Did You Know That Women Can Re-Lactate?

It is very possible for a woman to re-establish a milk supply even when her baby is a couple of months old.

Another amazing thing about us women. I had no idea this was even possible and I've been breastfeeding my son for twenty two months. You learn something new every day.
 
A friend of mine has a son who is having some digestion issues. My friend is finding it really tough at the moment and they have tried various different formulas and methods to try relieve his discomfort. It's been a very stressful time for the whole family. This week they mentioned it to the pharmacist who put the question to my friend - “would you consider re-lactating?”
 
Sorry now, what? Yes that's right. It is very possible for a woman to re-establish a milk supply even when her baby is a couple of months old. What is even more amazing is that it is also possible for a woman to lactate if she did not give birth to the baby. Women are seriously amazing.
 
I was really amazed by this fact and found it totally fascinating.
Here are some of the facts that I came across when I did a bit of research on the subject
  • Re lactating is about teaching or re-teaching your baby to nurse at the breast. The aim is to create a sense of comfort with the experience and to feed as often as possible, even after a bottle feed or when they have just woken up or fallen asleep.
  • Milk production is associated with two primary things – nipple stimulation and milk being removed from the breast. As soon as your breasts begin to produce milk and milk is taken via your baby (or pump) your breast received a signal to produce more. For this reason the more you feed or pump the more effectively your breasts will increase their milk supply. 
  • Re lactating can be achieved by using a pump regularly. Milk can then be given via a cup for example.
  • While it may be easier if your child is only a couple of months old, many women have had great success with older infants also.
  • Women re-lactate for many reasons. Sometimes it is a digestion issue while other women simply change their minds or want to experience the emotional element of breastfeeding. It provides a lot of support, comfort and security to their children and they want to experience it.
  • There are a number of herbal remedies which can be taken to help increase your milk supply if you are trying to re-lactate. Fenugreek is one such thing. You can speak to your local health food shop about the different options available.
  • If you are considering re-lactating it would serve you well to contact a Lactation Consultant. They will have seen it all before and will be able to advise you accordingly.
You learn something new every day. Women really are amazing!
 
Written by Tracey, mummy blogger and staff writer with www.familyfriendlyhq.ie
Check out her own blog at love-of-living.blogspot.ie

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Tracey Quinn

Proud mum of two who got married on Don't Tell The Bride and had an accidental home-birth (loves a good story). She's passionate about breastfeeding, positive thinking & all things cosy.

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