Yes, You Can Breastfeed Again

The Beautiful Journey of Relactation

Relactation is the process of re-establishing milk production after a period of reduced or no breastfeeding. CDC+2La Leche League USA+2 Even after having “weaned,” many mothers can bring back their milk supply, at least partially. La Leche League International+2Healthline+2

Sometimes relactation is attempted:

• after an unplanned early weaning
• when the baby had health issues or separation
• in adoptive or non–birthing parents (this is closely related to induced lactation) Australian Breastfeeding Association+2La Leche League USA+2
• when formula feeding is not tolerated or when the mother wishes to resume the breastfeeding relationship

It is not guaranteed to work fully, and success depends on several factors, but many mothers find that even a partial return to breast milk is beneficial.

Benefits of Relactation (for Mom & Baby)

For the Baby / Child

1. Nutritional & immunological advantages
   Breast milk continues to provide antibodies, immune cells, and bioactive factors that help protect your baby against infections, gut issues, allergies, and more. La Leche League International+3internationalbreastfeedinginstitute.com+3Healthline+3
2. Digestive tolerance
   For babies who “don’t tolerate” formula well, reintroducing breast milk—even partially—can ease digestive burden. La Leche League International+2internationalbreastfeedinginstitute.com+2
3. Bonding & emotional comfort
   The closeness, skin-to-skin contact, and suckling itself help foster emotional connection and security between mother and child. internationalbreastfeedinginstitute.com+2CDC+2
4. Support in illness or stress
   During times of illness, breast milk’s immune factors become especially valuable. La Leche League USA+2internationalbreastfeedinginstitute.com+2

For the Mother

1. Emotional satisfaction & reconnection
   Many mothers feel a renewed sense of purpose, connection, or closure by restarting breastfeeding. idahopublichealth.com+2internationalbreastfeedinginstitute.com+2
2. Health benefits
   Breastfeeding, including relactation, may help reduce risks of breast and ovarian cancer and support maternal metabolic health. internationalbreastfeedinginstitute.com
3. Cost, convenience & environmental impact
   Less reliance on formula means lower costs, less waste, and ease of feeding without preparation. internationalbreastfeedinginstitute.com+2La Leche League International+2
4. Empowerment & control
   For many, it’s a way to reclaim a bodily function that felt lost or interrupted.

How to Attempt Relactation: Step-by-Step

Note: Always seek guidance from a lactation consultant, breastfeeding specialist or healthcare provider. Every body is different.

1. Commit to consistency & patience

Relactation is not instant. Expect weeks or even months before you see substantial milk production, and be prepared for ups and downs. PMC+3HealthyChildren.org+3Cleveland Clinic+3

2. Frequent breast stimulation (nurse, pump, hand-express)

• Aim to stimulate the breast 8 to 12 times per 24 hours, ideally every 2 to 3 hours (including at night). Australian Breastfeeding Association+5Healthline+5choa.org+5
• Combine methods: hand expression, breast massage, and pump (especially hands-on pumping) to help maximize stimulation. choa.org+3Australian Breastfeeding Association+3Breastfeeding Support+3
• Use a good quality (or hospital-grade) pump if possible, especially in the early stages. Healthline+3Cleveland Clinic+3Australian Breastfeeding Association+3

3. Offer the breast often & encourage latch

• Whenever possible, put your baby to the breast, even if just for comfort or to stimulate suckling. HealthyChildren.org+4La Leche League USA+4La Leche League International+4
• Use supplemental nursing systems (SNS) or fine feeding tubes that run from a bottle at the breast, so your baby is nourished while suckling at the breast. ChristianaCare News+4La Leche League USA+4abm.me.uk+4
• Be gentle, avoid forcing the baby, and make breastfeeding a pleasant, low-stress time. abm.me.uk+2ChristianaCare News+2

4. Skin-to-skin & close contact

• Frequent skin-to-skin contact helps stimulate hormones (like oxytocin) that support milk let-down. internationalbreastfeedinginstitute.com+3Breastfeeding Support+3CDC+3
• Keep your baby nearby; co-sleeping (safely), babywearing, and responsive feeding can increase opportunities. Breastfeeding Support+2CDC+2

5. Supplement wisely

• Until your breast milk supply increases, your baby still needs adequate nutrition—so continue formula or donor milk as needed. CDC+3HealthyChildren.org+3choa.org+3
• Use paced bottle feeding or cup feeding to avoid “teaching” the baby strong bottle preferences. abm.me.uk+2CDC+2
• Gradually reduce the supplemental volume as your own supply builds. alabamapublichealth.gov+2HealthyChildren.org+2

6. Consider galactagogues (with caution)

Some mothers use herbs, foods, or medications (called galactagogues) intended to support milk production. Examples include fenugreek, blessed thistle, oats, etc. Breastfeeding Support+2lactationmatters.org+2
But their benefits are variable, and you should consult your health provider or IBCLC before using them. lactationmatters.org+1

7. Track progress & adapt

• Monitor your baby’s weight gain, wet/dirty diapers, and overall health. La Leche League International+3alabamapublichealth.gov+3CDC+3
• Keep consistent records of how many stimulation sessions, how much pumped milk, how much supplementation, etc.
• If after consistent effort for a few weeks you see little to no progress, re-evaluate strategy with your lactation consultant.

Is It Ever Too Late to Relactate?

Short answer: It depends — but often, it’s not too late.

• Relactation tends to be easier when attempted soon after stopping breastfeeding, especially within weeks or a few months. Australian Breastfeeding Association+4idahopublichealth.com+4PMC+4
• That said, there are cases of successful relactation months or even years later, particularly when motivation is strong and support is good. La Leche League International+3Cleveland Clinic+3Australian Breastfeeding Association+3
• The farther out you are from last breastfeeding, the more gradual the process is likely to be, and full supply may be less likely. HealthyChildren.org+3La Leche League International+3PMC+3
• Even small amounts of breast milk are meaningful and beneficial. La Leche League International+3CDC+3La Leche League USA+3

So whether it’s been weeks, months, or longer — attempting relactation is often worth considering, especially if your goal is connection, partial milk, or maximizing breastmilk exposure.

Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Challenge	Possible Solution / Tip
Baby refuses to latch	Use gentle, relaxed approaches; offer at times when baby is calm or sleepy; use SNS or drip methods. abm.me.uk+2ChristianaCare News+2
Low / slow milk production	Increase frequency and effectiveness of stimulation; use breast compression and massage; review technique with a specialist. HealthyChildren.org+4Breastfeeding Support+4Australian Breastfeeding Association+4
Fatigue / overwhelm	Build a support team (partner, family, lactation consultant); rest and self-care; break tasks into manageable pieces.
Supply plateau	Adjust frequency, try power pumping (clusters), or review supplementation strategy. Cleveland Clinic+2Breastfeeding Support+2
Emotional stress	Use relaxation, meditation, stress-management strategies; consult counselor or peer support.