When breastfeeding alone isn’t enough, relactation helps supplement
without giving up the bond of nursing!
A Gentle Way to Supplement Without Giving Up Breastfeeding
When newborn babies do not receive the full amount of milk they need through breastfeeding, supplementation is recommended, often using a bottle. However, we know that bottle-feeding can cause nipple and flow confusion, which may lead to early weaning.
Alternatively, we can use a technique that allows the baby to continue nursing at mom’s breast, stimulating milk production, while ensuring that the baby receives the necessary amount of milk via supplementation. This is called RELACTATION.
Relactation can be used with babies with poor weight gain, with cleft palate, mothers with low milk supply, very sleepy babies, and with nipple confusion.
This technique involves the use of a catheter (thin tube), connected to a container with expressed breast milk at one end, while the other end is placed in the baby’s mouth as they breastfeed. If formula is used instead of expressed breast milk, the technique is called TRANSLACTATION.
Benefits:
• Prevents the use of artificial nipples;
• Allows for supplementation while preserving breastfeeding;
• By increasing the milk flow at the breast, it may encourage the baby to improve their sucking pattern.
Challenges:
• Requires practice and may be rejected by some mothers;
• The baby may become dependent on the continuous flow from the tube;
• Adjusting the height of the container:
• Too low: the baby may not receive the milk.
• Too high: the baby receives the milk without sucking.
Although it is an excellent method for prolonged supplementation, it’s ideal to use it for a limited period. Additionally, it should be indicated and supported by a qualified professional, who will also assist with the gradual removal of the tube during breastfeeding.
As Jack Newman (a renowned pediatrician in the field of breastfeeding) once said: “Babies learn to breastfeed by breastfeeding. Mothers learn to breastfeed by breastfeeding.” Long life to relactation as a method of supplementation!”
Writen by Marcela Rios | Doula, childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor
Posted on Instagram @barbaracrepaldiphoto on April 10, 2025.
≫ These images are part of the “Breastfeeding Moment” project by photographer Barbara Crepaldi, with the support of doula Marcela Rios. The goal of this project is to share valuable information and create beautiful memories for the featured mothers. Every two months, Barbara Crepaldi Photography will host a raffle for subscribed women. The winner will receive a studio breastfeeding shoot, and her photos and story will be featured on Instagram and here.
For more information on how to participate, please visit the instagram page @BarbaraCrepaldiPhoto.
