Rebuilding your milk supply can be an emotional and physical journey when you are trying to reconnect with breastfeeding after a pause. Whether you've stopped nursing for weeks or even months, you may be wondering if it is still possible to produce milk again. The good news is that it is possible with the help of a breast pump for relactation.
Using a reliable pump can ease your journey and provide the gentle stimulation your body needs to make milk again. Yes, relactation is not always easy. You may not see results immediately. However, you can achieve it with dedication and consistency. This article will guide you through understanding relactation, what to look for in a pump, and some of the best pumps for relactation.
What Is Relactation and How Can a Pump Help?
Relactation is the process of restarting breast milk production after you’ve stopped for a while. Many mothers choose to relactate weeks or even months after weaning or an unplanned break. This is different from induced lactation, where mothers may have never breastfed or been pregnant but want to start producing milk for adoption, surrogacy, or medical reasons.
In either case, your body can respond to stimulation to produce milk again with the help of a breast pump. A breast pump for relactation mimics a baby’s natural feeding rhythm, especially if your baby is not latching yet. Your pump sessions should be frequent to signal your body that milk is needed. With consistent use, a pump can gradually help reestablish your milk supply.
Over time, you may notice drops of milk, and eventually, a more regular flow. Even if milk production seems slow at first, every session matters. Just like with newborn nursing, relactation takes patience and routine. With time and consistency, you can relactate successfully using a breast pump for relactation.
Key Features to Look for in a Breast Pump for Relactation
There are different types of pumps: manual, electric, and wireless pumps. You need a breast pump for relactation that not only supports your milk supply goals but also keeps you comfortable, consistent, and stress-free. Here are the key features to look for when selecting one:
- Hospital-Grade Suction Power
The best breast pump for induced lactation and relactation should provide hospital-grade suction that mimics your baby’s natural feeding patterns. This level of suction can help stimulate milk flow while ensuring your breasts are emptied during each session. Compared to manual pumps, hospital-grade suction saves effort while providing consistency.
- Adjustable Settings
You need a pump that lets you adjust suction levels and speed to match your comfort and milk flow. The best pump for relactation should allow you to switch from gentle stimulation to stronger expression as your milk supply increases. Pumps with adjustable settings offer an advantage over basic manual pumps because you can personalize your sessions for better results.
- Double Pumping Capability
If you’re planning to relactate using a breast pump, a model with a double pumping feature will allow you to pump both breasts at once. The best breast pump for relactation should have this capability to help you maintain a consistent pumping schedule. Rather than pumping each breast alternately, this feature can help you manage your time.
- Wearable and Portable Design
The best breast pump for inducing lactation or relactation should be wireless, wearable, and lightweight, allowing you to pump while working or multitasking. Unlike plug-in electric pumps, having this feature ensures that you can be flexible and pump anywhere without interrupting your tasks.
- Quiet Motor and Gentle Vibration
You will benefit from a pump that operates quietly while providing gentle vibration to encourage milk letdown. The best pump for relactation should help you pump calmly without drawing attention, which can reduce stress and support milk flow. This feature gives a smoother experience compared to noisy electric pumps or manual options that may require more effort and focus.
Best Breast Pumps for Relactation
Relactation is less about aggressive milk removal, since there is little or no milk initially. It’s more about reawakening your body’s milk production signals. The breast pump for relactation you choose should help you stay committed without adding stress to your routine. Here are the best breast pumps for relactation from eufy:
- eufy Breast Pump S1 Pro
Consistent stimulation is more important for relactation than high suction. The eufy Breast Pump S1 Pro features a smart tracking app called the eufy Baby app that allows you to tailor your pumping schedule using an intelligent planner.
It’s the best pump for induced lactation and lactation because it encourages you to stick with your schedule and pump regularly. It features a smart timer for setting up your pumping duration. Moreover, it allows you to monitor your progress and analyze your pumping patterns over time.
Best For: Moms who want to relactate or start from zero supply by breast pumping consistently
Key Features:
- Innovative Heating Tech
- Smart Tracking App
- Intelligent Planner and Smart Timer
- Pumping Progress Tracking
- Personalized Intensities and Speeds
- Extra Charging Case
- Whisper-Quiet under 46dB
- eufy Breast Pump S1
Since you need to pump frequently to relactate, a compact breast pump will be beneficial than a bulky one that requires you to sit still or plug into an outlet. The eufy Breast Pump S1 features a lightweight and portable design, so you can pump frequently while multitasking at home.
It’s the best breast pump for lactation because it also features a discreet design for silent operation, especially when you are outdoors. It supports your emotional well-being by making pumping feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of your routine.
Best For: Moms who need to pump quietly while rebuilding supply without the distraction of a noisy operation from pumping
Key Features:
- Innovative Heating Tech
- Lightweight and Portable Design
- Wearable, Fits Inside the Bra
- Discreet Pumping for Privacy
- Ultra Quiet under46dB
Conclusion
Relactation is a personal and hopeful journey, and having the right breast pump for relactation is an important tool in your journey. Whether you’re restarting your supply after a pause or inducing lactation for the first time, consistent pumping will be your way to succeed. Look for a pump with features like effective suction, adjustable settings, double pumping, portability, and discreet design. Both the recommended eufy Breast Pump S1 Pro and eufy Breast Pump S1 offer these features. Remember to give your body time and be patient with your progress. A reliable pump paired with your dedication can make your relactation feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
FAQs
What are signs that relactation is working?
You may notice breast fullness, tingling sensations during pumping, or milk droplets forming after a few days to weeks of regular pumping. Your baby may also start showing more interest in nursing again. Gradual increases in milk output are another positive sign. Tracking your pumping sessions and output can also help measure progress.
Can a wearable breast pump be used for relactation?
Yes, a wearable breast pump can be used for relactation. Since it is wearable and fits inside your bra, it offers you the flexibility to move while working or multitasking. Just ensure it has features like hospital-grade suction, adjustable settings, and discreet design. The eufy Breast Pump S1 and S1 Pro are good examples of wearable pumps.
How long does it take to relactate with pumping?
The timeline varies from one person to another. Some mothers may see results in a few days, while others may take several weeks, depending on how long it's been since you last nursed. Pumping at least 8 to 10 times a day, including during the night, is often recommended. Consistent effort and patience can help you yield steady results.
