Relactation: Yes, You Can Bring Your Milk Back (And No, You’re Not Crazy for Trying)

So maybe you stopped breastfeeding. Or maybe your supply dipped, and you never quite got it back. Maybe your baby started formula feeds, or you weaned earlier than you wanted to. Maybe things just didn't go to plan. Now you're here — wondering if you can relactate.

Whatever your story: you're not selfish, you're not silly, and you're not too late.

As a lactation consultant, I've walked with many parents through the relactation process. Some just wanted comfort nursing. Others aimed to replace bottles. Most simply wanted to reconnect. Whatever your goal is, I want you to know:

You’re not alone.
This is a path worth exploring.
And any amount of breast milk you make — or don’t — is not the measure of your worth.

Let’s walk through what relactation actually involves — and give you a step-by-step plan you can follow at your own pace.

What Is Relactation?

Relactation is the process of re-starting breast milk production after it has significantly reduced or stopped. Some parents stopped days ago, some months. Some never fully established a supply to begin with. And all of them deserve good support and up-to-date information.

Milk supply works on a "use it or lose it" system — but the amazing thing is, your body is often capable of bringing it back with consistent, loving encouragement.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Relactating

Step 1: Define Your Why

Before anything else, take a moment to get clear on why you're doing this. Is it for bonding? Nutrition? To feel more connected to your feeding journey? There's no wrong answer. Knowing your why will help you stay grounded when the going gets tough.

Step 2: Reintroduce Breast Stimulation (8–12 Times a Day)

Your first physical step is stimulating your breasts regularly. This can be through:

• Direct breastfeeding (if baby will latch)
• Pumping with a double electric pump
• Hand expression
• Skin-to-skin time with baby

If baby isn’t latching, that’s okay. Skin-to-skin contact and frequent pumping still help immensely.

Try for 8–12 sessions in 24 hours, including one overnight. Pump or feed for about 15–20 minutes per side, and massage your breasts before and during pumping to help milk flow.

Step 3: Try a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) if Baby Will Latch

A Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is a small tube that delivers milk (either formula, donor milk, or previously expressed milk) while baby feeds at the breast. It’s helpful because baby gets immediate nourishment, breast is stimulated at the same time, and baby builds a positive association with the breast.

If your baby is struggling to latch, work with a lactation consultant to gently guide them back without pressure.

Step 4: Skin-to-Skin, All Day Every Day

Skin-to-skin isn’t just for newborns. Holding your baby close on your bare chest can:

• Boost oxytocin levels (which helps with letdown)
• Encourage baby to root and latch
• Build your confidence and connection

Try babywearing shirtless at home, contact naps, or even warm baths together. Even a few minutes here and there make a difference.

Step 5: Offer the Breast for Comfort, Not Just Feeding

This one’s more emotional than mechanical — but it’s just as important. Offer the breast at sleepy times, during cuddles, after baths. It’s okay if there’s no milk at first. This kind of "non-nutritive sucking" still tells your body: this baby wants milk — let’s make some.

Step 6: Explore Galactagogues (Maybe)

Galactagogues are substances that may support milk production. These include:

• Herbal options like fenugreek, shatavari and morninga
• Prescription meds like domperidone or metoclopramide (not available everywhere)

These are not magic solutions, and some herbs don’t work for everyone — fenugreek, for instance, can decrease supply in some people. Always speak with a healthcare provider or IBCLC before starting anything new.

Step 7: Protect Your Mental Health

Relactation is a commitment. It takes energy, time, and a lot of emotional resilience. You are not failing if it feels hard. You are not a bad parent if you need breaks.

You’re allowed to combo feed.
You’re allowed to cry about it.
You’re allowed to change your mind.

Your mental health is just as important as your milk supply.

What’s Realistic?

Every body is different. Some parents get back to a full supply. Others supplement with formula and are thrilled to nurse once a day for connection. Others simply wanted to try and find closure. You decide what success looks like.

The good news? Your body is listening. Even if you don’t end up exclusively breastfeeding, every drop of milk, every skin-to-skin cuddle, every effort — matters.

When to Get Help

Please don’t wait until you’re drowning. A lactation consultant can help you:

• Build a relactation plan that works with your life
• Navigate low supply, latching struggles, or pumping challenges
• Feel emotionally supported through all of it

Also check out this fantastic evidence-based guide from KellyMom on relactation.

Final Thoughts

Relactation isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. It’s about healing. It’s about choice. And honestly? It’s pretty badass.

So if you’re here trying again, starting over, or just wondering if it’s possible — I see you. And I’m cheering for you.

You’ve got this, and I’ve got your back.