About Induced Lactation and Relactation

by Maurenne Griese, RNC, BSN

Are you adopting a baby or wanting to reestablish your milk supply?  This section of our website will be helpful to you.

Induced lactation means stimulating a milk supply.  Regular expression of the breast will stimulate milk production.  Some medications and herbal remedies have also been found to stimulate milk production and increase milk supply.  Induced lactation is more common among adoptive mothers wishing to breastfeed their babies.

It has been my experience that most adoptive mothers will not have a 100% milk supply.  25% to 75% is a more realistic goal.  Some moms never produce milk.  However, breastfeeding baby is not just about milk.  The breastfeeding experience is  also about enhancing the mother baby bond.   

Relacation is the process of rebuilding a birth mother's milk supply which perhaps has been significantly reduced or stopped after days, weeks or months of not breastfeeding.  It is possible that these mothers will be able to produce a full milk supply.

Milk production typically requires anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks of mechanical stimulation. It is not uncommon to initially see only a few drops of milk but as the mother continues with expressing, the milk will slowly begin to flow with more volume.  

Latch on with an SNS (courtesy of Medela Inc.)

Both induced lactation and relactation require commitment and knowledge.  I recommend seeking that support from a La Leche League leader or a lactation consultant in your local area.  Of equal importance is enlisting the support of your baby's pediatrician as well as your own primary care provider.

Induced lactation and relactation initially will produces low milk volume levels.  Therefore, the mother will need to supplement at the breast with some type of a supplemental feeder like Medela's Supplemental Nursing System or the Lact-Aid Nursing Trainer System.  Using supplementation at the breast encourages the baby to nurse and provides the baby nourishment and at the same time, it helps stimulate your milk supply.

There are numerous web resources for mothers to review for more information on induced lactation and relactation.

Induced Lactation  by Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSE, IBCLC

Induced lactation and relactation guidance from KellyMom.com

Adoptive breastfeeding from La Leche league International

Breastfeeding Your Adoptive Baby by Dr. Jack Newman

Using a Lactation Aid by Dr. Jack Newman

Induction protocol  by Mechell Turner, BA, MA, IBCLC

Adoptive Breastfeeding Resource Website

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