Method 1: Understanding Induced Lactation
1. Understand that induced lactation is possible. As surprising as it may sound, it is true that women who are not pregnant or have never been pregnant can lactate. Women who want to feed their adopted babies usually do. The body's production of breast milk is usually triggered by a complex interaction between three hormones - estrogen, progesterone and prolactin (during pregnancy).
If the production of each of these hormones can be mimicked by physical stimulation and/or hormone supplements, then breast milk can be produced during periods other than pregnancy.
Lactation stimulating hormone (the hormone that primarily stimulates breast milk) is produced in the pituitary gland, not the ovaries. So even women who have had their uterus removed can stimulate lactation. However, inducing lactation is more likely to be successful in women who have been pregnant before.
The process of inducing lactation can take several months, so it's best to start when you first begin to have a plan to adopt a baby. Babies who are under three months of age have more success with lactation by their adoptive mothers.
2. Know the pros and cons. Inducing breast milk production can be a very daunting task, so weigh the pros and cons carefully before finalizing your decision. Pros: Obviously, the main advantage of producing your own breast milk for feeding is that it is good for your baby. Breast milk contains important antibodies, proteins, fats, and vitamins that will help your baby grow and gain weight, as well as fight infections and diseases. In addition, breastfeeding is a great way to build a bond between mother and baby. This is especially important for adopted babies, as familiarity can take time. It's also the most natural way to feed your baby and can avoid buying things from stores that contain chemicals.
Cons: The main disadvantage of induced lactation is mainly the time and effort required to succeed. Stimulating the production of breastmilk requires tremendous dedication, as the transportation and stimulation of breastmilk needs to take place 6-12 times a day, including at night and early in the morning. This process can be painful and uncomfortable for your breasts, and if you are using hormone therapy, you may experience mood swings and disrupt your menstrual cycle.
3. Be prepared for the changes that will happen to you. Before you begin the process of inducing lactation, it's important to know what changes are going to happen to your body and what side effects you may experience. If you are taking hormones, the side effects of induced lactation will be worse because you are tricking your body into thinking you are pregnant. You may experience enlarged breasts, swollen or sore nipples and irregular periods.
You may feel fatigue and increased hunger because your body thinks you are pregnant. You should increase your calorie intake to about 200 calories a day, but make healthy food choices whenever possible to minimize weight gain.
You may also experience periods of mood swings, depression and anger. That's why a supportive partner, friend or family member to help you through the process is useful, as well as reminding you of your ultimate goal. Your libido is also affected by hormones.
Method 2: Stimulate breast milk production
1. Start taking hormones. There are many different hormones that can be used to simulate pregnancy and stimulate the production of breast milk. The most widely used hormone is domperidone, which inhibits the body's production of dopamine and therefore indirectly increases the body's levels of prolactin, the hormone directly responsible for breast development and breast milk production.
In some cases, in addition to Pandolone, it is also recommended to work with other hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are found in high levels in the body and can help mimic your body's natural state during pregnancy. If you are under 35, you can use a combined estrogen and progestin oral contraceptive.
If you have time before your adopted child arrives, it's recommended that you start a "false pregnancy" six to nine months in advance (though there are ways to help speed things up). Start taking the three hormones suggested above, at the recommended dosages.
Continue taking the hormones over the course of the months until about six weeks before the baby arrives. You should stop taking progesterone and estrogen abruptly to trick your body into thinking you're in labor.
Continue taking domperidone and begin physical stimulation of your breasts using an electric pump or other manual technique. Breast milk should begin to appear within a few days, or as little as two weeks. Once breastmilk begins to appear, you should continue taking domperidone until you can provide consistent breastmilk, or when your baby is ready to wean.
Taking hormones without adequate medical supervision can lead to serious side effects. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you hire a qualified breastfeeding counselor at a clinic or hospital before you start.
2. Use an electric breast pump. If you are using a method that induces lactation hormones, you will also need to use a breast pump. However, sometimes a pump can be used alone to produce milk, although it may take a little time. Physical stimulation of the nipple triggers the release of prolactin, which helps the mammary glands develop and stimulates lactation. It also releases oxytocin, which is the key hormone released to produce breast milk.
The best equipment is a hospital-grade electric breast pump, which can operate on both incoming breasts at the same time. These are expensive, but it's worth it compared to the time you'll have to spend. Manual pumps are also available, but the electric versions are better at simulating the sucking motion of a baby.
If you choose to use a breast pump, you will need to start two months before your baby arrives. You will need to establish a strict schedule of sucking every 2 ?3 hours for 15 ?20 minutes at a time.
You will need to do this at least once during the night, as your body's natural lactogen levels are highest between 1am and 5am, so take advantage of this.
Before you start, gently massage your breasts and nipples with your hands. This will keep them erect and help with pumping. Pump both breasts at the same time, keeping your nipples in the center as much as possible.
Turn on the low suction and use a high-speed pump, which best mimics your baby's rapid sucking motion. Once used to it, gradually increase to medium, or a little higher, until you can get used to it and your nipples don't hurt.
Don't panic if you don't see any breastmilk. It may take weeks before you see a drop. Just stay calm and focused and stick to your schedule - breastmilk will show up.
3. Manually stimulate breastmilk production. Instead of using a breast pump, it is possible to induce lactation by hand, through nipple stimulation and massaging your breasts. Producing breastmilk this way will take more time and require greater effort than the first two methods, but it is cheaper and more natural than using hormones and than buying a breast pump.
