Can you start breastfeeding one month after birth?

Is it possible to start breastfeeding your baby one month after they are born? This question may seem unusual, yet it comes up very frequently on the La Leche League France forum (an association supporting breastfeeding in France)! It is entirely possible to resume breastfeeding or even start it one week, a fortnight, or even one month after a baby's birth. Let's look together at how this can be achieved.

A lifelong ability to produce milk?

In theory, a woman can produce milk throughout her life, whether she is a mother or not! It is therefore not so unusual to come across women who, following an adoption and a deep desire for closeness, begin to produce milk naturally. Milk let-down can also occur in much older women who do not have a young baby.

Why start or resume breastfeeding?

Several reasons may lead a woman not to breastfeed her baby from birth:

A medical reason: due to a health issue relating to the mother or child, breastfeeding may not be possible from the moment the baby is born. This can make it very difficult for the mother to breastfeed her baby at a later stage.

Social pressure: unfortunately, a woman does not always receive the right support in her wish to breastfeed, and may quickly encounter obstacles she feels are insurmountable. If she returns to work shortly after giving birth, maintaining a stable breastfeeding routine becomes difficult. Or if those around her are opposed to her choice and critical of her wish to breastfeed, the mother can quickly lose heart.

Poor support: a tongue-tie, an incorrect latch, poor positioning of the baby at the breast — several factors can mean that breastfeeding does not go smoothly from the outset. If the mother does not receive prompt and adequate advice, she may suffer considerable pain and even complications (engorgement, abscess…), to the point of dreading feeding times, ultimately stopping and giving her baby a bottle, thus abandoning breastfeeding altogether.

What are the ways to start breastfeeding later on?

Following a change of heart or a desire to begin breastfeeding, it is therefore possible to restart lactation after the baby's birth. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that this can take time — patience and determination will be needed, as it may take weeks or even months before breastfeeding can truly begin again. But when you consider the incredible benefits of breast milk and the bond it creates with your child, it is well worth a try!

Several steps to get there:

Restimulating lactation: using a breast pump (less laborious than hand expression), you will need to express milk at the rate of a standard feeding session, that is 6 to 8 times a day. At first there will only be a few drops, but little by little the amount expressed will increase.

Skin-to-skin contact: this precious time with your baby will help them rediscover their natural sucking instinct and reconnect with their mother.

Using an SNS: a Supplemental Nursing System can make latching easier. It consists of a small pouch filled with milk connected to a thin tube whose tip is positioned near the nipple, so that the baby suckles both the breast and the tube through which the milk flows. Interested in using an SNS? You will find all the information you need by clicking here.

When does the milk come in after birth?

Breastfeeding is a phase that is as delicate as it is exciting, and it raises many questions for new parents. Among these, the question of when the milk comes in is a frequent one. The milk coming in, also known as lactogenesis, is a complex phenomenon directly linked to a series of hormonal changes that occur after birth, orchestrated primarily by prolactin and oxytocin. It generally begins 48 to 72 hours after delivery, though this window can vary.

In reality, milk production begins well before this, during pregnancy itself. The nipples already secrete a fluid called colostrum, which is highly beneficial for the newborn. It is only after the placenta is delivered that the milk truly comes in. The mammary glands begin to work more intensively, sometimes causing sensations of discomfort or pain. Discover this site to explore the topic further.

It is essential to remember that the timing of the milk coming in does not reflect a woman's ability to breastfeed. Every body responds differently, and there is no universal rule. It is strongly recommended to seek the support of a healthcare professional — such as a midwife or lactation consultant — to navigate this stage with confidence.