Quick Reference: TENS Unit for Relactation

Goal: Provide additional breast stimulation while pumping or hand expressing.

Tens Unit Placement

✓ Place pads around the breast tissue

✓ Keep pads approximately 1 inch away from the nipple

✓ Do not place pads directly on the nipple

✓ Do not place pads so the electrical current crosses the chest or heart

Tens Unit Settings for Lactation

✓ Start on the lowest comfortable setting

✓ Increase only as tolerated

✓ Stimulation should feel noticeable but not painful

During Use

✓ Pump or hand express at the same time

✓ Use breast compressions when possible

✓ Stay hydrated

✓ Maintain a consistent pumping schedule

Best Results Include

✓ Frequent pumping

✓ Proper flange sizing

✓ Skin-to-skin contact

✓ Adequate calories and hydration

✓ Patience and consistency

Safety Notes

Do not use a TENS unit if you have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device unless approved by your healthcare provider.

Always discuss relactation plans with your healthcare provider or lactation professional before starting.

Read Tricia Meier ‘s full story.

How Often Do Moms Use a TENS Unit for Relactation?

Because there is no research on using a TENS unit specifically for relactation or inducing lactation, there is no accepted protocol.

Based on personal experiences shared by mothers who have used this method, many report:

• Starting with 5 to 10 minute sessions while pumping or hand expressing.
• Gradually increasing to 20 to 30 minute sessions as tolerated.
• Using the TENS unit every 1 to 2 hours during waking hours, similar to the frequency often recommended for relactation pumping schedules.
• Combining TENS stimulation with frequent pumping, breast compressions, skin-to-skin contact, and proper flange sizing.

How Long Before Results?

Every body responds differently. Some mothers report feeling a letdown response within days, while others may not notice any changes for several weeks.

For those attempting to induce lactation, it is not uncommon for the process to take 3 to 6 weeks or longer before significant milk production occurs. Factors such as previous breastfeeding history, hormone levels, pumping frequency, and overall breast stimulation can all affect results.

If you have been using a TENS unit consistently for several weeks and have not experienced any letdown sensations, breast changes, or milk production, the method may be less effective for your particular situation.

Remember that a TENS unit is viewed as a supplemental tool rather than a primary method for inducing lactation. Frequent breast stimulation remains the foundation of relactation and induced lactation plans.

Read Tricia Meier ‘s full story.

What If Relactation Doesn’t Work?

If you’ve tried relactation or inducing lactation and are not producing enough milk to meet your goals, remember that there are other options available. Many families choose to supplement with donor milk while continuing their lactation journey.

One option that is often overlooked is connecting with surrogacy agencies. Surrogates undergo extensive medical screening before being matched with intended parents, and many go on to produce more milk than baby needs after delivery. Some are willing to donate or share their excess milk with other families.

If you are interested in finding a donor, consider contacting surrogacy agencies in your area and asking whether they know of any former or current surrogates who may be interested in milk donation. While every agency has its own policies, many are familiar with milk-sharing requests and may be willing to pass along your information.

Once you have found a donor, the next challenge is often getting the milk safely from the donor to your home. At Save The Milk, we have helped thousands of families, surrogates, and intended parents safely transport breastmilk across the United States. Our reusable breastmilk shipping kits and discounted shipping labels make it possible to receive donor milk from nearly anywhere in the country.

Whether your goal is to relactate, induce lactation, supplement your supply, or provide donor milk for your baby, remember that feeding your baby is not all or nothing. Every ounce matters, every journey looks different, and there are resources available to help you reach your goals.