Can you restart breastfeeding after 2 months?

Can You Restart Breastfeeding After Two Months?
The journey of breastfeeding is often filled with challenges and decisions, and for some mothers, the question of whether they can restart breastfeeding after a two-month hiatus arises. The good news is that relactation, or the process of re-establishing breastfeeding after a period of not nursing, is indeed possible.
Understanding Relactation
Relactation can occur even if a mother has not breastfed for several weeks or months. Experts suggest that the time it takes to successfully relactate is generally comparable to the duration of time since breastfeeding ceased. For instance, if a mother stopped breastfeeding for two months, she might expect to see initial results within a similar timeframe of about two weeks after starting the relactation process.
The process involves stimulating the breasts to produce milk again, which can be achieved through various methods, including frequent pumping, skin-to-skin contact with the baby, and encouraging the baby to latch on. This not only helps in milk production but also strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child.
Steps to Restart Breastfeeding
1. Consult a Lactation Expert: Seeking guidance from a certified lactation consultant can provide personalized strategies and support tailored to individual circumstances.

2. Frequent Stimulation: Regularly pumping or using a breast pump can help signal the body to produce milk. The more stimulation the breasts receive, the more likely milk production will resume.
3. Encourage Latching: If the baby is willing, allowing them to latch on can be beneficial. Even if no milk is produced initially, the act of nursing can stimulate the necessary hormones for milk production.
4. Patience and Persistence: Relactation is not an instantaneous process. It may take time and consistent effort to see significant results, and mothers should be prepared for a gradual journey.
Benefits of Relactation
Restarting breastfeeding can provide numerous benefits for both mother and baby. Breast milk is rich in nutrients essential for a baby’s growth and development, and it also fosters a unique bond between mother and child. Additionally, the emotional and psychological aspects of breastfeeding can be profoundly rewarding, offering comfort and connection during a critical period of development.
Conclusion
In summary, restarting breastfeeding after a two-month break is not only possible but can also be a fulfilling experience for mothers who wish to continue providing breast milk for their babies. With the right support and techniques, many mothers successfully navigate the relactation process, reaffirming the bond with their child while ensuring they receive the nutritional benefits of breast milk.

How long does it take for milk to dry up if not breastfeeding?

Some women’s breast milk supply dries up in a few days. Others will still express a few drops of milk months later. Most women who have breastfed or pumped and begin to wean will see their milk supply drop in two to three weeks, though this can vary depending on your baby’s age and the amount of milk you were making.

Is 2 months postpartum too late to increase milk supply?

The easiest time to increase milk supply is during the first two months postpartum because it can become more challenging as your baby gets older. However, it is still possible to increase your supply as your baby gets older, it just might take a bit more patience.

Is it OK to just breastfeed for 2 months?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

Can I relactate 2 months postpartum?

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.

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.

How can I get my 2 month old to breastfeed again?

Try wearing baby in a sling or soft carrier and walking around the house as you attempt to nurse. Or pat baby’s back rhythmically for five minutes before attempting to latch her on. Even rocking or holding baby and swaying for a few minutes may help baby to come back to the breast.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

The third crisis occurs after three months, at this stage the baby has much greater suction strength and will take faster feedings as he is able to empty the breasts with greater speed, that is to say, take more in less time, this period coincides with the development of their hearing and vision, that makes everything …

Is 2 months too late to start breastfeeding?

It’s never too late to start Biological Nurturing, even if your baby is sleepy due to drugs you had in labour—spending lots of time skin-to-skin helps babies breastfeed well.

Can I start breastfeeding again after stopping for 2 months?

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.