Relactation after 2 months off

Hello! I am hoping you can give me some advice regarding my situation. I am in need of some help with relactation, if it is even possible at this point. I have an 8 month old who was exclusiveley breastfed for the first 6 months. He was gradually switched over to formula (Similac alimentum) at 6 months for several reasons-I had a bad case of postpartum depression and had to go an antidepressant (Zoloft). I was very concerned about this medication getting to my baby through my milk. He also has a dairy/soy sensitivity issue and was constantly spitting up when he was breastfed from the dairy in my diet. Because of all of this I chose to put him on formula even though I wasn't completely sold on the idea.

My problem is now that I deeply regret doing this and I would love to be able to exclusivley breastfeed him again. Is this even possible at this point? It has been 2 months since he was breastfed last/pumped.

I did try to pump yesterday and I do get a few drops of milk when I pump. The milk though looked totally different than it did before-it was almost an orangish color and was very thick and fatty-more like a couple of "globs".

I am also worried he has become accustomed to the bottle and that I might not be able to get him to nurse. I do have a medela double electric pump. Any help would be wonderful!!

Answer from the Lactation Consultant:
Wanting to relactate is understandable. I am a depression survivor myself, so I completely feel for you.

First line of business is to make sure you begin to alter your diet to eliminate the food sensitivities.
Next you must follow a relactation protocol. I recommend the accelerated Newman -Goldfarb protocol. If you follow it strictly, you will have milk supply within 30 days.

I have seen moms use this protocol 6 months after cessation of nursing and obtain a milk supply. So, it is entirely possible.

Another important step will be to see a lactation consultant immediately who can work with you on getting the baby back on the breast. It may be simple, it may take some aids such as a nipple shield and a supplemental nurser. There is no way for me to know, but a lactation consultant can help you in person with this part.

All in all, you might get some milk by just pumping every 2-3 hours around the clock (8-12 times a day), if your cycle has not returned. But if you cycle has returned it is unlikely unless you follow the protocol.

Click here to go to the protocol page.
On a side note, the fluid you pumped today was likely NOT breastmilk, just fluid.

If it is your desire, then go for it. It will take some work, but you can do it!

I hope this helps,
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC