. But anyways, when we put my little boy on formula he got so sick. I'm talking diarrhea like you would not believe. Overnight he was basically emaciated. When I took him to the hospital they could not even find a blood pressure, my little one was so sick. I had a pediatrician with the audacity to accuse me of not feeding my child. By that night, they discovered that he had a type of chemical imbalance. That doctor profusely apologized and they transferred him to UVA medical center and proceeded to perform every medical test known to man performed on him for weeks. They kept switching his formulas, but the bloody diarrhea persisted. The doctors could not figure out what was wrong. He had to have so much fluids that a central line was inserted to prevent having to stick him every time. Ended up having 4 blood transfusions. 3 weeks later it was discovered he had a milk protein allergy. Unbelievable that doctors of this caliber could not figure that out. So they put him on Alimentum and finally he could eat and hold it down. A week and a half later he was released. Unfortunately being so sick really affected his muscular development and he had to spend a month in in-patient rehabilitation.

    Today he is a completely healthy and normal 9 year old.

    Just thought I'd share my story. That formula was a literal life-saver for my baby.


    I'm shocked they didn't figure that out right away. Usually diahrrea especially with blood is the Tell-Tale sign of milk protein intolerance. Not only that, but how dare they accuse you of starving your child...jerks. I'm glad it's figured out for you.

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  11. #11
    ajbaer
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Other things I've thought of....
    Is the nipple the correct size? If not she may be getting the milk she is swallowing too fast, which can cause horrid gas as well as gagging afterwards. Maybe she's gagging because it's too fast, not because she doesn't like the taste. Just something I thought I'd check on. Also is she violently throwing up after only a few ounces? If so maybe they should check for a disorder in the esophageal flap. I can't remember what it's called, but some babies just can't control it opening and closing and it can cause real issues.

  12. #12
    God/dess kitty260's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Quote Originally Posted by ajbaer View Post
    ^^sorry take all that back. I didn't read your above post. I don't know about this, but can you mix formulas? I never have, but if you can could she get half the flavor she likes, and half she needs? I don't know if this would work...but worth a shot if it's OK. What has your pediatrician said about it?
    I thought of that too but she'd still be getting the milk protein she's allergic too. She loves the taste of milk based formulas but turns up her nose at the hypoallergenic ones.

    Quote Originally Posted by StrawberrySwitchblade View Post
    Like I wasn't capable of that. I just want to hear a first hand account from someone who knows the exact situation....OBVIOUSLY.

    Quote Originally Posted by ajbaer View Post
    Other things I've thought of....
    Is the nipple the correct size? If not she may be getting the milk she is swallowing too fast, which can cause horrid gas as well as gagging afterwards. Maybe she's gagging because it's too fast, not because she doesn't like the taste. Just something I thought I'd check on. Also is she violently throwing up after only a few ounces? If so maybe they should check for a disorder in the esophageal flap. I can't remember what it's called, but some babies just can't control it opening and closing and it can cause real issues.
    We've been using the same bottles and anti colic nipples the entire time. We use NurturePure glass bottles. She never used to throw up! This is all new since we started on Nutramigen. She was on Nestle GoodStart first, and then the doctor gave us samples of GoodStart soy, a few different kinds of Enfamil, some Similac Senstitive....no differences. It was the eczema that tipped us off about the allergy. I'm so choked to admit it to myself but I really think I'll have to buckle down and start giving her breastmilk.
    \

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    Default Re: Relactation

    I dont have any direct experience but I know re lactating is hard work but defiantly possible and I would say defiantly worth the hard work if it is your child's health and well being. Here is a link to a yahoo group that ius all about donating breastmilk, I believe they could give you some solid help in how to go about re lactating. Goodluck to you and your little one. It must be so difficult and frightening not being able to get her to eat.

    ETAps here is the url I forgot to put in the link: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MilkShare/
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    Banned jasmine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Keep putting her to the breast, at least every hour and don't give her anything else to suck on including pacifiers. Your milk will come back in. Try pumpin as soon as she is done nursing, you won't really express much, but the extra stimulation will help things along. If in a couple of days you don't see a dramatic improvement call your OB, they can give you a prescription that will help (Matilium, Maxolin, I think).

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    God/dess kitty260's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Okay, I'm going to go put her on the breast after I'm done typing this. I already took my pump to our new place but I'll dig it out tomorrow. Frankly, I'm scared to take her suckie away because she loves it so much, but I'm going to teach her to love the tit. She has no choice, I'm bigger then she is. Ha ha.

