Moms Seeking Relactation Coaches to Breastfeed After 5-Year Gap Due to Baby Formula Shortage

Mothers in many states across America are experiencing the effects of the massive baby formula shortage that some are turning to relactation coaches to return to breastfeeding despite a five-year gap.

Amanda Helms, a lactation consultant in Alabama, told ABC 33/40 News that she recently met a mother who wanted to relactate so she could feed her adopted baby. The mother gave birth five years ago and didn't have problems with breastfeeding. It's a different story for her adopted baby, especially with the baby formula shortage.

Mom Jessica Van Duke also had some help from relactation coaches months after she resumed working as a paramedic. Her 7-month-old baby shifted to formula milk because pumping at work wasn't as convenient. However, Van Duke said that she has to try to increase her breast milk supply again since formula milk supply is scarce.

Another mom, Esther Faulkner, said her breast milk had "all dried up" when the baby formula shortage started. However, she has a better mindset about relactating because the 16-week gap from breastfeeding has been good for her mental health.

Relactating Journey is Different for Every Mother

Helms, however, said that every mom trying to relactate would have a different experience. Some could take weeks to restart, while others will have an easier time than their first breastfeeding experience. Some of these women have also been anxious and in tears from trying to breastfeed again. Thus, Helms' breastfeeding support group, which meets at a Methodist Church in Alabaster, has been their lifeline.

Dr. Anne Witt of the Senders Pediatrics in Ohio told moms via WKYC Studios to set realistic expectations, especially if they have not been breastfeeding for months. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also stated that going back to breastfeeding may be time-consuming.

Parents need to understand that relactation isn't like turning on tap water since the process involves reactivating hormones in the body. Mothers are going through physical and biological changes so they can provide milk for their children.

How to Relactate With Success

If the baby is willing to breastfeed, then relactating moms might have to do this, either through actual feeding or pumping, about eight times a day for at least two weeks to kickstart the process. Studies have also shown that relactating may be established after 20 days of continuous feeding and pumping. It could be shorter if the moms work with relactation coaches.

Dr. Witt said one thing that may help moms produce more prolactin, the hormones responsible for breast milk, is to add more herbs or leafy greens to their diet. They also have to avoid eating non-processed food.

However, relactation may not mean exclusive breastfeeding for some mothers. Per HealthyChildren.Org, it may be a supplement to formula feeding, breastfeeding using donor milk, and feeding solid food to the baby. Before going about relactating, the mother has to discuss her plans with the pediatrician or family doctor so that the baby's nutritional needs and ideal weight gain will be monitored.