How to Start Breastfeeding Again After Stopping
The journey of breastfeeding doesn’t always follow a linear path. Many mothers struggle to breastfeed as much as they’d prefer. Some women find themselves wanting to restart breastfeeding their babies after having stopped for various reasons.
Whether you've been away from your baby, faced health challenges, or simply changed your mind about breastfeeding, it's possible to start again. This process, known as relactation, can be a rewarding experience for both mother and baby. Want to learn how it works? In this article, we talk about how to start breastfeeding again after stopping so that you can make an informed decision for you and your child.
What is Relactation?
Relactation is the process of reestablishing milk production after a period of not breastfeeding. This process is possible for many women, but success rates depend on the age of the baby and how long breastfeeding has ceased. The most important things in relactation are dedication, patience, and the right techniques.
Why Mothers Choose to Relactate
A woman might want to start breastfeeding again for all kinds of reasons. Some common reasons include:
Learning the benefits of breastfeeding after initially choosing not to
Returning from a period of separation from the baby
Recovering from an illness that interrupted breastfeeding
Adopting a baby and wanting to breastfeed
Realizing the “weaning off” phase may have been too soon for the baby
Necessary health reasons for the baby
Whatever your reason, know that your desire to provide breast milk for your baby is personal to you. There’s no right or wrong—you have to do what’s best for you and your baby. Fortunately, relactation is typically achievable with the right approach.
Steps to Start Breastfeeding Again After You Stopped
Consider the most reliable approaches for relactation with some of these tips.
1. Stimulate Milk Production
The cornerstone of relactation is frequent breast stimulation. This signals your body to start producing milk again. Your level of milk production depends on a few things:
The baby’s age
The baby’s willingness to breastfeed
The frequency of milk expression
How long ago you were pregnant
Medical conditions that may limit milk production (such as thyroid issues, autoimmune disease, or diabetes)
The condition of your pituitary gland which produces breastfeeding hormones
Fertility
You’ll have to talk with your healthcare providers to address any potential issues and discuss your ability to produce milk.
If everything is healthy, you can most likely stimulate milk production by:
Facilitating lots of skin-to-skin contact with your baby. Spend plenty of time involved in healthy physical touch with your baby skin-to-skin. This boosts oxytocin levels, which is crucial for milk production and let-down.
Practicing milk expression by hand. Learn and practice hand expression techniques. This can be particularly effective in stimulating milk production.
Pumping regularly. Use a high-quality breast pump to stimulate your breasts every 2-3 hours, including at least once during the night. Aim for 8-12 sessions per day.
2. Encourage Your Baby to Latch
Even if you're not producing much milk initially, encouraging your baby to latch and suckle is crucial. It signals the lactation process and encourages both your body and your baby to prepare for breastfeeding.
Offer your breast to your baby often. Present your breast to your baby frequently, even if they're not hungry. This helps reinforce the association between comfort and breastfeeding while also strengthening the signal it’s safe to feed.
Use a nursing supplementer. A supplemental nursing system is a device that delivers milk and essential nutrients through a tube and (sometimes) prosthetic breast. It can provide your baby with additional nutrition while they're at the breast and encourage them to continue suckling, even if you can’t produce enough milk yet.
3. Consider Your Diet and Lifestyle
Your body needs extra food to fuel the breastfeeding process and support milk production. Talk with your doctor about optimal diet and nutrition. You can focus on:
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Rest: Try to get adequate sleep and rest when possible so that your body can restore and replenish.
4. Resort to Galactagogues
Galactagogues are substances that may help increase milk production. While their effectiveness varies, some mothers find them helpful.
Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs like fenugreek, blessed thistle, and milk thistle are popular among women wanting to breastfeed.
Prescription Medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to help with milk production. This should only be done under medical supervision.
Always consult with a medical professional before trying any of these substances to make sure they’re safe for you and your baby.
Overcoming Challenges in Relactation
Relactation can come with challenges that feel frustrating. Here are some common hurdles and how to address them.
Low Milk Supply
It's normal for milk production to start slowly. Be patient and persistent with breast stimulation. Even small amounts of breast milk are beneficial for your baby.
Baby’s Reluctance
Some babies may be hesitant to return to the breast, especially if they've become accustomed to bottles. Try these tips:
Offer the breast when your baby is sleepy or just waking up.
Use skin-to-skin contact to encourage bonding and breastfeeding.
Be patient and keep trying – consistency is key.
Nipple Confusion
If your baby has been using bottles, they might struggle with latching. Consider working with a lactation consultant to address any latch issues.
Tracking Your Progress
Monitoring your relactation journey can help you stay motivated and identify areas for improvement. Use a baby feeding tracker app to log things like:
Pumping sessions and durations
Any visible milk production
Baby's feeding patterns and reactions to the breast
The Baby Connect app is a great option when looking to keep track of your breastfeeding and relactation attempts.
When to Get Support for Breastfeeding
Relactation—and breastfeeding in general—can be an emotional and physical challenge. Having a strong support system is helpful! If you find yourself needing extra support, you can consider:
Joining a breastfeeding support group
Consulting with a lactation specialist
Enlisting help from family and friends for household tasks to focus on breastfeeding
Talking with your OB/GYN about it
Asking for emotional support from fellow mom friends and other family members
Remember, every relactation journey is unique. Some mothers may see results within a few days, while for others, it might take weeks. Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories along the way.
If you're struggling with relactation, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A lactation consultant can provide personalized advice and support. They can also help identify any underlying issues that might be hindering your progress.
Baby Connect: Make the Most of Your Breastfeeding Journey at Every Phase
Breastfeeding is more than just nutrition – it's about bonding with your baby. Starting breastfeeding again after stopping is possible. Even if you don't produce a full milk supply, the act of breastfeeding can be a beautiful way to connect with your little one.
For more resources, support, and tools to help you on your breastfeeding journey, visit the Baby Connect platform. With Baby Connect, you can log your baby’s growth and development while keeping track of his or her needs including diaper changes, feedings, and sleep. Try the Baby Connect app for free today and take control of your breastfeeding journey.
