Maybe you've never heard what it's for a relactator. Without a doubt, it is a quite functional device that serves to complete breastfeeding. If you are a new mother and want to complete your breastfeeding safely, we will tell you what a relactator is for and how it is used.
For many mothers who have not needed it It can become a great unknown. If you have had supplementation problems in lactation and you have asked for help, surely a specialized doctor has recommended this device.
What is a relactator?
It is a device that is used as lactation complement. It consists of two basic parts, a container and a probe. The container will be filled with milk and has a tube that allows it to be hung around the neck to lower it to the chest area.
The relactator is used to the baby can suck milk through the thin tube. It is usually used when the mother does not have enough production of her own food and thanks to this tube, it will be located next to the nipple so that the baby sucks from two areas at the same time.
In order for it to work with full guarantee, it is convenient that it be high so that it flows with a better guarantee, if, on the contrary, it is much lower the baby will have to suck much harder and it will cost him to get the milk.
There are mothers who prefer this type of system because it is much closer. If it really works, it means that contact between mother and child is not lost. In addition, little by little the baby continues to stimulate milk production and in this way can get used to natural breastfeeding.
How does a relactator work?
It is a container in the form of a bag or bottle where the milk is introduced. There are one or two fine tubes or probes coming out of this bag and where they have to end at the tip of the mother's nipple.
In this way, when the baby sucks the nipple, at the same time it will get the milk that comes from the relactator. The milk that can be used is formula milk or expressed milk from the mother. Thanks to this technique, it also helps babies who find it difficult to express milk or suck do not get frustrated or tired, In addition, it guarantees that you can receive the food you need and can complement your intake.
Reasons why a relactator is used
There are many reasons that can lead to the use of a relactator. There are small mishaps or interruptions that do not complement the lactation that was so desired.
- The mother may have had a hospitalization and may have stopped breastfeeding. This system can help you supplement or resume shots.
- La mastitis, problems of cracks in the nipple or the famous "inverted nipple", are more than enough reasons not to have a correct lactation.
- When the mother does not have enough milk to be able to give food and in this case it leads to the baby not gaining weight. In this case it is convenient to offer more milk.
- When a baby is born premature and does not have enough strength to suckle the breast. To solve this effort, this little help can be added with the relactator, since if it is supplemented with a bottle, it can quickly get used to this system and then reject breastfeeding.
Advantages of the relactator over other suction methods
The relactator is one of the best systems that exist to be able to have a complementary lactation. With this system, the baby will always associate the food with the mother's breast and not with a bottle. Thanks to this, prolonged lactation can be guaranteed.
As well stimulates milk production. When the baby sucks, it does so through both channels and thus stimulates the nipple, causing milk production to increase in the long run.
Do not forget that this is one more idea to complement something so wonderful and that It does not replace breastfeeding at any time. If you are a mother and you have doubts about how to use a relactator and you think it would be of good help, ask your midwife or corresponding doctor for advice.