Baby back to breast...possible or not?

Hey all,

This is kinda a long story, but I'll try to cut it short.
My little girl has been breast-fed since birth, we've had a number of problems including incorrect latching for almost 6 weeks (ugh) and a MASSIVE oversupply.
Anyway, things sorta settled (over supply was still a problem, but we were coping) and I was feeding her AT the breast, until I (somewhat unexpectedly) went back to work quite a bit earlier than I had planned. So she started having feeds of expressed milk...she started to prefer them, so she was having expressed feeds about 90% of the time.

Now, I was kinda unsure about going back to work, and after only a short time I decided I wasn't ready and I wanted to stay home with my baby and toddler for longer. All good, that went fine...
But my baby only wants to be fed via bottle now.
I know it was unrealistic to expect it, but I was really hoping she would take to the breast again, but she just refuses! She doesn't seem to understand the breast anymore, won't open her mouth or anything no matter how hungry she is. Naturally I don't want to push it, in case it puts her off even further!

Help! Is it even possible to get a baby back to the breast when they refuse so profusely? She really doesn't seem to know what to do anymore. It has been a number of weeks now.
I will contact a lactation consultant next week, but I was hoping for some feedback from some ladies here while I wait to be able to contact someone.

Also, I've had re occurring breast infections, and even though I'm doing everything I'm supposed to, sterilising equipment, draining the breast etc...I keep getting them.
I really can't work out why, but it has something to do with expressing (and I AM fully draining the breast, I know I am) because I never got them whilst feeding normally.

Any advice anyone can give would be appreciated, I really don't want to stop giving my baby breast-milk, but how possible is getting her back to the breast? I know I'll be able to express feed until 6 months, but I'd like to go longer (at least 1 year) and feeding 'normally' is the only I'll be able to achieve that...

Sorry, looks like I gave you all the long version after all lol.

I'm not sure about the latching part, probably best to see an LC and go from there. With the infections a pump can never empty the breast as well as a baby so that will be part of the problem but what you can do to help would be to apply heat whilst you express, a wheat pack or hot flannel will do, the other thing is to keep your top half warm as the warmer you are the thinner the breastmilk is, if you get cold it thickens up and is more likely to cause infections (this was what my mw told me).

Good luck with the LC.

Have you checked out kellymom website, it's an awesome site with heaps of breastfeeding tips and advice. I had a quick look but couldn't see anything on getting nursing established again, but i'm sure there will be something.

www.kellymom.com

Good luck!

We had to use nipple shields for the first 4 weeks (or there abouts). Because of this Harper would take a bottle no problem either and I believe it's because the feeling is the same. I'm wondering if maybe you could start a breast feed using a nipple shield and then whip it off half way through, or try the breast first and if it doesn't happen put a shield on and then try taking it off later. That was how we worked with Harper to get him off and then eventually he got the hang of it and was away laughing. This way you wouldn't have to change positions or anything so your baby is at the breast. Nipple shields aren't ideal but it may help. Just a thought anyway.

Just thought I would update this post, I would have earlier but my internet was out for a while...

Well, been trying to consistently offer her the breast before a feed, and as 'comfort' as well.
Yesterday she finally nuzzled around and sucked for 15 seconds or so, but no such luck since. However that reluctant interest has given me heart to keep trying, so fingers crossed!

It's quite tiring though, expressing is taking me about 30 minutes now as my milk supply appears to have dropped since I had the breast infections. Then I have to feed her via bottle, which because she is teething (which is so not helping! LOL) is also taking a while at times...and then I spend a while trying her at the breast at and between feeds. I'm hoping it all pays off in the end.

Have tried the nipples shields, didn't appear to make a difference.

Thanks for all the replies!

I would strongly urge you to see a lactation consultant.

Cheryl Benn is the only registered and certified lactation consultant in Palmerston North - Phone: (06) 359 5024, Mobile: (027) 203 2930 email: cherylbenn@paradise.net.nz.

It is possible, and will take time and patience to do so.

I pump a couple of my son's feeds each day, as I study and work full-time. I've had infective mastitis a couple of times, the first time caused by a shallow latch, cracked nipples and a infection in my c-section scar. The second time was due to a residual infection. I would suggest that you do breast compressions and massage the breast while pumping, this will help it drain more. Using a hot flannel on your breast while pumping will also help with drainage.

May I also ask what sort of breast pump you are using? Medela are the best to use, due to the two phase expression. As you are working, you are best to go for the Pump In Style, which can pump both breasts at the same time.

A nursing 'vacation' may also help, where it is just you and your baby for a couple of days in bed. Lots of skin to skin contact, and offering the breast at every opportunity. Ask your partner/husband to look after the house while you do this.

While you are relatching, do anyway with dummies. This will mean that your baby will have to meet its sucking needs from the breast, and will help immensly with relatching.

I will also recommend the kellymom.com website for info. There is also a breastfeeding community on Livejournal, which is moderated by a couple of lactation consultants, and the members are fantastic for support: http://community.livejournal.com/breastfeeding/profile

Yay, that's AWESOME!!! Go you!

That sounds very promising, congrats!!