Is it OK to stop breastfeeding then start again?

The Possibility of Re-lactation: A Closer Look
In the journey of motherhood, breastfeeding often becomes a deeply personal and sometimes challenging experience. Many mothers find themselves contemplating whether it is acceptable to stop breastfeeding and then start again. The good news is that, in most cases, it is indeed possible to resume breastfeeding after a break, a process known as re-lactation.
Understanding Re-lactation
Re-lactation refers to the ability to restart breastfeeding after having stopped for a period of time. This can be particularly relevant for mothers who may have temporarily ceased breastfeeding due to various reasons, such as returning to work, health issues, or personal choice. According to lactation experts, the body can often respond positively to the right stimuli, allowing milk production to resume even if weeks or months have passed since the last breastfeeding session.
The Process of Restarting
For mothers considering re-lactation, there are several strategies that can facilitate the process. Frequent stimulation of the breasts through pumping or direct breastfeeding can signal the body to produce milk again. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated are crucial components that support milk production. Experts recommend that mothers be patient and persistent, as re-lactation can take time and may not always be successful immediately.
Emotional and Physical Considerations
While the physical aspect of re-lactation is significant, the emotional component should not be overlooked. Mothers may experience a range of feelings about stopping and starting breastfeeding again, including guilt or anxiety. It’s essential for mothers to remember that their choices are valid and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to breastfeeding. The modern understanding of infant nutrition emphasizes that while breastfeeding is beneficial, it is not the only option available.
Conclusion: A Personal Choice
Ultimately, the decision to stop and then resume breastfeeding is a personal one, influenced by individual circumstances and preferences. The flexibility of breastfeeding allows mothers to make choices that best suit their families. Whether a mother chooses to breastfeed for a few weeks, months, or years, what matters most is the health and well-being of both mother and child. As the landscape of parenting continues to evolve, so too does the understanding of breastfeeding, reinforcing that it is perfectly okay to stop breastfeeding and then start again if that is what feels right for both mother and baby.

Is it OK to stop breastfeeding suddenly?

Stopping breastfeeding suddenly can lead to potential problems— weaning gradually allows time both for milk production to reduce and stop, and for a baby to adjust to other ways of feeding and comfort.

How long should you wait between breastfeeding?

Over the first few weeks and months, the time between feedings will start to get longer. On average, most exclusively breastfed babies will feed about every 2 to 4 hours. Some babies may feed as often as every hour at times, often called cluster feeding. Or may have a longer sleep interval of 4 to 5 hours.

What are the weird symptoms after stopping breastfeeding?

Other Strange Body Ailments Can Happen
Some might experience headaches or migraines, while others feel exhausted or even dizzy immediately after weaning. Another common post-weaning issue? Acne. Big hormone changes can really throw your body for a loop.

When is it too late to start breastfeeding again?

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 are the side effects of stopping breastfeeding?

Some might experience headaches or migraines, while others feel exhausted or even dizzy immediately after weaning. Another common post-weaning issue? Acne. Big hormone changes can really throw your body for a loop.

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.

Can you get your milk supply back after drying 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 does stopping breastfeeding affect a baby?

For infants, never breastfeeding or early weaning is associated with increased risks of otitis media, diarrhea, lower respiratory tract infection, sudden infant death syndrome, leukemia, and type 1 diabetes.

How long does it take for milk supply to fill back up?

Your body is always making milk. That means there’s no need to wait for the supply to “replenish” between feedings. In fact, waiting a long time between feeding your baby can actually reduce your milk supply. That’s because your body does an amazing job of producing the right amount of milk to keep your baby happy.

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.