According to the most recent data, only six out of ten mothers are exclusively breastfeeding. As much as they want to breastfeed, lack of information and support are the most common reasons why they stop. It's wonderful to know that there's still hope and that mothers can relactate.
Relactation is the process to restart your breastfeeding, by bringing your baby back to the breast as you establish your breast milk supply after it has decreased or completely dried up.
Ms. Tin Cervantes, a certified breastfeeding peer counselor who has helped moms successfully relactate, says “Relactation is possible, marami na ang nakagawa nito.
Important na determined si Mommy and may mag guide sa process, yung family and doctors nila will play a big role too. One of my memorable relactation journey was yung kay Mommy Lan, kasi rare ang case niya dahil wala siyang gatas nung nagsimula kahit after ng lactation massage.
Alam ko nahirapan siya at may times nanghihina siya, pero ginawa nya lahat ng paraan, naging matibay siya sa laban na ito kasi may pinanghawakan siya at naniwala siya na kaya niya."
Mommy Lan Perez relactated in July 2013, when her child was three months old and consuming 40 ounces of formula milk per day.It took her nearly a month to breastfeed on her own, with the help of an online mother support group.
“I was misinformed before so I did not breastfeed my firstborn, breastfeeding was never discussed by my previous doctors, and no one from my family or closest friends were breastfeeding.
I did not know na maraming benefits ang breastfeeding for my child, for myself, and to our family. I only knew about it when I joined Breastfeeding Pinay. After learning the benefits, I want to do something about it; I decide to do what I believe is right since it is my obligation as a mother. I went to Arugaan Center for a month, our daily visit to the center taught me how to properly hold my baby, latching techniques, and breastfeeding positions.I also hired wet nurses to stay with us during the night and asked for breastmilk donations. I am eternally grateful to everyone who helped us. Kung wala sila, I’m not sure paano ko magagawa mag relactate.”
Here are some pointers from a relactated mom;
1. The decision to relactate must be made in consultation with your spouse. You'll need a strong support system because the process is challenging. (But so worth it)
2. Consult a lactation consultant or a professional breastfeeding counselor who has relactation experience. Mothers must adhere to their counselor's directions.
3. Ditch the bottle; you won't be able to relactate if you continue to give the bottle because it opposes the breastfeeding dynamic. This is a non-negotiable so that your baby will be encouraged to suck once breasts are reintroduced.
4. Request donor's milk while transitioning; breastmilk is easier to digest and ideal for your baby's tummy.
Mommy Lan was able to sustain their breastfeeding until her son weaned at 51 months.
“Totoong mahirap, pero pag buo ang loob mo and pag para sa anak, kakayanin lahat.
If I had to do it all over again, I would because seeing my child thrive and be protected by my breastmilk is one of my proudest achievements as a mother.”
Mommy Lan is also the founder of Mother Nurture, the country's first producer of lactation chocolate and coffee mixes. Their brand is well-known for their malunggay choco and coffee drink, which aid breastfeeding mothers in increasing their breastmilk supply.