Relactation certainly does take alot of work, and really wanting to do it.
However, there are alot of options available now which make a significant
difference in the difficulty of it. For example, there is no comparison
between having to use an eyedropper and being able to use a supplementer
(especially if that is the Lact-Aid). Except for the initial period getting
the hang of it, it really doesn't take that much more to get a baby started
with a tube and, once he is started nursing, mom can relax and do anything
she could do while nursing a baby with no device. She doesn't have to
occupy her other hand with a bottle, and can even fall asleep while baby
feeds, and not have to worry that the bottle will not stay tipped up right
or will come out of the baby's mouth. If she wants to pump, in addition to
getting the stimulation from the baby's suckling, one option is to pump the
opposite breast while the baby nurses.
I think it is also very important for moms to know that there are other
options besides working to build a full milk supply, and doing nothing. I
am sure there are moms with babies who have chronic problems, such as ear
infections, who would be willing to go to the effort, if they knew that
providing a few ounces a day would make a difference. Also, being able to
nurse part time is much more emotionally gratifying, for someone to that is
important, than not nursing at all.
Also, as with induced lactation, it is hard to predict how well a mom's body
will respond to efforts to relactate. Some can build up a large enough milk
supply to dispense with supplementation much easier than others. I think it
is wise to encourage moms to be open minded, and not feel like they have to
achieve any specific volume of milk, before their babies will benefit. As
always, it is important to keep things as positive as possible!
Darillyn
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