Induced lactation is the process of stimulating breast milk production in individuals who have not recently carried a pregnancy. The body can be encouraged to produce milk by mimicking the hormonal and physical cues that typically lead to lactation after childbirth. This offers a nurturing option for various family structures and personal circumstances.
Scenarios for Inducing Lactation
Individuals explore inducing lactation for diverse personal and family reasons. Adoptive parents often pursue this option to foster a deep connection and provide nutritional benefits to their new child. Parents growing families through surrogacy frequently choose induced lactation to experience breastfeeding and bond with their baby.
Same-sex parents might also induce lactation, allowing the non-gestational parent to share in the feeding experience and strengthen their bond with the infant. Relactation, a related process, involves re-establishing milk production after a period of not breastfeeding, such as for those who previously lactated for a biological child and now wish to feed an adopted infant or a child born to a surrogate.
Methods for Inducing Lactation
Inducing lactation involves a multi-pronged approach combining hormonal preparation with consistent physical stimulation. This replicates the physiological changes of pregnancy and postpartum that naturally initiate milk production. During pregnancy, elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone prepare breast tissue for lactation. After childbirth, a sudden drop in these hormones, alongside increased prolactin, signals the body to produce milk.
Protocols often begin with hormonal therapy, usually estrogen and progesterone, to simulate breast development. These hormones, frequently administered via oral contraceptive pills, help glandular tissue and ducts proliferate. This phase can last for several months, often 16 weeks.
Following this preparatory phase, hormone therapy is stopped, mimicking the hormonal shift after delivery. A galactagogue, a substance promoting milk production, is then introduced. Domperidone is a commonly used prescription medication that increases prolactin levels, the hormone directly responsible for milk synthesis. This medication is often taken for an extended period, sometimes throughout breastfeeding.
Physical breast stimulation begins once hormonal preparation is complete and birth control pills are stopped. This involves frequent pumping, typically with a hospital-grade electric breast pump, to signal the body to produce milk. This mimics a newborn’s frequent suckling, further stimulating prolactin release and milk production. Some individuals also incorporate herbal galactagogues like fenugreek or blessed thistle, though their effectiveness can vary and medical guidance is advisable.
Practical Steps and Support
Successful induced lactation relies on consistent effort and strong support. Establishing a frequent pumping schedule is crucial, often starting weeks before the baby’s arrival. Pumping 8 to 12 times within a 24-hour period is recommended, with sessions every 2 to 3 hours, including at least one overnight. Double electric pumps are often suggested for their effectiveness in stimulating milk production.
Effective pumping techniques involve massaging breasts before and during sessions to encourage milk flow, and ensuring proper flange size. Hand expression can also be useful for smaller amounts of milk or when a pump is not fully effective. Maintaining adequate hydration and a balanced diet is important, as milk production requires sufficient caloric intake and breast milk is primarily water. While specific “lactation-boosting” foods are often discussed, a generally healthy diet with enough calories supports milk supply.
Emotional and practical support from partners, family, and friends is significant. The process is demanding, requiring patience and dedication. Consulting with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is highly recommended. They provide personalized guidance, help with pumping techniques, address challenges, assist with establishing a latch, and monitor feeding and weight gain.
Realistic Expectations and Considerations
Induced lactation requires a realistic understanding of outcomes and a significant time commitment. Milk production varies considerably; some achieve a full supply, while others produce a partial supply requiring supplementation. Even a partial supply offers benefits and facilitates bonding.
The process is lengthy, with milk production often starting slowly, with only drops initially, and gradually increasing over weeks or months. It demands consistent effort and patience, as results are not immediate. Skin-to-skin contact with the infant is highly beneficial, promoting bonding and oxytocin release, which aids milk flow.
Consultation with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is crucial. They assess individual health histories, including contraindications for medications like domperidone, and monitor for side effects. An IBCLC experienced in induced lactation provides practical strategies and emotional support, helping navigate physical and emotional challenges. They also help manage expectations, focusing on the breastfeeding experience rather than solely on milk quantity.