How to Re-Lactate After Having Stopped Breastfeeding

It is possible to rebuild your breast milk supply.

You may wish to re-lactate for reasons related to your baby's health. Or you may have had a rough start leading to early weaning and miss nurturing your baby through breastfeeding. Whatever the case, re-lactation is possible with hard work and patience. It is easiest to bring baby back to the breast before the age of 4 months, though not impossible with an older baby. Some essential tools and steps can help you get started re-lactating.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Herbal galactogogues
• Breastfeeding supplementer

1. Call an expert. Lactation consultants are trained to help women build successful breastfeeding relationships with their babies; find one who is IBCLC certified (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). La Leche League leaders can also offer re-lactation assistance and group support for breastfeeding mothers. Have your consultant help you latch the baby on properly.

2. Take herbal supplements that boost breast milk production--otherwise known as galactogogues. Common galactogogues include fenugreek, blessed thistle and alfalfa. Prescription drugs such as Reglan and Domperidone can also be helpful in increasing breast milk production, particularly when trying to re-lactate.

3. Offer the breast often. Start with a minimum of every two hours, and more frequently if baby will accept it. Even if baby starts out using the breast as a pacifier, any nursing will stimulate the pituitary gland to produce milk. Remember, the more you nurse, the more breast milk you will make and the more likely you will be to re-lactate successfully.

4. Use a breast pump several times per day during the re-lactation process. You may not see much milk at first, but don't be discouraged. The goal is to stimulate the breasts so that the pituitary gland gets the message to resume milk production. The best choice is to rent a hospital-grade pump such as the Medela Lactina, but a quality personal pump will work too.

5. Purchase and use a breastfeeding supplementer. This is a plastic bottle or bag that holds formula; attached tubing runs down the breast and into the baby's mouth so that he receives supplemental nutrition while you rebuild your breast milk supply. While using a breastfeeding supplementer can be tricky to learn, once you get the hang of it you will be able to use it easily.

6. Wean from the supplementer, if possible. Most mothers need several weeks to bring back a full milk supply. If you see signs that your baby is getting enough milk from you (such as formula left in the supplementer at the end of a feeding or plenty of soft, yellow stools and lots of wet diapers), gradually reduce the supplement offered. Watch the baby carefully during this time period to make sure she gets enough milk and gains enough weight.

Tips & Warnings

• Work closely with your baby's health care provider to be sure your baby gains weight properly. Buy or rent an infant scale for home use.

• Surround yourself with supportive people--that is, family members who support your efforts and friends who are breastfeeding or have breastfed their babies. Steer clear of negativity, as stress will only impede your efforts.

• Get plenty of sleep. Fatigue can reduce breast milk supply.

• Until your milk supply increases, you may need to supplement feedings with infant formula.

Resources

• La Leche League
• Lact-Aid Nursing Supplementer
• Medela Pumps