In terms of technique, it will involve massaging around the entire breast with both hands - like giving yourself a breast exam. You will then need to stimulate your nipples and areolas with your fingers and thumbs, massaging them and rolling them between your fingers. Try pressing on the areola as you pull on the nipple, as this is the best action to mimic a baby's sucking motion.
You need to do this at least 8 times a day (which includes one at night) for about 20 minutes time. If you feel comfortable, you can resort to a massage from your partner or a close friend to help you. In order to have milk when your baby arrives, you need to start this process at least two months in advance.
When you are close to producing milk, you need to lean over and point your breasts towards the floor. Gently shake your breasts, which will keep the breastmilk pointed in the direction of your nipples.
It may be necessary to purchase nipple lubricant or lip balm to prevent sore nipples. However, no matter how much your nipples hurt, it's important not to give up. Remember how happy you will be when your baby arrives.
4. Let your baby suckle. If your baby has arrived and you're still not producing any breast milk, don't worry. Let your baby suckle on your nipples, even if you don't have any breastmilk, and doing so will speed up the process. Manually stimulate your breasts by simply letting your baby suckle. A baby's natural sucking action is the best way to stimulate the hormones needed for breast milk production. That's because this whole experience - from the feel of your baby on your nipple to the sound of sucking - is more real than pumping or manual stimulation.
The truth is that breastmilk production isn't just a physical process, it's a psychological one. Your baby's presence and the need for breastmilk can make your body respond naturally.
The only problem with using this method is that your baby may get frustrated when he tries to suckle and realizes that he doesn't have any breastmilk. To solve this problem, you can get a breastmilk assist device. This is a simple device that involves attaching one end of the mother's nipple to a bag. In this way, the baby receives food while the nipple is stimulated, ultimately causing the mother to produce breast milk naturally.
Even if you've never had the experience of breastfeeding, the act of feeding your baby is an important, irreplaceable intimate experience that allows you to connect with your baby through a special kind of intimacy. When you think of it that way, breastfeeding is a great reward.
If your baby hasn't arrived yet, you can still use breastfeeding to induce lactation - you just need to get your partner to do it instead. This requires an understanding to develop between you, but it's quite effective and can sustain a deeper relationship between you. Some couples also do this for erotic reasons as well, even when there is no baby involved. However, if you're worried about breastfeeding, it's important for your partner to learn proper breastfeeding and nursing techniques, sticking to a strict schedule.
Method 3: Increase the amount of breast milk
1. Use herbal supplements. Many women use herbal supplements to increase their breast milk supply naturally. The most popular and effective herbs are fenugreek seeds and blessed thistle. In terms of dosage, it's recommended that you take 3 capsules of fenugreek seed (390 mg per capsule) and 3 capsules of blessed thistle (610 mg per capsule) three times a day, with food, and start taking these supplements when you start pumping milk.
You can also buy an herbal tea called Mother's Milk, which contains fennel, coriander, fenugreek, blessed thistle, and spices. It tastes like licorice and can be mixed with sugar or honey. Drink it up to three times a day, before breastfeeding.
In addition to increasing breast milk production, this tea also helps reduce bloating and colic symptoms in infants.
2. Drink plenty of water. Water is used in the production of breast milk, so it's important to stay hydrated throughout the breastfeeding process. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration. You can also drink herbal teas and eat high water content foods like fruits and vegetables to stay hydrated.
You can watch for dehydration by looking at the color of your urine. If you're adequately hydrated, urine is a very light or pale yellow color; if you're dehydrated, it's a dark yellow.
It's a good idea to cut back on caffeinated beverages such as coffee while breastfeeding, as these are diuretics and can cause rapid fluid loss.
3. Eat oatmeal. Breastfeeding mothers should eat some oatmeal to increase the amount of breast milk. There isn't much scientific evidence to explain why, but when many breastfeeding mothers eat oatmeal in the morning, their daily milk production increases.
Some theories say oats are high in iron and help lower cholesterol - both of which are important for healthy breast milk production.
Besides these reasons, oatmeal is a warm, comforting food that provides lots of energy - both of which are things new moms need.
4. Visualize it in your head. If your baby hasn't arrived yet and you're finding it hard to increase your milk supply, then you may need to work on the mental side of things a bit more. When you're pumping or manually stimulating your breasts, you want to focus on the reason you're doing it - to feed your baby. This will help you stimulate your body's instincts to promote breast milk production.
If you're not able to visualize the need for breastmilk, there are props you can use to help. Hold a picture of the baby you're adopting, video a breastfeeding mother, or listen to the sound of your baby suckling. Even holding a piece of your baby's clothing or a baby blanket can help.
TipsFind tutorials on the Internet or at the library to learn sucking techniques.
Your emotional state of mind is paramount when you are trying to induce lactation. Focus only on the matter at hand and try to visualize yourself breastfeeding. If you are distracted, your pituitary gland will have a hard time producing the necessary hormones for milk production.
Join a breastfeeding support group for emotional support and helpful advice.
Once you've stimulated lactation, breast milk will come in drops and then slowly become plentiful during feedings.
Warnings don't stimulate your breasts for more than 20 minutes at a time. The lactation hormone is only released in your body for a maximum of 20 minutes, so anything too much is unnecessary and may cause irritation.
Be aware that birth control pills contain estrogen, which can inhibit lactation.