Can I restart breastfeeding after stopping?

Restarting Breastfeeding: The Journey of Relactation
For many mothers, the decision to stop breastfeeding can be a difficult one, often accompanied by feelings of regret or a desire to reconnect with their baby through nursing. Fortunately, it is possible to restart breastfeeding after a period of cessation, a process known as relactation. This journey, while challenging, can be rewarding for both mother and child.
Understanding Relactation
Relactation refers to the process of restarting breastfeeding after having stopped for a period of time, which could range from days to months or even years. According to lactation experts, many mothers can successfully relactate, even if they have not breastfed for an extended period. The key is to approach the process with patience and a willingness to adapt to your baby’s needs.
The Process of Relactation
1. Stimulating Milk Production: The first step in relactation is to stimulate the breasts to produce milk again. This can be achieved through frequent pumping or hand expression, which mimics the natural suckling of a baby. The more stimulation the breasts receive, the more milk is likely to be produced.
2. Reintroducing the Baby to the Breast: Once some milk production has been established, the next step is to encourage the baby to latch on. This can be a gradual process, especially if the baby is older or has been exclusively bottle-fed for a while. It may take time for the baby to adjust back to breastfeeding.
3. Seeking Support: Many mothers find it beneficial to seek support from lactation consultants or breastfeeding support groups. These professionals can provide guidance tailored to individual circumstances, helping to navigate the challenges of relactation.
4. Using Supplementation if Necessary: In some cases, mothers may need to supplement with formula or expressed milk initially to ensure the baby is getting enough nutrition while the milk supply is being established.
Challenges and Considerations
While relactation is possible, it is important to acknowledge that it may not always be straightforward. Factors such as the age of the baby, the duration of time since breastfeeding stopped, and the mother’s physical ability to produce milk can all influence the success of the process. Some babies may resist breastfeeding if they have become accustomed to bottle feeding, and older infants may require more time to adjust.
Moreover, mothers should be prepared for the emotional aspects of relactation. Feelings of frustration or disappointment can arise if the process does not go as planned. However, it is crucial to remember that any amount of breastfeeding can be beneficial, and the bonding experience of nursing can be rewarding in itself.
Conclusion
In summary, restarting breastfeeding after stopping is a viable option for many mothers through the process of relactation. With determination, support, and a focus on gradual reintroduction, mothers can successfully navigate this journey. Whether for nutritional benefits or emotional connection, relactation can provide a fulfilling experience for both mother and child, reaffirming the bond that breastfeeding fosters.

How to relactate quickly?

Offer the breast for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours. Try to nurse on both sides. If baby is not willing to breastfeed often, use a double electric pump to express milk and stimulate milk production. Nurse before, after and between feedings for as long as the baby is willing – no matter how much formula is given.

How do you restart breastfeeding after stopping?

How to re-lactate. Re-lactation is typically achieved through a combination of skin-to-skin contact with the baby and breast stimulation either through a latching baby and/or pumping every two to three hours day and night, which mimics how often a baby feeds.

Can breastmilk come back after drying up?

It’s possible to induce lactation successfully and bring in your milk supply. It can take anything from a few days to a few weeks to be able to produce a few drops of milk. To help stimulate lactation: use hand-expression or a breast pump.

How long can you stop breastfeeding and then start again?

The good news is lactation can be reestablished weeks or even months after a woman’s milk supply has stopped through a process called relactation. Certified lactation consultant Chaka Davis, RN, explained how to start breastfeeding again after stopping and how long the process may take.

How long does it take to fully relactate?

How long will it take? Commit 2 weeks to making breastfeeding your main concern. The amount of time it takes to relactate is about equal to how long it has been since breastfeeding stopped. About half of the women who sucessfully relactated had a full milk supply within a month.

When is it too late to relactate?

Relactation is the method of training your body to produce milk after not lactating for a period of time. It’s possible to relactate if you haven’t produced breast milk in weeks, months, years — or ever.

Can you save breastmilk that wasn’t finished?

How do I store and serve leftover breast milk? Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts.

When is it too late to increase milk supply?

NO, it is NEVER too late! 🚫⏰ With the right pump, flange, and schedule, you can absolutely increase your milk supply at any stage of your pumping journey.

Can I relactate just by pumping?

For most people, relactating or inducing lactation starts with expressing. If your child is not yet willing to suck on your breast, or you are preparing for breastfeeding before you have your child with you, you can use a breast pump and/or hand express to build up a milk supply.

Is it possible to go back to breastfeeding after exclusively pumping?

Yes, it is possible! The likelihood of success centers on the reason you are pumping. If you started pumping because your baby had a tongue tie, and you baby still has that tongue tie, then breastfeeding may not be comfortable for you or an efficient way to feed for your baby.