Donate
Restarting or Beginning: A Guide to Relactation and Induced Lactation
At the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (BMSG), we recognise that no two breastfeeding journeys are alike. Some parents may want to restart breastfeeding after a break, while others may want to breastfeed without having been pregnant. Through relactation and induced lactation, both are possible — allowing families to nourish their babies with breastmilk and strengthen their bond.
What is Relactation?
Relactation is the process of rebuilding milk supply after stopping breastfeeding or pumping. This could be due to early weaning, illness, separation, or changes in circumstances. With commitment and support, many mothers have successfully returned to breastfeeding.
What is Induced Lactation?
Induced lactation refers to producing breastmilk without a recent pregnancy. It is a valuable option for:
-
Adoptive mothers
-
Intended mothers of babies born via surrogacy
-
Mothers who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss
-
Non-gestational parents
This approach may involve breast stimulation, hormone therapy, and sometimes medications — especially when following established protocols such as the Newman-Goldfarb Protocols .
Reasons to Relactate or Induce Lactation
-
You weaned earlier than you intended.
-
Your baby isn’t doing well on formula and you want to offer breastmilk.
-
Your child is unwell and would benefit from the immune-protective factors of human milk.
-
You are adopting and want to build a breastfeeding relationship with your child.
-
Your baby is being born via surrogacy.
-
You experienced a loss but are expecting again or want to provide donor milk to another baby.
How It Works
Breastmilk production relies on two key hormones:
-
Prolactin – supports milk production and increases with nipple stimulation.
-
Oxytocin – causes milk to be released via the let-down reflex.
In induced lactation, milk production is stimulated by mimicking the hormonal environment of pregnancy through medications or birth control, followed by consistent and frequent breast stimulation.
Steps to Relactation & Induced Lactation
-
Frequent breast stimulation — nurse or pump every 2–3 hours, including during the night.
-
Use of breast compression — especially during pumping, to improve milk removal.
-
Supplemental Nursing Systems (SNS) — helpful in providing additional milk while encouraging suckling at the breast.
-
Skin-to-skin contact — promotes bonding and stimulates oxytocin.
-
Track baby’s weight and hydration — work with a lactation professional to monitor intake.
-
Patience and persistence — it may take days or weeks to see a steady supply, and any amount of breastmilk is beneficial.
Medications & Supplements: What’s Safe and Effective?
Some parents may choose to use medications or galactagogues (milk-enhancing herbs). These should always be used with medical guidance:
-
Domperidone – frequently used to raise prolactin levels; safe under a doctor’s supervision.
-
Metoclopramide – less commonly used today due to neurological side effects.
-
Herbal supplements – such as fenugreek and blessed thistle are popular but can cause side effects or drug interactions. Effectiveness is variable.
It’s essential to understand that medications and supplements do not replace regular, effective breast stimulationthrough nursing or pumping.
Will I Produce a Full Milk Supply?
Some parents go on to produce a full supply, while others may produce partially and continue with mixed feeding. Both are valid and offer tremendous value. Even small amounts of breastmilk provide antibodies, enzymes, and emotional comfort to your baby.
BMSG Support & Resources
At BMSG, we are proud to support families interested in relactation or induced lactation. Whether you are looking for emotional encouragement or practical steps, our trained counsellors are here to help. We also offer a dedicated online session:
👉 Mini Workshop: Inducing Lactation & Relactation (July Session)
Janet’s Story
Janet, an adoptive mother, shared her experience with BMSG on how she successfully induced lactation to breastfeed her daughter. Through regular breast stimulation before her baby’s arrival and the use of a Supplemental Nursing System, she was able to supply most of her daughter’s milk needs. Her story is a powerful reminder of the emotional strength behind these efforts.
There is no single path to breastfeeding — and yours is just as valid as anyone else’s. Whether you’re restarting after a pause or beginning without pregnancy, your journey deserves support and celebration. Relactation and induced lactation show that love and connection don’t begin or end with birth. At BMSG, we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone — and every step forward is worth honouring.