Can you restart breastfeeding after stopping?

Can You Restart Breastfeeding After Stopping?
The journey of breastfeeding is often filled with twists and turns, and for many mothers, the question of whether they can restart breastfeeding after a period of cessation is a common concern. The good news is that restarting breastfeeding, known as relactation, is indeed possible. This process can be undertaken after stopping breastfeeding for days, weeks, months, or even years.
Understanding Relactation
Relactation is the term used to describe the process of restarting breastfeeding after a break. This can happen for various reasons, such as a mother’s return to work, health issues, or simply a change of heart about stopping. According to lactation experts, most mothers can successfully relactate, although the ease of this process can vary based on several factors, including the age of the baby and the duration of the breastfeeding hiatus.
The Process of Relactation
To begin relactation, mothers should focus on stimulating milk production. This can be achieved through frequent milk removal, which can be done by breastfeeding if the baby is willing, or by using a breast pump or hand expression. The more often milk is removed from the breasts, the more likely it is that milk production will be stimulated.
For mothers who have not breastfed for an extended period, it may take time and patience to rebuild their milk supply. Experts suggest that consistent efforts are key, and mothers should not be discouraged if the process takes longer than expected.
Factors Influencing Success
Several factors can influence the success of relactation:
1. Duration of Cessation: The longer the break from breastfeeding, the more challenging it may be to restart. However, even mothers who have not breastfed for years can sometimes successfully relactate.

2. Baby’s Age and Willingness: Younger infants are generally more adaptable and may be more willing to return to breastfeeding than older babies who have been weaned.
3. Mother’s Milk Supply: If there is still some milk present in the breasts, it can be easier to restart breastfeeding. Mothers can encourage milk production by removing milk regularly.
4. Support and Resources: Seeking support from lactation consultants or breastfeeding support groups can provide valuable guidance and encouragement throughout the relactation process.
Emotional and Nutritional Benefits
Relactation not only helps in providing essential nutrients to the baby but also strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child. The act of breastfeeding can be a comforting experience for both, fostering a sense of closeness and security.
In conclusion, while relactation can be a challenging journey, it is a viable option for many mothers who wish to restart breastfeeding after a break. With determination, patience, and the right support, mothers can navigate this process successfully, ensuring that they and their babies reap the benefits of breastfeeding once again.

Is it too late to reintroduce breastfeeding?

It’s possible to relactate if you haven’t produced breast milk in weeks, months, years — or ever. And while some may think relactation is a modern concept, the practice has been around for hundreds of years.

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 after stopping breastfeeding does cycle return?

Most breastfeeding mothers will resume their periods between 9 and 18 months after their baby’s birth. Weaning your baby will almost certainly cause your menstrual cycle to return, but most people find that they do not need to wean in order for their cycle to gradually resume.

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.

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.

Can you get your milk back if it dried up?

The good news is relactation is possible. It requires time, patience, determination and a cooperative baby! Whether you stopped breastfeeding due a medical procedure, separation from baby, or simply bad advice, many individuals find they can rebuild a milk supply successfully.

How late is too late relactate?

Plus, new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend breastfeeding children up to 2 years old and beyond, so it may not be too late for you to start breastfeeding again.

How do I restart breastfeeding after a long gap?

Breastfeed often
It may take some patience to get your baby to breastfeed effectively. If they are willing, offer the breast every 1 to 2 hours and at least 10 to 12 times every 24 hours. Cut out any soother use and let them breastfeed for comfort as well as food. This will help to stimulate milk production.

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 long after stopping breastfeeding can you relactate?

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. The others took over one month or offered formula also.