Relactation. Is it real?

Hi, all.

I’ve got a 4-weeker, born via unplanned c-section. We had to start supplementing with donor milk even before we left the hospital because he dropped quite a bit of weight, but I've been feeding and/or pumping since then (either triple feeding or pumping and supplementing [my milk and/or formula - mostly formula]). My supply was also downregulated, largely because he wasn't transferring much from the start and would fall asleep. But I've been removing breast milk consistently since birth. Twice I pumped 2 oz.! I’m using the hospital-grade pump.

His latch has been terrible from the start and my nipples were damaged, so the LC has recommended I use a shield when I need it with the goal of getting off the shield. Then they were so damaged that the LC recommended I just pump and supplement every 2-3 hours. My supply has remained poor but it's been dropping dramatically over the past 1.5 weeks. Last Wed. I pumped 286 mL in one today and yesterday I pumped 58. He had tongue- and lip-tie revisions on Monday with incremental improvements in his latch, so I've been putting him to breast a couple times per day in addition to pumping (counting the breast times as one of my 8-10 for the day). He is also getting craniosacral therapy.

The LC says that I am on a relaxation plan with the 8-10 times per day. I’m just not seeing any results. I just pumped 5 mL total.

I’ve done it all- power pumping (10/10/10 and 10/10/30) massage (I hate breast massage!), supplements (currently goats rue, moringa, shatavari); I’m in the US so I couldn’t get domperidone for weeks even if I wanted and am kinda wary of it. Plus ordering rx online skeeves me out. How do I know it’s legit? ( yes, I joined that fb group)

I’m trying to meditate (I just fall asleep). I’m eating well and drinking water all the time. My breasts are no longer filling and are soft and flaccid. My nipples are slightly bruised from pumping (I’ve ordered a smaller flange to get a better fit).

I’m just so broken about this and really doubt I’m gonna be able to make milk again. Have you ever heard of someone actually re-lactating? Were they up shit creek without a paddle as much as I am?

All I want to do is provide breast milk to my babe. I’m heartbroken. And also angry that I’ve, perhaps, been on the wrong course.

lots of grammar edits cuz it's the middle of the night and i'm despondent