Can I Make My Breast Milk Come Back? A Step-by-Step Guide to Relactation
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Time to read 4 min
Roopa K
B.Sc ,Certified Lactation Educator (CLC), Certified Lactation Professional (CLP), Garbh Sanskar Expert, Postpartum Health Nutritionist.
Roopa is committed to providing holistic support and guidance throughout the prenatal, postnatal, and breastfeeding journey of Indian mothers.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but sometimes milk supply decreases or stops altogether. If you're wondering, “can I make my breast milk come back?" - the answer is yes! This process, known as relactation , can help you restart lactation, even after a gap.
Whether you have recently stopped breastfeeding or experienced a drop in supply, this guide will walk you through how to restart milk production, increase supply, and successfully breastfeed again.
Table of content
1. When Does Lactation Stop?
Lactation gradually decreases when the breasts are not stimulated through nursing or pumping. Milk supply decrease can begin within a few days to weeks after stopping breastfeeding. However, for some mothers, breast milk drying up can take several months. Factors affecting this lactation timeline include:
- How often the baby was nursing before stopping breastfeeding.
- Whether pumping or hand expression continued after stopping breastfeeding naturally.
- Individual hormonal changes.
If you've recently stopped and are considering relactation, the sooner you begin stimulating your breasts, the easier it will be to restart milk production.
2. How Long Does Milk Production Last?
After weaning (when a baby moves from breastfeeding to other foods and fluids), milk production varies. Some women experience post-weaning changes, including leakage, for up to a year after stopping. If you've recently stopped but wish to start breastfeeding again, it's still possible to rebuild your supply.
3. Can I Make My Breast Milk Come Back?
Yes! Relactation is possible, even after weeks or months without breastfeeding. Success depends on:
- The time since breastfeeding stopped.
- Your baby's willingness to nurse.
- Your commitment to pumping for relactation and breast stimulation.
4. Step-by-Step Relactation Tips:
A: Increase Breast Stimulation
Milk supply follows a supply-and-demand principle. The more you stimulate your breasts, the more likely your body will increase milk supply. Try:
- Frequent Nursing – Offer the breast to your baby often.
- Power Pumping – Use a hospital-grade breast pump every 2–3 hours.
- Hand Expression – Massage and express milk after nursing or pumping.
B: Encourage Your Baby to Latch
Getting your baby to latch is key for breastfeeding again. If your baby resists:
- Try nipple shields if transitioning from a bottle.
- Offer the breast before formula.
- Use skin-to-skin contact to encourage suckling.
C: Eat Lactation-Boosting Foods
Your diet plays a crucial role in milk supply increase. Focus on:
- Oats, flaxseeds, and moringa – Known for their lactation benefits.
- Hydration – Drink plenty of water and herbal teas.
- Protein intake
D: Try Galactagogues & Breastfeeding Supplements
Certain foods and supplements may help restart milk production, including:
- Fenugreek, shatavari, fennel, and gond.
- Lactation bars like Lactobites which are designed for boosting milk supply by up to 12X. It is clinically tested and proven, contains 5+ galactogogues and is absolutely safe for moms and babies.
E: Monitor Your Milk Supply
Signs that your baby is getting enough milk include:
- At least 6 wet diapers a day.
- Satisfied behavior after feeding.
- Steady weight gain.
F: Seek Professional Guidance
Success rates for relactation are higher with expert guidance. Consider consulting a certified lactation consultant who can help with latching, milk production, and weaning strategies.
Need extra support? Nutrizoe’s 28-Day Lactation Program, which includes two 1:1 calls with a lactation expert, a 28-day breastfeeding diet plan, and 20 Lactobites bars to naturally boost milk supply.
5. How Long Does Relactation Take?
The process varies, but many mothers see an increase in milk within 2–6 weeks . The key is consistency and patience.
6. Stopping Breastfeeding Naturally & Post-Weaning Changes
If you’re considering stopping breastfeeding naturally, reduce feedings gradually to avoid engorgement . Expect:
- Hormonal shifts that may cause mood changes.
- Changes in breast fullness as milk supply decreases.
- Weaning-related emotions, which are completely normal.
7. FAQs
1. What if my baby refuses to latch during relactation?
Many babies, especially those used to bottles, may initially resist. Try skin-to-skin contact, nurse when baby is sleepy, or use a nipple shield to ease the transition.
2. Can I exclusively pump and still relactate successfully?
Yes! With consistent pumping every 2–3 hours using a hospital-grade pump, many moms successfully relactate even without direct breastfeeding.
3. Is relactation possible after months of not breastfeeding?
Definitely. While results may vary, relactation can work even after several months - especially with dedication, breast stimulation, and support from a lactation expert.
4. Do I need to take medications to relactate?
Not always. Most mothers relactate naturally through breast stimulation and nutrition. In rare cases, doctors may recommend medications, but they’re not the first step.
5. How do I know if relactation is working before full milk returns?
Early signs include breast tingling, milk droplets while pumping, baby swallowing during nursing, and increasing wet diapers.
8. Key Takeaway:
Relactation is possible with dedication and the right approach. Whether you want to fully restore milk supply or supplement breastfeeding, every drop of breast milk benefits your baby.
If you need personalized lactation support, check out Nutrizoe’s 28-Day Lactation Program, designed to provide expert guidance, a breastfeeding meal plan, and Lactobites for natural nourishment.
Happy Breastfeeding!