I was one who didn’t have sufficient breastmilk and baby was already put on formula very early on to supplement his feeding. I did whatever I could to try to increase supply but when baby started to weane on his own since I got back to work, it went downhill. After a while of trying to keep it up, I gave up and stopped expressing.
And so I thought that was that.
But recently, I was so surprise to find that I’m still lactating. When I was trying so hard to keep up with breastfeeding, I didn’t seem to have any milk. And now, some 7 months since I stopped trying, it’s still there!
I would love to be able to express it if I can. But I’m not sure if baby would still agree with it after being fully on formula and solid food now. Besides, I’ve also been consuming whatever I want, including tea and coffee which contain caffeine. It may not be as healthy for baby.
Is this a common thing, to be still lactating months after you’ve stopped breastfeeding? And if I want to keep it up now, can I still make it?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
It's ironic that I found this post… because I was wondering the exact same thing myself! My son was born a year ago in june (07) and he was a nicu baby and i pumped for some 3 & 1/2 months and then pumped and fed for another 3-4 months after he came home. I took some things prescribed and over the counter to help keep up my very limited supply… and eventually I just couldn't supply enough. I worked my butt off trying to keep my supply for so long… pumping literally every 3 hours for what seemed like an eternity. My results were insulting, but nonetheless, he was so premature that it was still a big difference. I stopped pumping in January this year and here it is September and I still lactate. Doesn't seem like it will ever go away… So you're definitely not alone here!
Hi Nicu-Mom, it’s good to know I’m not the odd mother out! You don’t want to keep trying since you’re still lactating? It’s a lot of hardwork, I agree…Anyway, I’ve moved and you can visit me at my new blog at www.lifeasamummy.com next time.