Can an older baby really get back to the breast?

This is a question I often hear. Parents are wondering, “When is it too late to get baby back to the breast”. Frequently these families started out breastfeeding, but supplemented with formula due to infant weight loss and the urging of their Pediatrician, not understanding the risk to their supply and direct breastfeeding relationship. It’s not unusual for me to hear from clients at 4 months, 6 months, even 10 months or more, asking if it’s too late for them, if they can breastfeed their baby again.

The short answer is yes, and older baby can definitely get back to the breast. However, without the intense early breastfeeding reflexes like suck and rooting, getting back to the breast at 6 months is more about choice, and ability.

When I start working with a client of an “older baby” (most in lactation would refer to this as 4-6 mo to 2 years +) we start with history, trying to understand how the family got where they are today is extremely important. Then we look at what the baby can do, what reflexes are still in play, are there any body issues, how is gut health and sleep, a full holistic approach to lactation. After all it’s not mouth to breast, it’s body to body. It’s a full body experience for both mom and baby (especially nursing a toddler- not uncommon to have a hand in your hair and foot in your ribs!).

Once we understand history and where the dyad is today, then we can start to make a plan. It’s not uncommon for me to find these babies have oral restrictions (tongue and lip ties), but that piece never comes by itself. A baby that has a tongue tie is going to have body tension and compensations for lack of full function- not just orally but in their whole body.

With older babies I have parents send me little videos of baby- crawling, sitting, nursing, turning side to side, standing, walking, eating solids, any and all applicable skills at this time. These videos are very helpful. Not only would a toddler not show me crawling or turning on command, but if I was just watching this- in person or virtually- I would miss things. With videos I can pause, go back and keep rewatching. I also then take still photos of the video and markup my notes- such as “W sitting”, “won’t turn head to left”, “Tight upper lip pulling teeth inward). This helps the parents understand what I’m seeing and get more understanding for where their child is coming from and how we can help.

From there the care is 100% individualized. Sometimes we use an at breast supplementer to help with extra flow if moms supply is low, other times it’s a nipple shield as a bridge. Sometimes it’s lots and lots of movement- rhythmic movements and baby wearing are my favorite “tools”. Each family, each dyad is unique and needs personalized care.

Bottom line is yes, older babies can get back to the breast. What helps the most is having expert lactation support, not just a great IBCLC but one who is experienced with older babies and getting them back to the breast. You have done SO much work to get here, let me support and walk this path with you to lighten your load.

Need help with an older baby? Reach out today.