• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Americanahblog

American Immigration, Scholarships, News, Jobs And Marketing

Relactation: Starting Over with Breastfeeding

11 September 2023 by Chinyere Queennet

Spread the love

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends human breastmilk as the sole source of nutrition for a baby’s first 6 months, and continued breastfeeding after solids are added to the diet for as long as the mother and baby desire it. If you decided against breastfeeding at first, or had breastfeeding challenges that led you to wean your baby earlier than you hoped, it is sometimes possible to begin again. This is called relactation.

In this article we would be looking at Relactation: Starting Over with Breastfeeding.

Even if the goal is not to completely nourish your child with breastmilk, relactation can at least let you maintain the breastfeeding relationship. This may be especially important if you stopped breastfeeding only to find that your baby did not tolerate infant formulas. Read on for more information.

When does relactation work best?

Relactation works best if you either gave birth fairly recently (particularly if your child is less than three months old) or if your milk supply has been low or nonexistent for only a short period of time. While doctors may prescribe such drugs as metoclopramide to adoptive mothers who have not previously breastfed or to women attempting to relactate, the baby’s frequent suckling and other forms of nipple stimulation, such as an electric breast pump, are critical to establishing or reestablishing milk supply.

Tips to help restart lactation

If you are attempting to relactate, nurse your baby frequently, whenever they show signs of hunger. Hunger cues may include a pursed mouth, sucking motions, or increased activity or alertness. You may need to nurse 8 to 10 or even more times per day, with 2 or more night feedings, for about 15 to 20 minutes per session. If your baby is not eager to nurse as you are building your milk supply, provide them with positive reinforcement by using a nursing supplementer to provide formula or expressed or donor human milk. You should also stimulate your breasts with breast massage and a good-quality breast pump.

Set realistic expectations

Don’t expect this process to lead to instant results. Your baby may resist nursing for a week to two before they settle back down to breastfeeding, and it may take weeks for your milk supply to increase. To improve your chances of relactating, try to keep your nursing sessions relaxed and pleasurable for both you and your child. Drink enough fluids, and try to maintain an adequate diet.

Consider asking for help

This is a process that will be much easier with the assistance of a physician with special expertise in breastfeeding management or a lactation consultant. In addition, you might ask for help from family members and friends who may have experienced a similar situation.

Supplement if needed

Relactation does not always mean a return to exclusive breastfeeding. Since your milk production may well be lower than it was originally, you may need to supplement your baby’s nutritional intake with formula, with breast milk from a donor milk bank and with solid foods if they are older than 6 months. Meanwhile, it is crucial to monitor their weight gain and other signs that they are getting adequate calories and nutrition.

Remember

Let your your pediatrician or family physician know about your breastfeeding situation. And to make sure your baby is getting the nutrition they need, be sure to bring your child in for recommended checkups.

I hope you find this article helpful as well as interesting.

Related Posts:

  • 1000+ Happy New Month Wishes, Prayers, Messages and Quotes for September 2020
    1000+ Happy New Month Wishes, Prayers, Messages and Quotes…
  • UNIBEN Courses, Faculties & Admission Requirements
    UNIBEN Courses, Faculties & Admission Requirements
  • Useful Apps For Students
    Useful Apps For Students
  • Highest Paid Commercial Courses To Study in Nigeria
    Highest Paid Commercial Courses To Study in Nigeria

Filed Under: For Women

Chinyere Queennet

About Chinyere Queennet

I'm a Masseuse and Young Entrepreneur who loves sharing helpful Educational and Career Updates Online.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • GitHub
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Trending

Transitional Milk and Mature Milk

Treating Breast Pain

Warning Signs of Breastfeeding Problems

Weaning Your Baby

When Not To Wean

Footer

About Us

Welcome aboard our thrilling journey that marries the world of education with the excitement of travel! Our blog is your ultimate compass, guiding you through the realms of study and adventure abroad.

Recent

  • Nigerian Subjects Needed For Computer Engineering
  • Courses At FUOtuoke: A List Of Programs Offered
  • Courses Offered at Alex Ekwueme Federal University
  • List Of Courses Offered At UniAbuja For 2023
  • Courses Available At FUTO, And Their Prerequisites

Search

Copyright © 2023 · AmericanahBlog Home · About · Contact · Privacy