Is it possible to restart breastfeeding after stopping?

The Possibility of Restarting Breastfeeding After Stopping
For many mothers, the journey of breastfeeding can be filled with challenges and decisions that may lead to stopping earlier than intended. However, the good news is that it is indeed possible to restart breastfeeding after a period of cessation, a process known as relactation.
Understanding Relactation
Relactation refers to the process of resuming breastfeeding afterIs it Possible to Restart Breastfeeding After Stopping?
Yes, it is possible to restart breastfeeding after stopping, a process known as “relactation”. Relactation involves re-establishing milk production and getting the baby to latch and nurse again, even after a gap of days, weeks, months, or even years since last breastfeeding.
The Relactation Process
The key steps in the relactation process include:
Stimulating Milk Production: The first step is to stimulate the breasts to produce milk again. This can be done through regular breast pumping, hand expression, or having the baby nurse at the breast. The more frequently the breasts are stimulated, the more milk production can be increased.
Encouraging the Baby to Latch: Once milk production starts to increase, the next step is to get the baby to latch and nurse at the breast. This may require patience and persistence, as the baby may need to relearn how to breastfeed. Using breast compression, breast massage, and skin-to-skin contact can help encourage the baby to latch.
Providing Supplemental Feeding: In the initial stages of relactation, the mother may need to supplement the baby’s feedings with formula or expressed breastmilk to ensure the baby is getting adequate nutrition. As milk production increases, the need for supplementation can be reduced.
Seeking Support: Relactation can be a challenging process, so seeking support from a lactation consultant, breastfeeding support group, or healthcare provider can be very helpful.
Success Rates and Considerations
Relactation is more successful the earlier it is attempted after stopping breastfeeding. Infants under 6 months old have the best chance of successfully restarting breastfeeding, as their sucking reflex and ability to latch are still well-developed.
However, even older infants and toddlers can sometimes restart breastfeeding with persistence and support. The amount of time it takes to re-establish a full milk supply can vary greatly, from a few days to several weeks or months.
In summary, restarting breastfeeding after stopping is very much possible through the relactation process, though the success and timeline can vary. With the right support and dedication, many mothers are able to resume breastfeeding, even after an extended gap.

How do I restart breastfeeding after a long gap?

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 after stopping breastfeeding can you start again?

Don’t set a time frame on it, some mums can get supply up within a few weeks’ others take 6-8 weeks. The breastfeeding journey is different for everyone.

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.

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.

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 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.

How to relactate fast?

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.

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.