Relactation is the name given to the reconstruction process of production of milk and breastfeed again at some time after breastfeeding is stopped. Why would a mother do? Some have worked with I originally planned to use the formula, and started off bottle, but found their babies do not tolerate the formula. Other mothers relactated because they learned too late that they have received misinformation and does not really need to wean. Some had really struggled with breastfeeding in the first few weeks, so decided to take the formula, but once the baby was a little older and life was installed, really wanted to give breastfeeding another try.
It is not always possible to bring a full milk
supply, but it is often, and even a partial milk supply can make a big difference to the health and development of a baby.
But how do you do?
1. Recognize that it can be slow going and requires dedication.
Initially, the process can be quite long, as you may need to pump, breastfeeding and complete your baby. It can also take several weeks to build a full milk supply, sometimes more if you have had problems as a breast abscess.
2. To provide enough stimulation to the breasts.
The most often milk is removed, the more often it will be done. Generally, you should pump or breastfeed in at least eight times in 24 hours, and if you can do it more often, which is even better. If you use a pump, try not to set a timetable, but pump just whenever you have a few minutes to spare. (You can keep the parts that come in contact with your milk in the fridge between pumping and just cleaned once a day, no need to clean every time you pump.) At first you will have very little milk. It's OK, you send your breasts 'milk' make signals and it will take several days before responding. Give milk you are able to pump the baby as a supplement, and the formula (or given breast milk).
3. Think about trying to herbal supplements or prescription drugs to give you a "jump-start."
There are a number of herbs touted as boosters of milk production, but most are not well documented. Dr. Jack Newman recommends fenugreek and blessed thistle (taken together) and there is research to show that fenugreek is effective. Domperidone prescription drug has also been shown to increase milk production, so you can talk to your doctor about this option. Keep in mind, however, that none of this will work without milk evacuation plan discussed in point number two!
4. Help your child transition to breastfeeding.
Your child may have the habit of drinking from a bottle and it may take some time to help re-learn breastfeeding (or may have never really got going). The good news is that babies are born "hard" to nurse and often mothers are surprised by how quickly the baby back to the breast. Consider giving your time baby lots of skin-to-skin when you are naked breasts and the baby is simply wear a diaper. Get in a comfortable reclining position, put baby belly down on the chest, and relax. Your baby can simply lock with little help from you. If it does not, look for these progressive signs that she is "on its way," she tries to root, turning to the nipple; she licks the nipple; she opens her mouth and briefly takes the nipple and holds the nipple in his mouth, but does not suck. (It may take her several days to get from the first to the last of these signs.) If you tighten your chest slowly at this point, she will get a milk squirt and could encourage swallowing and start sucking. Be patient and keep trying.
5. Learn to know when baby drinks.
Once the baby latches on, it is important to know when it is actually getting milk. Looking slow, deep sucks with a break at the top when the baby's mouth is wide open. Often, you hear a sound like a whispered "caw, caw, caw" but the break is the most important indicator. When you see that kind of power for several minutes, you know that the baby took a good amount of milk. If you do not see this, you may need to pump more to stimulate your milk, and / or help with the baby's latch.
6. Watch your baby's diapers to help you know how much milk he or she gets.
A formula fed baby has brownish, the movements of the intestine farms; a breastfed baby has very loose, yellow stools (here's a handy guide to shit your baby). As the amount of milk your baby receives from you increases, you will see the bowel movements are starting to change color and become more flexible. Keeping track of wet diapers poopy also reassure your baby is enough to eat.
7. Recognize that filling will be necessary at the beginning and probably for several weeks.
The best way to complete is an aid to lactation used within. It saves time (you do not have both breastfeed and give the extra - you do both at once), encourages the baby to breastfeed, and provides more stimulation to the breast. You can buy commercial lactation aids or make your own with a feeding tube and bottle with the hole in the nipple enlarged so that you can paste the tube.
8. Focus on success over a week or more, rather than daily.
With babies, things rarely go straight. One day the baby seems to be getting a lot of milk in and you cut back on the complementary formula, then the next day it will be hard in the chest and drinking more than the formula you expected. This normal baby behavior. But if you compare week to week - it took an average of 12 ounces per day supplement last week, but only 9 ounces per day on average this week - you will see the progress you are making.
9. Be flexible.
If one approach does not work, give something a try. Your baby will not lock sitting? Try lying down, or walking around with baby in a sling. You do not get much milk when you pump, even after several days? Try to express by hand, or use a different size clamp on the pump. Your baby is sick or just have a day off and not wanting to even look at your breast? Feed with a spoon or syringe or bottle if this is all it will take, and try again later. You will get there.
10. Round all the support you can get.
Encouragement of friends and family is good, but one of them practical help which gives you more time to work on the construction of the production of milk can be a big difference. You can also work with a La Leche League, a lactation consultant, a public health nurse or family doctor can help you monitor the progress of your baby and make sure there is enough to eat as you build your milk production.
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