Relactation

QUESTION: My son is 6 months old. At 3 months he weaned himself. I gave up thinking there was nothing I could do about it. He wouldn't take the breast at all. He would just arch his back and cry.

Is there a way I could get him back into it, or is it to late? My milk is just about gone, but is there a way to build it back up? I will do anything. I just really wasn't ready to let go of the nursing we shared. This will be my last child, and I want to make the most of it. I was a failure with my first two with breastfeeding and wanted to make it this time. Thank you for anything you can give me on this. Please tell me there is still hope!

Dear Konietha,

Your letter was forwarded to me for reply by Breastfeeding.com. What you are wanting to do is called "relactation." And, yes, it is possible, although there is no way to say how much milk you will be able to regain. It depends on the mother and the situation and can vary all the way from only a small amount to a full supply. There are adoptive mothers who have been able to induce lactation when they have never even been pregnant!

Stimulation to the breast will bring back the milk for you. The BEST way to do this is with a device such as the "SNS" made by Medela or "Lact-Aid." These are both systems that enable you to give formula at the breast. The baby gets the formula he needs and stimulates the breast at the same time. It would be very beneficial for you to find a local La Leche League Leader or a Lactation Consultant in your area
to help you with this. Try calling 1-800-LALECHE and 1-800-TELLYOU (Medela's help line).

Also, there is an herb called Fenugreek which can help boost milk supply in most women. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have further questions.

Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL
Montgomery, Alabama   

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