Re-Establishment of Milk Secretion After Complete Cessation in a Relactation Program and the Differences in
Emel Güçlü Cihan1, Yeşim Aksoy Derya1
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, Inonu University, Malatya, Türkiye.
Summary
Relactation is achievable through a structured support program, significantly improving milk secretion, maternal attachment, and maternal functioning in mothers. This program offers benefits beyond just restoring milk supply.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Maternal and Child Health
- Lactation Science
Background:
- Relactation involves re-establishing breast milk supply after cessation or diminution.
- Previous breastfeeding cessation periods can range from 15 days to 3 months.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a relactation support program's impact on milk secretion.
- To assess the program's effects on mother-infant attachment and maternal roles.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental study involving 34 mothers with infants aged 1-4 months.
- Intervention included 8 home visits and 7 telephone support sessions over 15 days.
- Techniques taught: nipple stimulation, skin-to-skin contact, and finger feeding.
Main Results:
- 64.7% of participants successfully resumed milk secretion, with first secretion around day 6.
- Nipple stimulation and increased frequency of putting the baby to the breast correlated with increased milk secretion.
- Significant improvements observed in maternal functioning (BIMF) and maternal attachment (MAI) scores.
Conclusions:
- Relactation is achievable with a structured support program.
- The program yields significant maternal benefits, including enhanced attachment and functioning, beyond milk restoration.
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