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How can I get my milk supply back after 3 months?

Understanding Relactation
If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your milk supply has diminished after three months, you’re not alone. Many parents experience fluctuations in milk production, and the good news is that it is possible to restore your supply through a process known as relactation. This involves stimulating your breasts to encourage milk production again, even after a significant break from breastfeeding.
Steps to Restore Your Milk Supply
1. Frequent Breast Stimulation: The cornerstone of relactation is to stimulate your breasts regularly. Aim to nurse or pump 8 to 12 times a day, which translates to every 2 to 3 hours, including at least once during the night. This frequent stimulation sends hormonal signals to your body to start producing milk again. Initially, you may only see drops or very little milk, but persistence is key. Many parents report seeing an increase in supply within a week of consistent effort.
2. Expressing Milk: If direct breastfeeding isn’t possible, you can express milk and offer it in a bottle or cup. This method can also help maintain the connection with your baby while stimulating your milk production.
3. Power Pumping: Consider incorporating a technique known as power pumping. This involves pumping for 10-15 minutes every hour for a few hours, mimicking the cluster feeding that often occurs during growth spurts. This method can be particularly effective in signaling your body to increase milk production.
4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Your body needs adequate hydration and nutrition to support milk production. Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and consuming a balanced diet rich in whole foods, which can help optimize your milk supply.
5. Consult a Lactation Expert: If you’re struggling, reaching out to a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and support. They can help you develop a tailored plan based on your specific situation and needs.
The Role of Hormones
It’s important to understand that hormonal changes can significantly impact milk supply, especially around the three to four-month mark. As your body adjusts postpartum, you may notice fluctuations in your milk production. This is a normal part of the breastfeeding journey, and with the right strategies, you can work to restore your supply.
Conclusion
Relactation is a journey that requires patience and commitment. By consistently stimulating your breasts, expressing milk, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can successfully rebuild your milk supply after a break. Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and seeking support can make a significant difference in your experience.

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 I increase my milk supply ASAP?

Breastfeeding frequently—especially in the first hours, days, and weeks—is the main way to increase your milk supply. Your body will make milk to meet your baby’s demand.

Is it possible to increase breast milk supply after 3 months?

Since milk supply is directly related to how frequently and fully the breasts are emptied, the first step to increasing milk supply is to feed more often. Bringing your baby to the breast frequently (even if just for a few minutes) signals your body to produce more milk.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

  1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
  2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
  3. Dehydration.

Why is my milk supply decreasing after 3 months?

Stress can cause your milk supply to drop very suddenly. If you’re dealing with something difficult or struggling in your day-to-day life, it could cause your body to produce less milk. Sleep deprivation could also affect your milk supply.

Can you get milk supply back after 3 months?

Some parents impacted by the baby formula shortage may be wondering if they can start breastfeeding again. A process known as re-lactation can help patients produce breast milk, even if it has been weeks or months since they did so.

What to drink to increase breast milk fast?

Drinks to increase nutrients in breast milk

  1. Water. Plain water tops the list because not getting enough of it can directly reduce your milk supply.
  2. Cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is on the list because of its nutrient density.
  3. Herbal tea with fenugreek.
  4. Fruit smoothie with chia seeds.
  5. Coconut water.
  6. Juice.

Is it too late to increase milk supply at 3 months?

Short answer: Yes, you can increase your supply at any stage.

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.

What is the 3 month milk crisis?

A growth spurt, also sometimes called a breastfeeding crisis, is a response by the baby to a clear increase in milk demand. Your baby will now ask to breastfeed at all times and may be nervous, irritable, and seemingly insatiable. Coincidentally, these demand increases occur around the same time for all babies.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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