Quick guide to relactation
We have a longer piece on relactation for those of you who would like an indepth read and can be found here. This guide may be more suitable for those of you who are restarting breastfeeding/pumping after a short break, particularly in the early days of a babies life.
Lucy Lowe, IBCLC - October 2024
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What is Relactation?
Relactation is restarting making milk after a period of not making milk.
Relactation needs two key factors to work:
1. Nipple Stimulation
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You can do this through breastfeeding, pumping, or hand expression.
2. Consistent Milk Removal
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Removing milk via breastfeeding or expressing
The time needed to reestablish milk supply varies. If it’s been a long period since you last breastfed, relactation might take a bit longer.
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Tips to Support Relactation
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Seek specialist support:
- Contact a local lactation consultant https://www.lowestoftandwaveneybreastfeeding.co.uk/ibclc-home-visits or breastfeeding support group https://www.lowestoftandwaveneybreastfeeding.co.uk/breastfeeding-cafes
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Breast Stimulation and Milk Removal:
- Aim for 8+ sessions of breast stimulation every 24 hours. These could include pumping, hand expression, or breastfeeding. Include at least one session between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
- Start with short sessions and gradually increase to 15–20 minutes. It’s normal not to get much milk initially.
- find our guide to pumping here
Helpful Tips:
- Try to relax while expressing; try gentle breast massage, warm compresses, or watching something funny.
- Consider making or buying a pumping bra to free your hands: https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/hands-free-pumping/
- A double electric pump often yields more milk than single pumping. If in the Lowestoft and Waveney area, you can rent one for free: https://www.lowestoftandwaveneybreastfeeding.co.uk/breast-pump-hire
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Latching your baby
- If your break from breastfeeding has been very short you may find your baby latches back on quickly.
- Seek help to resolve any issues that caused you to stop breastfeeding initially such as painful feeding
- guidance on positioning and attachment here
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Consider Galactagogues:
- Galactagogues are substances that some believe can increase milk supply, but evidence is limited, and side effects are possible.
- They only work alongside frequent breast stimulation and milk removal! Consult your GP if you’re interested in this option: https://breastfeeding.support/what-is-a-galactagogue/
Tips to encourage a baby to latch:
- Encourage skin-to-skin contact when the baby is calm and not hungry.
- Use the paced bottle-feeding method - this is safer and healthier for babies: https://youtu.be/TuZXD1hIW8Q.
- Consider alternative feeding methods, like cup feeding or an at-breast supplementer, with the support of a breastfeeding specialist (https://www.lowestoftandwaveneybreastfeeding.co.uk/diy-supplemental-nursing-system)
- Once your baby is wanting to breastfeed, a deep latch and good milk transfer are essential - ask a breastfeeding specialist to watch your baby feed.
Further guidance:
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https://www.lowestoftandwaveneybreastfeeding.co.uk/relactation
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Relactation: A Guide to Rebuilding Your Milk Supply by Lucy Ruddle, IBCLC: Relactation: A Guide to Rebuilding Your Milk Supply