It is possible to resume or begin breastfeeding a baby who is two months old, a process known as relactation. This journey is common for parents who may have stopped nursing early due to challenges, illness, or separation from their baby. Relactation is about restarting the body’s milk-making process and encouraging a slightly older baby to return to the breast. Success depends on consistent stimulation, patience, and often the use of specialized tools. Many families achieve their goals, whether that means a full milk supply or simply a partial one.
The Biological Mechanism of Relactation
The ability to relactate stems from the fact that the mammary glands retain their milk-producing tissue, even after production has slowed or stopped. Lactation is governed by a supply-and-demand system mediated by two pituitary hormones: prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin synthesizes milk in the glandular cells of the breast. Oxytocin, the “let-down” hormone, causes muscle cells around the alveoli to contract, ejecting milk into the ducts. To initiate relactation, the goal is to consistently signal that milk removal is needed, which elevates prolactin and oxytocin levels. This regular stimulation mimics the frequent nursing of a newborn, compelling the body to resume milk synthesis.
Practical Strategies for Stimulating Milk Production
Rebuilding a milk supply requires a high frequency of breast stimulation to maximize prolactin release. Experts recommend aiming for 8 to 12 milk removal sessions within a 24-hour period, stimulating the breasts approximately every two to three hours. This rigorous schedule signals to the body that the demand for milk is high and constant. Consistency is paramount, and including at least one pumping session between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. is effective, as prolactin levels are naturally highest during these early morning hours.
Pumping Techniques
A hospital-grade electric breast pump is recommended because it provides powerful, effective, and simultaneous stimulation. Incorporating “power pumping” can also be beneficial, where a mother pumps for a set duration, rests briefly, and then pumps again over a single hour to simulate cluster feeding. Hand expression is a valuable technique to use alongside pumping, especially when milk volume is low, as it helps stimulate flow and empty the breast more completely.
Techniques for Encouraging Baby to Latch
A 2-month-old baby accustomed to the fast flow of a bottle may initially resist latching onto the breast. Maximizing skin-to-skin contact helps activate the baby’s natural feeding instincts and promotes bonding. Offering the breast when the baby is drowsy, such as right after waking or before fully falling asleep, can also be helpful, as they may be more relaxed. Laid-back nursing positions, where the mother is semi-reclined and the baby is placed belly-down on her chest, often work well by activating rooting reflexes.
Using a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS)
A Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is a valuable tool in relactation. This device uses a container for formula or expressed milk and a thin tube taped to the breast. It allows the baby to receive an immediate reward of milk while actively suckling at the breast. This technique helps the baby associate the breast with satisfying nourishment and encourages them to stay latched, providing the necessary stimulation to build the mother’s supply.
Understanding Realistic Timelines and Goals
Relactation requires a commitment of time and emotional energy, so it is important to manage expectations realistically. Milk production can begin to return within a few days to a few weeks of consistent stimulation, but achieving a noticeable increase in supply may take weeks or even a few months. The duration of the process often relates to how long it has been since milk production stopped. Many relactation journeys result in combination feeding, and providing any amount of breast milk is beneficial for the baby’s health. Consulting with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is recommended for personalized guidance and support, as they can help monitor weight gain, troubleshoot latch issues, and develop a specialized plan.