If you are considering relactation, your foundation for success is frequent, effective milk removal. And the good news is that your breasts have made milk previously and mammary tissue and prolactin (milk producing hormone) receptors are established. It can take time to re-establish milk supply so be ready to put the effort in for the length of time that it has been since you last nursed. For example if it has been two weeks, you may be able to relactate in as little as two weeks. If it has been two months, it may take that long. However, the protocols below may help expedite this process. Protocols Frequent pumping or nursing (8–12x/day, including overnight when prolactin levels are highest) Latch your baby on if possible. Feeding tubes allow you to supplement your baby at breast until milk comes in. Get skin to skin with your baby often as it increases oxytocin (milk ejection hormone) Lactation Aids A high quality electric breast pump such as a S...
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