Content
Relactation is a technique widely used to feed the baby when breastfeeding is not possible, and the baby is then given formulas, animal milk or pasteurized human milk through a tube or using a relactation kit.
This technique is indicated in cases where mothers do not have milk or produce in small quantities, but it can also be used when the baby is premature and cannot hold the mother's nipple well. In addition, relactation can also be done in babies who stopped breastfeeding a long time ago and in cases of adoptive mothers because sucking the baby when breastfeeding stimulates milk production.
When to do
Relactation can be indicated in situations related to the mother or the newborn, being mainly indicated in cases where the woman has no milk or has small amounts, not being enough to nourish the baby. In addition, relactation can be indicated right after delivery, when the woman uses drugs that hinder lactation, when she has a smaller breast than another or when the newborn is adopted.
In the case of infants, some situations in which the relationship is indicated are premature babies, when they are unable to hold the mother's nipple well or when they have a condition that prevents them from making an effort, such as Down syndrome or neurological diseases.
How the contact is made
Relactation can be done either with a probe or with a relactation kit:
1. Probe contact
In order to do a home probe with a probe, you must:
- Buy a pediatric nasogastric tube number 4 or 5, according to the pediatrician's indication, in pharmacies or drugstores;
- Put the powdered milk in the bottle, cup or syringe, according to the mother's preference;
- Place one end of the probe in the chosen container and the other end of the probe close to the nipple, secured with adhesive tape, for example.
In this way, the baby, when placing his mouth on the breast, simultaneously bites the nipple and the tube and while sucking, despite drinking the powdered milk, he has the feeling of being suckling at the mother's breast. Here's how to choose the best artificial formula for your baby.
2. Contact with kit
To make contact with a kit from Mamatutti or Medela, for example, just put the artificial milk in the container and, if necessary, fix the probe in the mother's breast.
Relactation material should be washed with soap and water to remove all traces of milk after each use and boiled for 15 minutes before each use to be sterilized. In addition, the nasogastric tube or the kit tube should be changed after 2 or 3 weeks of use or when the baby has difficulty breastfeeding.
During the relactation process it is essential not to give the baby a bottle, so that it does not adapt to the bottle nipple and give up on the mother's breast. In addition, when the mother observes that she is already producing milk, she should slowly restrict the relactation technique and introduce breastfeeding.