When it comes to breastfeeding, what should be something natural is not always perceived or experienced that way. There are many women who struggle with breastfeeding, whether because they cannot breastfeed, experience a lot of pain, do not produce enough milk, or think they don’t. But there are also those who, for more significant reasons, cannot even try and feed their babies, such as in cases of premature babies who require hospitalization. For these situations, a technique was created to help these women feed their babies with the aid of a tube, which is called relactation.
Relactation is a technique in which the baby is placed at the breast to nurse, but is actually fed via a tube through which artificial milk or milk provided by a milk bank is administered. The milk is stored in a syringe, small cup, or even a proper relactation kit. In addition to feeding the baby, the technique helps stimulate milk production as well as increases supply. The process of relactation is not only an alternative for mothers of premature babies who have not been able to breastfeed for a long period, but is also an option for adoptive mothers, especially those who have breastfed before, as it can stimulate the production and allow them to feed their new baby, even if not born from their womb. The actual sucking action by the baby will stimulate milk production, so bottles should not be offered during the entire process, which can take about 2 weeks until breast milk is enough to meet the baby’s needs. As days go by and breast milk volume increases, the amount of milk placed into the tube should be gradually reduced.
How to Do Relactation?
The first step to relactation is persistence and a strong desire to breastfeed. The process of breastfeeding is tiring and requires the mother’s total dedication, and relactation may take some time before you can feed your baby without the help of the tube; therefore, patience will be crucial for success.
To begin relactation you will need a pediatric nasogastric tube size 4 or 5, which can be easily found at drugstores and pharmacies. To store the milk you can use a simple small cup, a syringe, a baby bottle, or use a relactation kit, which can be found at major stores selling children’s products—there are two brands: Mamatutti or Medela. The breast milk or prepared formula should be placed in the container, with one end of the tube inside so it can be sucked up. The other end should be placed very close to the nipple, and can be held in place with adhesive tape.
When the baby latches onto the breast and sucks, the tube is also sucked at the same time and the milk placed in the container is ingested by the baby with the sensation of breastfeeding from the mother’s breast. With this stimulus, in a few days the mother’s milk will begin to flow naturally and the amount of milk in the container should be gradually reduced.
See also: #euapoioleitematerno – Breastfeeding is Essential!
Photos: Anjo Store
