Lactation, the biological process of producing milk, is not exclusive to those who have recently given birth. Induced lactation is the process by which a person who has not been pregnant, such as an adoptive parent or a partner, begins to produce milk for an infant. Relactation is a similar process that involves restarting milk production after a period of having stopped nursing or pumping. Both processes leverage the body’s natural capacity to lactate, requiring hormonal signals and consistent physical stimulation to initiate milk synthesis. This offers the opportunity to provide human milk and foster bonding with the baby.
Preparing the Body: Understanding Hormonal Support
Successful lactation induction requires mimicking the hormonal shifts that occur during and immediately after pregnancy. The goal is to first prepare the mammary gland tissue and then trigger the switch to milk production. High levels of estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development of the milk-producing ducts and secretory cells within the breast tissue during a typical pregnancy.
Hormonal protocols, such as the Newman-Goldfarb protocol, simulate this phase using a combined oral contraceptive pill containing estrogen and progesterone. The pill is taken continuously, ideally for several months, to prime the breast tissue. Stopping the medication causes a sharp drop in progesterone and estrogen, mimicking the hormonal environment after the placenta is delivered, which signals the body to initiate milk production.
A galactagogue is often introduced to support the onset of milk production. Domperidone is commonly discussed because it increases levels of the milk-making hormone prolactin. Domperidone is not approved for this use in the United States and requires careful medical supervision due to potential cardiac side effects. Herbal options, such as fenugreek and blessed thistle, are sometimes used as supplementary measures, but they are generally not considered a primary method for full induction. Any use of prescription medication must be overseen by a physician or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
The Essential Role of Mechanical Stimulation
Even with hormonal preparation, the physical removal of milk is the ultimate trigger for establishing and maintaining a supply. Mechanical stimulation sends signals to the brain to release prolactin for milk synthesis and oxytocin for the milk ejection reflex. The frequency and consistency of this stimulation are more influential than the duration of each individual session.
Using a high-quality, hospital-grade double electric breast pump is the standard recommendation, as simultaneous pumping results in higher prolactin levels and greater milk output. The target frequency is 8 to 12 times within a 24-hour period, aiming for no break longer than five hours in the early stages. A session duration of 15 to 20 minutes is typical, often involving short bursts of pumping followed by breast massage and hand expression to encourage full milk drainage.
It is beneficial to include at least one pumping session between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM, as prolactin levels naturally peak then. Individuals may incorporate “power pumping” sessions to intensify stimulation. This technique mimics a baby’s cluster feeding by alternating short periods of pumping with rest periods over approximately one hour. Physical contact, such as holding the baby skin-to-skin or encouraging non-nutritive suckling, promotes oxytocin release, which facilitates milk flow.
Timeline and Realistic Expectations for Milk Supply
The process of inducing lactation requires a long-term perspective, as the body is essentially undergoing a condensed version of mammary development. The initial appearance of milk, often just a few drops of colostrum-like fluid, can take between two to six weeks after starting the pumping regimen. The milk supply does not “come in” abruptly, as it does a few days postpartum, but rather builds gradually over time.
Achieving a noticeable volume of milk typically requires a commitment of one to three months of consistent hormonal support and mechanical stimulation. The amount of milk produced varies significantly among individuals, depending on factors like the duration of hormonal preparation and the frequency of breast stimulation. It is less common for induced lactation to result in a “full supply” that can exclusively feed the baby, though it is certainly possible for some.
The value of the milk produced should not be measured solely by volume, as even a partial supply provides significant immunological benefits to the infant. Many parents find success by using the milk they produce as a supplement, using donor human milk or formula to meet the baby’s full nutritional needs. The definition of success is a personal one, often centered on the bonding experience and the ability to provide some amount of human milk, rather than achieving a specific daily output.
Common Questions and Professional Support
Once milk production begins, the principles of handling and storing the milk are the same as milk produced after a typical pregnancy. Freshly expressed human milk can be stored at room temperature for several hours, refrigerated for several days, or frozen for an extended period. The taste and composition of milk produced through induced lactation are not significantly different from milk produced following a pregnancy.
Professional guidance is highly advisable due to the unique challenges of induced lactation. Consulting with an IBCLC who specializes in induced lactation or relactation can provide a personalized plan tailored to individual goals. An IBCLC can help manage hormonal protocols, optimize the pumping schedule, and troubleshoot difficulties with milk transfer or supply.
For parents requiring supplementation, a supplemental nursing system (SNS) is a helpful tool. The SNS allows the baby to receive formula or donor milk at the breast while simultaneously stimulating the parent’s milk supply. This method supports an at-breast feeding relationship while ensuring the baby receives adequate nutrition. Seeking support from a specialized professional can maximize the chances of a satisfactory outcome.