
How is breastfeeding by an intended parent different than breastfeeding following pregnancy?
Sometimes it can look just the same once baby arrives. But most of the time, intended parents will produce some but not all the milk their baby needs. This means they will need to provide additional milk or formula to supplement what they are able to produce. Sometimes the additional milk is provided by their gestational carrier.How can I make milk without being pregnant?
Initiating milk production without pregnancy is called Inducing Lactation. Lactation is induced using some combination of hand expression, using an electric breast pump and nursing a baby. Most of the time, all three of these techniques are used at different times in the lactation plan.Do I need to take medications to make milk?
In addition to the milk removal techniques described above, most intended parents will take medications or herbs as part of their inducing lactation plan. They are not necessary but can help to make milk much more quickly and abundantly. Dont worry there are no artificial hormones in the milk when inducing lactation!Can I induce lactation if I have had a hysterectomy, oophorectomy, or infertility due to other causes?
The hormones of lactation are released from the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain no ovaries or uterus required. However, when there is infertility due to hormonal imbalances, these same hormonal imbalances can impair the ability to make milk. That said, most intended parents have experienced infertility and they do make milk.Is the milk from inducing lactation the same as that after pregnancy?
There have only been a couple of research studies on the composition of milk with inducing lactation, but they indicate that the composition of the milk when inducing lactation is the same as the milk following pregnancy and birth.When do I need to start preparing for lactation?
With surrogacy, an ideal time to start preparing for lactation is around the end of the first trimester of the pregnancy. However, it can be started anytime the parent is ready either earlier or later.Can I breastfeed without inducing lactation?
Yes, you can breastfeed without making any milk at all. Inducing lactation isnt for everyone. Without inducing lactation, you have a couple of options. You can bottle-feed for nutrition and nurse for comfort and connection. Although just a heads up: not every baby will be interested in nursing without any flow from the breast. The other option is to nurse using a nursing supplementer: a bag or bottle containing donor milk or formula delivered to the nipple using a tiny feeding tube. The feeding tube serves as sort of an external milk duct allowing a baby to feed at the breast/chest of a parent making some or no milk at all. Even many parents who induce lactation will use a nursing supplementer.I am an intended parent interested in breastfeeding. How can I get started?
You are in luck! There is so much more information and support available for you today than when I embarked on this journey. My book Breastfeeding Without Birthing is a comprehensive guide to breastfeeding for the non-gestational parent. In addition, I highly recommend the guidance and support of an experienced lactation consultant. I provide lactation consultation services via telehealth. You can learn more about my book and consultation services at AlyssaSchnellIBCLC.com.