Inducing Lactation Medical Concerns

What is Prolactin?

Prolactin (PRL) is a pituitary hormone that stimulates breast milk production in women after childbirth. It also supports the immune system, mental health, and metabolism in both sexes.

Normal Levels

Nonpregnant women 4-23 ng/mL (mcg/L)
Pregnant women 34-386 ng/mL (mcg/L)

In women, prolactin slightly varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, levels increase and can reach up to 20x the normal values before childbirth.

What Does Changing Your Prolactin Levels Do?

Prolactin levels rise during pregnancy in response to estrogen stimulation, and they can get 10-20 times higher than usual (up to 500 ng/mL).

After childbirth (or by inducing lactation), high prolactin levels enables women to make breast milk.

Once the nursing begins, suckling becomes the primary stimulus for prolactin secretion and maintains milk production; nipple and breast stimulation cause prolactin spikes during breastfeeding.

Additional causes for high prolactin levels include :

• Pituitary tumors (prolactinomas)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Medicines given for depression, psychosis, and high blood pressure
• Herbs, including fenugreek, fennel seeds, and red clover
• Irritation of the chest wall (from surgical scars, shingles, or even a too-tight bra)
• Stress or exercise (usually excessive or extreme)
• Certain foods
• Nipple stimulation

Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) can reduce fertility and libido.

High levels of prolactin in women may also cause:

• Irregular cycles/fertility issues
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful or uncomfortable intercourse
• Fatigue
• Acne
• Headaches
• Hot flashes

More Information

See also the Stargate Library's article on ANR.

Some couples practice ABF in order to strengthen their relationship. Read for yourself a few ANR testimonials and stories or watch videos of couples practicing adult breastfeeding. (warning:NSFW)

Reach out to others by using our ANR/ABF online communities list page to seek others who are in this lifestyle.

See the Inducing Lactation Resources page if you're interested in starting lactation without a pregnancy, for an ANR, or for your partner.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Inducing Lactation

Can I induce lactation/lactate without a pregnancy? If so, what supplements should I use and when?

How long does it take to induce lactation?

I get aroused during breastfeeding or my breasts leak during sex. Is there something wrong with me? (warning:NSFW)

Can I induce lactation for my husband or boyfriend, or let him suckle me?

Why does my breast milk production lower during my period?

How does inducing lactation affect menopause? Does inducing help relieve symptoms?

Does inducing lactation make me feel more feminine and womanly?

Where can I find someone to help me induce faster?
What does that feel like? What does it look like? (warning:NSFW)

How can I increase my breast milk supply? Where can I find recipes for lactation cookies?

Where can I order Domperidone online without a prescription?

Why does one of my breasts produce less milk than the other? What can I do about this?

What are letdowns? What happens during a letdown? How long do they last?

Where can I learn more about breast pumping?

Can I use a TENS Unit to help induce lactation? (warning:NSFW)

What does breast milk look like? What does breast milk taste like?

What else can I use breast milk for?

Are there health concerns from breastfeeding or letting someone drink my milk?

It's perfectly fine to try another person's breast milk if you know their health history. Breast milk is a body fluid and therefore it's possible to transmit pathogens. The next biggest concern is Mastitis (warning:NSFW) which can be lessened with Lecithin and a proper latch technique (warning:NSFW). The Piercings and Lactation page (warning:NSFW) addresses this concern as well.

Are there health concerns from inducing lactation?

References