Relactation is the process of re-establishing a milk supply after it has significantly decreased or stopped, even if the individual has not recently given birth. This can occur weeks, months, or even years after a previous lactation period. It differs from induced lactation, which establishes a milk supply for the first time without prior pregnancy. The goal can range from providing some breast milk to achieving a full supply, depending on individual circumstances.
The Physiology of Relactation
Relactation relies on the body’s natural hormonal responses to breast stimulation. The primary hormones involved in milk production are prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin, often called the “milk-making” hormone, signals the mammary glands to produce milk, while oxytocin facilitates the milk ejection reflex, or “let-down.” These hormones are released in response to frequent and consistent stimulation of the nipples and breasts.
The mammary glands contain specialized cells, called alveoli, where milk is produced. These cells respond to prolactin by synthesizing milk. Regular milk removal from the breast, through nursing or pumping, sends signals to the brain to continue and increase prolactin release, thereby boosting milk production. Oxytocin, responsible for the flow of milk, is also influenced by sensory nerve stimulation in the nipple and areola, along with psychological factors like relaxation and bonding.
Why People Pursue Relactation
Some may have experienced a difficult start to breastfeeding, leading to early weaning, and later wish to try again. Others might have been separated from their baby due to illness or medical procedures, which interrupted their initial breastfeeding journey. Relactation is also pursued by adoptive parents or those whose baby was born via surrogacy, who desire to provide breast milk and experience the bonding that can come with nursing. In some instances, a baby may develop an intolerance to formula, prompting a parent to re-establish milk production. During emergencies or natural disasters, the ability to breastfeed can offer a safe feeding option for infants.
Practical Steps for Relactation
Initiating relactation involves consistent and frequent breast stimulation to signal the body to produce milk. This can be achieved through nursing the baby, using a breast pump, or hand expression. Stimulation is recommended 8 to 12 times within a 24-hour period, mimicking a newborn’s feeding frequency. Each pumping or expression session lasts 10 to 15 minutes per breast.
For those using a pump, a hospital-grade double electric breast pump is effective for stimulating milk production. Techniques like “power pumping,” involving short, frequent pumping cycles over an hour, can also help increase milk supply by mimicking cluster feeding. Skin-to-skin contact with the baby encourages natural feeding instincts and promotes oxytocin release, aiding milk flow. Supplemental nursing systems can provide expressed milk or formula at the breast, encouraging the baby to latch and stimulate milk production while receiving adequate nutrition. Individuals may also discuss the role of galactagogues, substances that promote lactation, with a healthcare provider.
Key Factors for Success
The duration since the last lactation period plays a role, making it easier to relactate if breastfeeding ceased more recently; younger infants, under three months old, are also more willing to latch and breastfeed, facilitating the process. A well-established milk supply prior to weaning also makes re-establishment easier. Support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals, like lactation consultants, is beneficial throughout the relactation journey. A person’s motivation and commitment are important, as relactation requires significant patience and perseverance. While not guaranteed, many individuals can partially or fully re-establish a milk supply, with any amount of breast milk offering benefits to the infant.