If you’ve been wondering,“Can you restart breastfeeding after stopping?” or “I stopped breastfeeding 3 months ago—can I start again?” the answer is yes, it’s possible! This process is known as relactation, and while it does require effort and patience, many parents have successfully returned to breastfeeding after a break. Whether you stopped nursing due to medical reasons, personal circumstances, or simply because life got in the way, relactation offers a path to resume the unique benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby.
What is Relactation?
Relactation refers to stimulating the breasts to produce milk again after lactation has ceased. It can also involve getting a baby to return to breastfeeding after a break. While the practice might seem modern, relactation has historical roots; in emergencies or when a biological mother was unavailable, others would induce lactation to nourish infants.
Today, parents consider relactation for reasons such as medical challenges that interrupted breastfeeding, dissatisfaction with formula feeding, or a desire to build a stronger bond with their child.
What Influences the Success of Relactation?
Several factors determine how successful relactation will be:
- Time Since Weaning. The shorter the gap since breastfeeding stopped, the easier it is to restart.
- Baby’s Age. Younger babies are more likely to resume breastfeeding compared to older infants who may prefer bottles or solid foods.
- Previous Milk Supply. Parents who had a strong milk supply before weaning often experience faster results.
- Breast Stimulation Frequency. Regular nursing or pumping signals the body to increase milk production.
- Babies who are eager to nurse make the process easier.
- Guidance from lactation consultants and encouragement from friends and family play crucial roles.
- High stress can hinder milk production, so relaxation and support are vital.
How Long Does the Relactation Process Take?
Relactation timelines vary from person to person. Initial drops of milk may appear within 2 weeks of consistent breast stimulation. Achieving a full milk supply can take several weeks to months, depending on factors like the duration since weaning and the frequency of stimulation. Progress should be measured weekly rather than daily, as small but consistent improvements add up over time.
Can You Restart Breastfeeding After Stopping? Tips and Strategies
Restarting breastfeeding after stopping is possible with consistent effort and the right approach. Whether due to weaning, challenges, or other reasons, these strategies can help you rebuild your milk supply and reconnect with your baby.
- Stimulate Your Breasts Frequently. Breastfeeding and pumping are the cornerstones of relactation. Aim for 8–10 sessions daily, including at least one at night. The Momcozy M9 Hands-Free Breast Pump is an excellent tool for this. Its mobile, wearable design allows you to pump discreetly and efficiently, even while managing daily tasks. With its adjustable suction settings and comfortable fit, it can make frequent pumping more convenient and less stressful.
- Holding your baby skin-to-skin increases prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, and encourages your baby to latch.
- Introduce Baby Back to the Breast. Babies accustomed to bottles may need time to re-learn breastfeeding. Offer the breast during calm moments, such as after naps or in a warm bath. Using a lactation aid can help, as it provides supplemental nutrition while encouraging nursing.
- Herbs like fenugreek and medications like domperidone can boost milk production. Do consult your doctor before using supplements.
- Monitor diaper output and weight gain to ensure your baby is receiving adequate nutrition. If breastfeeding alone doesn’t suffice, supplement with formula or donor milk while continuing to nurse.
- Stay Patient and Flexible. Relactation can involve setbacks. If one approach isn’t working, try others, such as different nursing positions or combining hand expression with pumping.
- Work with lactation consultants or local breastfeeding groups for personalized guidance. And surround yourself with supportive individuals who understand the challenges and celebrate your progress.
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How Do You Know if Relactation Is Working?
Relactation is working when you notice progress in milk production and your baby’s breastfeeding behaviors. Key indicators include:
- Increased Milk Output. Drops of milk initially appear, gradually increasing in volume with regular stimulation.
- Baby's Behavior. The baby starts latching more effectively, sucking deeply, and appearing satisfied after feeding sessions.
- Diaper Output. Breastfed babies have more frequent wet diapers and transition from brownish, firm stools (formula-fed) to loose, yellow ones.
- Breast Changes. Fuller or firmer breasts before pumping or nursing and softer, emptied breasts afterward suggest active milk production.
At What Point Should You Give Up Relactation?
