Breastfeeding after a period of cessation is a process known as relactation, which is an achievable goal for many parents. Relactation involves stimulating the body to resume milk production and encouraging the infant to return to the breast. This journey requires dedication and patience, as the body is being signaled to produce milk outside of the typical postpartum hormonal window. Parents should set realistic expectations for achieving a full or partial milk supply. Even a partial supply of breast milk offers benefits to the infant, and the close physical connection of nursing provides emotional value to both parent and child.
Factors Influencing Relactation Success
The likelihood and speed of re-establishing a milk supply are influenced by several physiological and historical factors. The duration of the break since the last breastfeeding session is a major variable, as relactation is generally easier and quicker if the cessation was recent. The age of the infant also plays a role, with higher success rates observed when the baby is younger. Younger infants may retain stronger natural feeding instincts and be less resistant to switching from a bottle back to the breast.
A history of a well-established, full milk supply before the break can also make the process more straightforward, as the mammary tissue and hormonal pathways have previously demonstrated their capacity for production. Relactation for a biological child differs from induced lactation, which is establishing a supply for the first time. The willingness of the infant to latch and the parent’s commitment to a demanding stimulation schedule are significant behavioral factors that determine the outcome.
The Physical Process of Rebuilding Milk Supply
Rebuilding milk supply is based on the “supply and demand” principle: frequent and effective milk removal signals the body to increase production. This requires consistent stimulation of the breast, which triggers the release of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk synthesis. To effectively restart this process, parents should aim for 8 to 12 sessions of breast stimulation every 24 hours, mimicking a newborn’s feeding frequency.
Each stimulation session, whether through pumping or hand expression, should last approximately 10 to 15 minutes per breast. It is helpful to include at least one stimulation session between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., as prolactin levels naturally peak during the early morning hours. Using a high-quality electric pump, often a hospital-grade model, provides the strong, consistent suction needed to stimulate the breast effectively. Techniques like “power pumping,” which involves alternating short bursts of pumping and rest, can simulate the cluster feeding behavior of an infant and boost supply signals. Hand expression alongside pumping helps ensure thorough emptying of the breast, which signals increased milk production.
Encouraging the Infant to Return to the Breast
The behavioral challenge of relactation is often getting an infant who is accustomed to the fast flow of a bottle to latch and suckle effectively at the breast. Maximizing skin-to-skin contact is a powerful strategy, as this practice releases oxytocin, which helps with milk let-down and encourages the infant’s natural feeding instincts. Holding the baby tummy-down on the parent’s chest may prompt instinctive movements toward the breast, which can lead to a more successful latch.
Offering the breast when the baby is in a sleepy or drowsy state can be beneficial because they may be less frustrated and more willing to try. A Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) can be employed, which delivers pumped milk or formula through a thin tube taped to the breast. This gives the infant immediate gratification while they are actively stimulating the nipple. This technique helps the baby associate the breast with a satisfying feed, and it is important to avoid forcing the baby to the breast, as this can create an aversion.
Medical and Professional Support
Seeking guidance from a specialist is recommended to create a personalized relactation plan and address any underlying challenges. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can provide tailored support, evaluate the infant’s latch, and help set realistic goals for milk production. They can also monitor the infant’s weight gain to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition during the transition period.
In some cases, pharmacological support may be considered to assist with the hormonal aspects of milk production. Prescription medications known as galactagogues, such as domperidone, work by increasing prolactin levels in the body. Certain herbal supplements, including fenugreek and blessed thistle, are also sometimes used to support milk supply. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any medication or supplement regimen, as these agents can have side effects and their effectiveness needs to be weighed against the individual’s specific health profile.