What happens if you stop breastfeeding and want to start again?

The Journey of Relactation: Restarting Breastfeeding After a Break
For many mothers, the decision to stop breastfeeding can be a complex and emotional one. However, circumstances can change, leading some to wonder if they can start breastfeeding again after a hiatus. The good news is that relactation, the process of restarting breastfeeding, is indeed possible, even if a mother has not nursed for weeks or months.
Understanding Relactation
Relactation involves stimulating the breasts to produce milk again after a period of not breastfeeding. This can be particularly relevant for mothers who may have stopped due to various reasons—be it personal choice, health issues, or external factors like the formula shortage. According to experts, the body is capable of responding to increased stimulation, which is essential for re-establishing milk production.
The Process of Restarting
To successfully relactate, mothers should focus on increasing the frequency and duration of breast stimulation. This can be achieved through direct breastfeeding, using a breast pump, or even hand expression. The key is consistency; the more often the breasts are stimulated, the more likely the body will respond by producing milk.
It’s important to note that relactation may take time and patience. Mothers might not see immediate results, and the amount of milk produced initially may be less than what was previously available. However, with dedication and the right techniques, many mothers can successfully restart breastfeeding.
Emotional and Physical Considerations
The emotional landscape surrounding relactation can be just as significant as the physical aspects. Mothers who regret stopping breastfeeding often find renewed motivation to try again, especially if they believe that breast milk can provide health benefits for their child, such as during illness.
Physically, mothers may experience changes as their bodies adjust to the demands of breastfeeding once more. This can include sensations of fullness in the breasts, potential discomfort, and the emotional highs and lows that accompany the breastfeeding journey.
Tips for a Successful Relactation
Experts suggest several strategies to enhance the relactation process. These include:
– Frequent Stimulation: Aim for multiple sessions of breastfeeding or pumping throughout the day.
– Skin-to-Skin Contact: This can help stimulate the milk ejection reflex and strengthen the bond between mother and baby.
– Support Systems: Engaging with lactation consultants or support groups can provide valuable guidance and encouragement during this transition.
Conclusion
In summary, while stopping breastfeeding can feel like a definitive end, the possibility of relactation offers hope for many mothers. With the right approach, support, and commitment, it is entirely feasible to restart breastfeeding, allowing mothers to reconnect with their babies in this intimate way once again. Whether driven by a change in circumstances or a desire to provide the benefits of breast milk, the journey of relactation can be a rewarding experience for both mother and child.

Is it okay to stop breastfeeding 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.

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 bad to stop breastfeeding abruptly?

Stopping breastfeeding or pumping all at once is generally not recommended, because it can cause your breasts to feel very full, swollen, and sore, called “engorgement.” If you need to stop breastfeeding abruptly for medical or other reasons, it may help to hand express or pump milk a few times per day until your …

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.

Can you go back to breastfeeding after bottle feeding?

Can I start breastfeeding after my baby has been formula feeding? Yes, many mothers can successfully breastfeed after several weeks of not breastfeeding. This is called relactation. Success will depend on: • how old the baby is • if the baby was breastfeeding before, how long since the baby breastfed.

Is it possible to go back to breastfeeding after exclusively pumping?

There could be many reasons why you stopped breastfeeding, but now you want to get your baby back to the breast, and the great news is that it is definitely possible, regardless of how long your baby has been away from the breast.

What happens if I stop pumping and just breastfeed?

Nursing and pumping can exist independent of each other!
The opposite is also true – the less that your breasts are emptied, then the less milk will be produced. Avoid a sudden, drastic dip in your breast milk supply by understanding and staying in tune with your body.

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 get my 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.

What happens if you stop breastfeeding suddenly?

If you suddenly stop nursing your baby, your body continues to produce milk. A good way of slowing milk production gradually is to pump or hand express just enough milk at regular intervals to avoid discomfort. In this way milk production will slowly decrease.