    Ugh. I have to laugh right now or I'll cry. This is brutal. First the surgery, then the infection, then Ash couldn't latch or suck properly, now she's allergic to the formula. I've had such a shitty run of luck in the last two months.
    \

  16. #16
    MsQwerty
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Its possible, good luck! (-:
    My friend swore by carrot juice to increase milk supply when she had problems. It certainly cant hurt to try it.

  17. #17
    God/dess kitty260's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    I'm so worried about this. My milk supply sucked at the very beginning. I was lucky to pump an ounce from both breasts combined. So now I have to not only bring back a dried up milk supply, but improve on it enough to exclusively feed a baby that's going to be three months old by then. I'd have so much more faith in this working if I'd gotten enough milk in the beginning.

    She was screaming again and refused to eat to I put her on the breast and only succeeded in making her so angry and hysterical that she cried herself blue in the face, literally.
    \

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    Default Re: Relactation

    The thing is about milk supply, the more they suck the more milk you make. That's basically it. I mean things like exhaustion also factor in, so if you haven't been well that wouldn't help. But yeah if she is sucking when ever she is hungry it wont take long for your boobs to make as much milk as she is suckling for... (once your supply comes back)

    I'm in Australia so I don't know what services to recommend, but I'm sure if you ring up your hospital they might be able to refer you to a lactation specialist who can help you and bubbs learn how to attach better and also maybe some tips for bringing the milk in.

    When she is back on the boob you can give her back her dummy! My bubbs eats then has her dummy to settle sometimes after. Good luck!!
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Aw just reread your post properly, it must be incredibly stressful for you. I dont know if it's any help but try flattening your nipple into a "sandwich" and pocking it right in her mouth, tickling her tongue with it. When my bubbs screams sometimes that helps her calm down, then its the same shape as her dummy you know, and hitting the same parts of her mouth. Gut um be careful, I accidentally gagged my bubbs a couple of times shoving it in.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    God/dess kitty260's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    It's so stressful. We don't know what to do with her. She's so lethargic right now from not eating enough. SO managed to get an ounce of watered down rice cereal into her before she cried herself out. The no-milk thing is like a family curse. My mom had the same problem where her milk never came in at all and then it happened to me too. I'm desperate now. I have to get a decent milk supply in or I'm so afraid that she's going to get really sick from not eating.
    \

  21. #21
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Relactation

    If it's gotten that desperate and goat milk isn't an option, have you thought about outsourcing to a nursemaid? Do you know anyone else who's pregnant or breastfeeding who can feed your child for you? Most women produce enough for two babies if two babies are drinking it. I realize it's not as socially popular as it used to be, but it could be a solution.

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    Default Re: Relactation

    Lalech toll free number for the states, 24 hour support for nursing mothers...
    8774525324... maybe they can help with some support.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Veteran Member TheLioness's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    Kitty, I haven't read every post in this thread but I can certainly understand your frusterations about milk supply. I basically had no milk without the help of certain herbs. It's been a while, so I'm trying to think of what else I took, but I know I took fenugreek and it worked very very well. I remember that because the pediatrician could not believe how much milk I was pumping during the day and said that she was lucky if she got 1/3 of that amount, and she wrote down the herbs so that SHE could take them. The fenugreek works for increasing supply, and I took another one to increase the fat content (I *think* it was marshmallow root but that purpose didn't show up in my searches).

    I don't know what kind of pump you're using but I know that for me, the only one that really worked to get the milk going again was one that I rented from the hospital. It was so much stronger than the $300 pump that I wasted money on. Back then (5 years ago) I think I paid $30 a month for the use of the pump. Good luck

    http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_abo...fenugreek.html

    I guess I should add that I had *stopped* lactating and given up when I tried the fenugreek and super strong pump.

  24. #24
    God/dess kitty260's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    I'm going to make an appointment with a LLL consultant for Monday. My mom is coming out tomorrow and staying the week so we can concentrate on the move and I'll have time to see the specialists and pump.

    I called the hospital I delivered at and the only donor milk available is for sick babies, so basically Ash has to get ill enough to be admitted before she's eligible for the milk. I don't even know where to begin looking for a wet nurse. My only other friend who lives in the city and had a newborn had the same trouble I did and formula feeds...except her baby isn't allergic to everything on the planet.

    The whole point in switching her formula was because she had diarrea all the time. She's been on the new hypoallergenic one for more then a week now and she still has it, so I'm really starting to think that its just formula in general that she can't tolerate.
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    God/dess kitty260's Avatar
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    Default Re: Relactation

    I'm not usually one for herbal treatments, but I need a milk supply and I need it quickly. There's a drugstore beside my new place. I'm going to make a point of zipping over there tomorrow and buying some of this fenugreek you speak of.
    \

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