Whether you stopped breastfeeding due to medical reasons, personal choice, or unexpected challenges, you may now find yourself wondering — can I start again? The good news is yes, you can. This process is known as relactation.
In this guide, we’ll explain what relactation is, who might benefit from it, and how to go about restarting your milk supply. You’ll also find practical steps, common challenges, and encouragement for every stage of the journey.
What is Relactation?
Relactation is the process of re-establishing breast milk production after it has stopped. It differs from inducing lactation, which refers to starting milk production in someone who hasn’t breastfed before — like adoptive or surrogate parents.
With relactation, the body has already produced milk before. The goal is to stimulate the breasts again and signal the body to resume that natural function.
Why Do Mothers Consider Relactation?
There are many reasons a parent might choose to restart breastfeeding, such as:
- Temporary weaning due to illness, medication, or separation
- Baby’s adverse reaction to formula
- A change of heart — some parents regret stopping and want to try again
- Adoption or fostering, where the parent wants to establish a breastfeeding bond
While relactation tends to work best when the baby is still in the breastfeeding stage (under six months old), older babies can also relearn to latch with patience and consistency.
How to Start Relactation
Relactation takes time and commitment, but many mothers have successfully done it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Reintroduce Breast Stimulation
Start by encouraging regular stimulation of the breasts:
- Direct Nursing: Offer your breast as often as possible — even if there’s little to no milk at first. Skin-to-skin contact during these sessions can comfort your baby and promote natural suckling instincts.
- Pumping & Hand Expression: According to the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, you should aim to pump 8 to 12 times a day, mimicking a newborn’s feeding pattern. Include power pumping sessions (pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, repeat) once or twice daily to boost supply.
Step 2: Encourage Baby to Latch
If your baby is open to latching, that’s a great sign — direct suckling stimulates milk production better than pumping alone.
Here are a few ways to ease them back to the breast:
- Try offering the breast when your baby is calm or just waking up
- Experiment with different breastfeeding positions for comfort
- Use nipple shields temporarily if your baby is used to bottle nipples
Step 3: Use Lactation Aids and Supplements
- Supplemental Nursing System (SNS): As noted by WebMD, this device lets your baby receive milk (either formula or previously expressed milk) through a small tube while latching onto your breast. It helps reinforce the idea that the breast is a source of nourishment.
- Galactagogues: These are supplements or foods that can help increase milk supply. Medical News Today highlights natural options include oats, flaxseeds, fenugreek, fennel, and brewer’s yeast. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications like domperidone to support lactation — always consult your healthcare provider first.
Step 4: Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed
Signs that relactation is working:
- Gradual increase in milk output — even a few millilitres is progress
- Baby is latching and feeding for longer periods
- Your breasts feel fuller or tingly, indicating milk flow
- Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.
Challenges of Relactation
Relactation is a journey, and like any journey, it may come with obstacles. Being prepared can help you stay motivated:
- It Takes Time: Don’t expect overnight results. It may take weeks of regular stimulation to see consistent milk flow.
- Partial Supply Is Still Success: Even if you don’t achieve a full supply, any amount of breast milk benefits your baby’s immunity and development.
- Baby Prefers the Bottle: If your baby is accustomed to bottles, transitioning back to the breast might take time. Try offering the breast before a bottle feed and gradually reduce bottle use.
Relactation Is a Journey — And You Don’t Have to Walk It Alone
Yes, relactation is possible — and deeply rewarding. With patience, consistency, and the right support, many parents are able to restart breastfeeding and reconnect with their babies in a new, nurturing way.
Remember: any breast milk is better than none, and every drop counts.
If you’re considering relactation, don’t go it alone. Reach out to a lactation consultant or join a breastfeeding support group for personalised guidance and encouragement.
At Flegen, we’re here to support you every step of the way — with both in-person and online consultations available for mums who may not have the time or flexibility to make a physical visit. Whatever your journey looks like, you’re never alone.