It is possible to breastfeed after a two-week or longer pause; this process is known as relactation or delayed initiation. Delayed initiation refers to starting breastfeeding after not having breastfed at all since birth. Relactation involves restarting milk production after having stopped entirely. The human body is remarkably adaptable, and the ability to produce milk is not permanently lost just because a few weeks have passed since delivery. This journey requires dedication, patience, and often professional guidance to successfully re-establish a nursing relationship.
Feasibility of Relactation and Delayed Initiation
The biological mechanism for milk production, rooted in the body’s response to pregnancy and birth, remains present and responsive to stimulation. The process operates on a principle of supply and demand; frequent and effective milk removal signals the body to restart or ramp up production. Prolactin and oxytocin are the primary hormonal drivers, released directly in response to stimulation of the nerves around the nipple and areola.
Prolactin is responsible for producing milk, and its levels are highest during the night and early morning, making stimulation during these hours especially helpful. Oxytocin triggers the milk ejection reflex, or let-down, allowing the milk to flow. Since the foundation for lactation was established during pregnancy, the body is capable of reactivating this system even weeks later. Younger babies, particularly those under three months, often have the highest success rates in relactation efforts.
Strategies for Stimulating Milk Supply
The primary step in relactation is establishing a consistent and frequent routine of milk removal to signal your body to produce milk. Aim for a minimum of eight to twelve breast stimulation sessions every 24 hours, ensuring no session is skipped for longer than four or five hours. This frequency is critical because it mimics the natural feeding patterns of a newborn and maintains a constant signal for production.
Using a high-quality, double-electric breast pump is often the most efficient way to achieve frequent stimulation if the baby is not yet latching effectively. Each pumping session should last 10 to 15 minutes per side. Incorporating hands-on pumping—massaging the breasts while pumping—can significantly increase the volume of milk removed. Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, maximizes the release of oxytocin, which helps milk flow and improves the hormonal response. Cluster pumping once a day, which involves pumping for an hour with short breaks, can also simulate a baby’s growth spurt and further boost supply.
Addressing Infant Acceptance and Feeding Techniques
A common challenge is that a baby bottle-fed for two weeks may develop a preference for the faster and more consistent flow of a bottle nipple, sometimes called “flow preference.” To manage this, use paced bottle feeding techniques and slow-flow nipples to make the bottle experience more similar to the breast, requiring the baby to work for the milk. Offer the breast when the baby is not frantically hungry, such as when they are sleepy or calm, to keep the experience positive and low-pressure.
The Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is a helpful tool that allows the baby to receive formula or expressed milk through a thin tube taped to the breast while actively nursing. This system keeps the baby motivated to stay at the breast because they are rewarded with a steady flow of milk, while their suckling simultaneously stimulates your own production. Maximizing skin-to-skin time encourages the baby’s natural feeding instincts and creates a powerful association between the warmth of your body and comfort. If the baby refuses the breast, alternative methods like finger feeding or cup feeding can be used for supplements to avoid reinforcing the bottle preference.
Setting Realistic Timelines and Expectations
Relactation is not an overnight process; it typically takes several weeks before a noticeable increase in milk volume occurs. While some mothers see drops of milk within a week, achieving a significant or full supply often takes four to eight weeks of consistent effort. Success is not solely defined by reaching a full supply, but by the amount of human milk provided, as even a small amount offers significant health benefits to your baby.
Working closely with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is highly recommended to monitor progress and ensure the baby receives adequate nutrition. Success is gauged by monitoring the baby’s weight gain, the frequency of wet and dirty diapers, and the overall volume of milk expressed. Maintain a focus on the emotional benefits of the nursing relationship, which many mothers report as a significant factor in their feeling of success, regardless of the final milk volume achieved.