Relactation Considerations with Wearable Pumps

Can I use a Wearable Pump to Relactate?

Wearables are not a first choice recommendation. Wearables are not as efficient in breast stimulation or milk removal as the more heavy duty pumps on the market, which means the time spent pumping may not be as effective. To learn more about how relactation works, click here.

Why Should You Consider a Wearable Pump for Relactation?

Pumping 8 times a day is no small feat. With pump times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, that is 2-4 hours a day spent pumping. Wearable pumps allow more flexibility in being able to manage these pump sessions conveniently. Wearables also allow pumping in places of employment when pump breaks are not available.

Are Some Wearable Options Better Than Others?

Yes. Within wearable options, the choices range from a portable pump with traditional flanges or wearable cups to fully self-contained pumps. In terms of finding the most effective wearable options, a reliable portable pump with traditional flanges or wearable cups for this purpose is going to be the most effective option (my recommendation for a relactation pump is the portable Pumpables Super Genie - you can save 10% with this code, SHOP10-JZFMQS).

Self-contained pumps, like the Elvie or the Willow, can work for this purpose (see below for issues related uniquely to the Willow Pump), but the motors are just not as effective at stimulation for this specific purpose. They can work, but we will need to see longer, more frequent pump times, and optimal results will most likely be delayed.

Relactation with the Willow Pump?

Willow Pump is not considered to be the ideal pump for using during a relactation plan in terms of stimulation. It can be done, though, and depending on your circumstances, it may be the best tool for you.

If deciding to use the Willow for relactation, you will want to consider that not only does the pump have the same limitations of other wearable pumps, there is also the issue of the adjustment to Willow. With relactation, there is a long period of no milk or little milk, so assessing adjustment to this pump is not really possible. This can extend the amount of time and effort required to see success in the relactation plan.

Balancing the Options

The only person who can decide what is right is YOU. Relactation is not a small commitment, and you have to do what is right for you. Look at your situation, and determine when a highly efficient traditional pump might work, or when a wearable is a better option. If a more efficient traditional pump means you will miss the session, the wearable is the better option.

How Do I know If This Is the Right Option?

Meet with a lactation consultant who is skilled in pumping and relactation. Oftentimes, we have tips, tricks and ideas you may not have otherwise thought of to help you meet your goals in an unexpected but more efficient manner. The role of the lactation consultant is not to assign you a plan that you have to make work, it is to help you design a plan that will work for you. We ultimately want to help you assess all of your available options so you can make the choice that is most appropriate for you.