Mothers stop  nursing for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons include :

• a breastfeeding problem that led to unplanned early weaning
• hospitalization that led to separation from baby
• decreased milk supply despite pumping due to factors such as stress and imbalance in the breastfeeding rhythm

Sometimes it is possible to begin again  or relactate , if not to nourish your child , at least to maintain a breastfeeding relationship. This is crucial especially when you stopped nursing to find out that your baby cannot tolerate infant formulas.

Relactation works best if your baby  is less than 3 months old or milk supply has been low and non existence for only a short period of time. Even though your doctor may prescribe  medications such as metoclopramide  to adoptive moms who have not previously breastfed or to women attempting to relactate, the baby’s frequent suckling and other forms of nipple simulation are very crucial in establishing or  re establishing  milk supply.

What should you do if you are trying relactation

If you are attempting relactation, you need to

• breastfeed your baby frequently when he shows  cues of hunger such as sucking motion or increased activity and alertness. You may need to nurse 8 to 10 times a day with 2 or more night feedings. You may need 15 to 20 minutes per feeding session
• if your  baby is not eager to nurse , you need to provide him with positive reinforcement  by using a nursing supplement to provide formula or expressed or donor milk. You need  to stimulate  your breast with a massage or a good quality breast pump

NOTE

Do not expect immediate results. It may take a couple of weeks  for your baby to settle back down to breastfeeding and more weeks for milk supply to increase. Try keeping your nursing episodes relaxed and pleasurable for both you and your baby to increase your chances of succeeding.  You should also drink lots of water and eat adequate healthy diet. The is process is much easier with the help of a health care provider such as a lactation consultant.

Relactation doesn’t always mean you are going to breastfeed exclusively. You may need to supplement it with formula or donor milk because your milk supply may be lower than the original. You may supplement with solid food if the baby is older than 6 months. It is also important to monitor the baby’s weight gain to make sure he is getting enough nutrition. Let your health care provider know about your breastfeeding situation during checkups.