Relactation

Relactation is when you start breastfeeding again after you have stopped for a while. You may have stopped for a few days, weeks, or even months. Relactation means reestablishing or building up your milk supply. This takes time, effort, and patience. But with help and support from a certified lactation consultant, it may be an option. Read on to learn more.

There are many reasons why you may want to try relactation, such as:

• You chose not to breastfeed your baby at first, and now you have changed your mind
• You had problems when you first tried breastfeeding and stopped, but now you want to try again
• You or your baby were ill and had to stop breastfeeding
• Your baby can’t tolerate formula

Whatever your reasons, it’s important to be flexible. You may not be able to build up to a full milk supply or exclusively breastfeed your baby. That’s OK. You can also supplement your breastmilk. And any amount of breastmilk that you make has many health benefits for your baby and yourself.

There are times when someone may want to make breastmilk even if they have not been pregnant and given birth. This is called induced lactation. You may want to try this if:

• You want to make breastmilk for an adopted baby or a baby born to a surrogate
• You are the nonbirth parent

Induced lactation requires breast stimulation, just like relactation does. But it's a little more complex. If you haven’t been pregnant, then it will take more work to trigger all the hormones needed for milk production. So in addition to breast stimulation, you may need to try:

• Hormone therapy. This means taking estrogen and progesterone supplements.
• Medicines (galactagogues). These can help start and maintain milk production.

Induced lactation may take longer than relactation. It can take a lot of planning and support. It's helpful to start a few months before the baby arrives.

To learn more and for help and support, contact a lactation consultant.

Relactation is about reestablishing your milk supply. The key to milk production is breast stimulation and breastmilk removal. Breast stimulation triggers hormones (prolactin and oxytocin) that directly affect your milk production. The hormones let your body know it needs to start making milk.

Breast stimulation can be done 3 ways:

• Using a breast pump
• Having your baby suckle at your nipple
• Hand expressing milk from your nipple

The more you can stimulate your breasts, the better. To start, try to breastfeed or pump 8 to 10 times a day or more. You should also plan on having 2 or more nighttime pumping or feeding sessions. Each session should be about 15 to 20 minutes.

At first, you may have very little to no milk output. Continue this schedule and you may start to notice changes 4 to 7 days after you begin. Once your body starts making breastmilk, your milk must be removed. Empty your breasts fully and often. This helps increase your milk supply. It also helps prevent problems like plugged ducts and breast infections. Use a breast pump. Or try expressing milk by hand (your lactation consultant can show you how to do this).

Building up your milk supply takes time and effort. It’s important to work with a lactation consultant. Or with a healthcare provider who’s experienced in breastfeeding. They can help you and provide support. They will also check your baby’s age and weight, and the amount of milk you are making. And they can guide you through any problems you may have.

Also let your baby’s healthcare provider know about your relactation plans. They can make sure your baby is getting enough nutrition and gaining enough weight.

The lactation consultant or healthcare provider can advise you on things that may help you and your baby, such as:

• Using a supplemental nursing system. This is a way to make sure your baby gets enough nutrition while at your breast. A thin, flexible tube is placed at your nipple. The other end of the tube goes into a container of breastmilk or formula. This gives your baby extra milk while they’re at your breast. And it helps to stimulate your breasts to make milk too.
• Offering your baby supplementary milk. It can take a few weeks or even months to build up your milk supply. So you will need to supplement your milk. This can be done with breastmilk from a donor milk bank or with formula. If your baby is older than 6 months, supplement your feedings with solid foods. Remember that any breastmilk you can give your baby is helpful.
• Using herbs, foods, or medicines to improve your milk supply. Certain herbs, foods, and medicines (called galactagogues) may help boost your milk supply. Talk to your lactation consultant or provider to see if they advise taking any of these. Tell them about your health history and all of the medicines you take.

Every person’s body and situation are different. So it’s hard to know how much breastmilk you will be able to make. Or how long it will take you. Some people may take just a few days to start building up their milk supply. Others may take weeks or months.

Relactation may be easier if you stopped breastfeeding not too long ago. And babies who are younger often have an easier time breastfeeding. But with effort and with help from a lactation consultant, many people are able to create at least a partial milk supply.

• Breastfeed your baby often. It’s important to nurse your baby often. This will help to stimulate your breasts—and your milk production. Nurse whenever your baby shows signs of hunger such as making sucking motions or having a pursed mouth.
• Take care of yourself. Just as with any nursing parent, you need to take good care of yourself while you increase your milk supply. Be sure to drink lots of fluids, eat a healthy diet, and get enough rest.
• Be patient. It’s important to know that whatever happens, you are doing your best for your baby. Building up your milk supply may take some time. Be flexible. Know that however much milk you make, your baby will benefit from it—and from spending time being close to you.

For more information or to find in-person or online relactation support:

• Find a La Leche League leader or group near you by visiting La Leche League at www.llli.org/get-help/
• Find an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant near you by visiting the International Lactation Consultant Association at portal.ilca.org