Relactation is demanding, and it’s essential to balance your physical and emotional well-being with your goals. Consider stopping if:
- If consistent efforts over a month yield no significant milk production or the baby remains uninterested in nursing.
- If relactation affects your mental health, sleep, or ability to care for yourself and your baby.
- If the demands of relactation conflict with other responsibilities or your baby is thriving on alternative nutrition.
FAQs
When Is It Too Late to Relactate?
Relactation can be attempted weeks, months, or even years after weaning. Success depends more on consistent stimulation and less on how much time has passed. However, it may be more challenging if:
- The baby is older and less willing to latch.
- The parent’s hormonal changes (e.g., menopause) reduce milk production capability.
Can I Relactate Just by Pumping?
Yes, exclusive pumping can stimulate milk production without breastfeeding. Effective strategies include:
- Pumping 8–10 times daily, mimicking a newborn’s feeding pattern.
- Using a high-quality pump like the Momcozy M9 Hands-Free Breast Pump to make frequent pumping convenient.
- Incorporating hand expression and breast massage to maximize milk output.
What Are the First Signs of Relactation?
Early signs of relactation include:
- Drops of milk appearing during pumping or breastfeeding.
- Fuller breasts between stimulation sessions.
- Baby latching more willingly and suckling effectively.
- A gradual increase in wet and soiled diapers as milk supply grows.
Do I Need a Lactation Aid to Supplement Feedings?
Yes, a lactation aid allows your baby to receive supplemental formula or donor milk while nursing at the breast, which encourages latching and provides stimulation to boost milk production.
How Can I Help My Baby Transition Back to the Breast?
Spend time with your baby lying chest-to-chest, letting their instincts guide them. If they hesitate, offer the breast during calm moments like after naps or in a warm bath.
Can I Relactate Without My Baby Nursing?
Yes, relactation can be achieved exclusively with pumping. Using a hospital-grade pump or hands-free device like the Momcozy M9 can help simulate feeding patterns and stimulate milk production effectively.
How Do I Ensure My Baby Gets Enough Nutrition During Relactation?
Monitor diaper output (6–8 wet diapers daily) and weight gain with your pediatrician. Use formula or donor milk as needed while building your milk supply.
Is Stress a Barrier to Relactation?
Yes, stress can negatively impact milk production. Prioritize relaxation techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, or meditation to create a stress-free environment during pumping or nursing sessions.
How Can I Make Pumping More Comfortable?
Make sure the pump flange fits properly—too big or too small can hurt and reduce milk flow. A hands-free pump like the Momcozy M9 is a game-changer with its adjustable suction settings, letting you pump comfortably while multitasking.
Should I Wake My Baby for Night Feedings During Relactation?
If your baby sleeps through the night, let them rest! Use that time to pump instead, as night sessions are great for boosting milk production when hormone levels are highest.
How Can I Stay Motivated During Relactation?
Focus on weekly progress—small wins like a few extra drops of milk or better latching can make a big difference. Celebrate these moments, and connect with lactation consultants or online groups for encouragement.
Do Older Babies Still Benefit from Relactation?
Absolutely! Even a partial milk supply provides nutritional benefits and strengthens bonding. It might take some patience to get older babies back to breastfeeding, but it’s worth the effort.
What Should I Do If My Baby Refuses to Latch?
Skin-to-skin time can help. Try offering the breast during relaxed moments like after a nap or in the bath. A lactation aid can also associate feeding with your breast while keeping up the stimulation.
How Do I Keep My Breast Milk Supply Stable Once It’s Back?
Stick to regular nursing or pumping (8–10 times a day), stay hydrated, and only reduce supplementation when your baby is consistently gaining weight from breastfeeding alone.
Bottom Line
Relactation might take time and effort, but it’s definitely doable and rewarding. Whether you’re bringing back breastfeeding for the bonding, nutrition, or both, the key is to be patient with yourself and celebrate the little wins along the way. With tools like hands-free pumps, a solid support system, and maybe some guidance from a lactation consultant, you can make it work. So yes, if you’ve stopped breastfeeding, you absolutely can start again. Give yourself grace and take it one step—or one drop—at a time.
