Inducing Lactation Resources

Here are some links for sites, blogs, and a chatroom about starting or inducing lactation.

See our Increasing Milk Supply and Breast Pump Info pages as well.

You can order Domperidone (a well known lactation-inducing drug) online without a prescription.

Some women induce lactation for their partners; here are some of their stories and experiences.

Reach out to others by using our local online community list.

• Inducing Lactation Chatroom (Requires Telegram app to sign up. It uses your mobile number to do SMS verification (no spammer robots, please). Afterwards you can put in whatever username you want. Your number isn't shared with anyone. It also has a web browser version.)

For iOS devices, you will have to enable showing sensitive content in some groups. Go to the web browser version) and login. Touch the hamburger menu button, and then touch Settings. Enable “show sensitive content” and then close and re-open the Telegram app. A YouTube Tutorial is also available.

https://telegram.me/InducingLactationChat

The Basics

Heavily based on WikiHow's article on Lactation (Article assumes child breastfeeding; for adult breastfeeding similar principles apply).

If you are planning on breastfeeding a partner, working as an (adult) wet nurse, or adopting a baby, you may wish to induce lactation. A similar process may be used to encourage milk production if you fear a low milk supply. You can induce lactation with medicine and electric pumping or a TENS unit. To encourage your milk supply, pump when needed, nurse frequently, and take care of your health.

Breast Stimulation

A breast pump will stimulate the hormone prolactin, which causes your body to produce milk. Begin by pumping 3 times a day for 5 minutes at a time. Do this for at least two days. Slowly increase the frequency of your pumping until you are pumping for 10 minutes every 4 hours. Set an alarm so you can pump at least once during the nighttime. Once you feel comfortable with this, increase the frequency slowly until you are pumping every 2 to 3 hours for 15 to 20 minutes.

There are many ways to signal to your body that you would like to nurse. Apply a warm compress or towel soaked in warm water to your breast. Stroke your breast lightly with your fingertips. This will relax you and can stimulate your milk-ejection reflex. You may also massage your breast much in the way you would conduct a self-exam. Press your fingers flatly and firmly against your milk glands and milk ducts. Massage them in slow, firm circles. Massage from the outside in a spiral towards the areola. Lean forward and lightly jiggle your breasts. Gravity should help draw milk into your nipples.

Medicine and Diet

You may be able to take medications to help induce. Medicines that stimulates prolactin are called "galactogogues." You can order Domperidone online without a prescription; the companies listed will ship worldwide.

Oats may help you lactate, and they are easy to take! You don't need to talk to an expert before introducing oats to your diet. Just have oatmeal for breakfast. The most traditional approach is to start the day with a bowl of oatmeal. However, some nursing parents find that oats in other forms, such as granola, cookies, and oat bran also help. You can buy most supplements at health stores, or order them online. Visit a lactation consultant before you buy any supplements, or talk to your doctor to make sure the supplements you are interested in won't interfere with any of your existing medications. Fenugreek is a traditional galactagogue (prolactin stimulator). Its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven, but some people report success using it to increasing milk supply. Blessed thistle and alfalfa may help on their own or paired with fenugreek.

Goat's rue (Galega officinalis) is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine to promote lactation. It contains compounds called glycosides, which are believed to stimulate the production of prolactin, a hormone that plays an important role in milk secretion and lactation. In addition to its effects on prolactin levels, goat's rue is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate engorgement and mastitis, two common breastfeeding problems. It may also provide pain relief for mothers who experience discomfort during breastfeeding due to engorged breasts or blocked ducts.

Drink water, juice, and milk to stay hydrated. Aim to drink about 8 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) glasses of liquid a day. Eat fruits and vegetables, protein, and plenty of whole grains. Eat produce in a variety of colors, such as dark greens and bright citrus fruits. Ask your doctor or dietician about vitamins and supplements. If you are a vegan or are likely to be missing vitamins for another reason, talk to your doctor about introducing B12 or a multivitamin into your diet.

Limit your use of medications that interfere with milk production. If you take a medicine that contains pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed or Zyrtec D, it may decrease your milk supply. Some kinds of hormonal contraception may also interfere with your ability to lactate.

For those that want to induce naturally or without medicine, take a look at our milk boost supply page. It contains tips for power pumping, foods that boost milk supply and more.

The Newman Goldfarb Protocols

The Newman Goldfarb Protocols for Inducing Lactation is an invaluable guidebook by esteemed experts Dr. Jack Newman and Dr. Lenore Goldfarb. This pioneering resource provides evidence-based techniques, emotional support, and practical solutions for non-pregnant individuals aspiring to stimulate milk production and breastfeed.

Through comprehensive information on hormone therapy, breast massage, nutrition, and pumping schedules, this book equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to make their breastfeeding goals a reality. It also addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of induced lactation, ensuring a supportive and compassionate approach.

This groundbreaking resource empowers individuals, regardless of their circumstances, with the knowledge and tools to realize their dreams of breastfeeding and nurturing a deep connection.

Additional Information

• Lactation Station Podcast

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lactation-station
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lactation-station/id1485681584 

Many mature woman and their partners are becoming interested in ANR and, as a result, the question of whether you can induce lactation after menopause comes up frequently. The short answer to the question is a definite YES!

You're never too old to induce lactation.

• Induced Lactation After Menopause

https://dreamsofmilk.com/induced-lactation-after-menopause/

See also our article on menopause and inducing lactation.

yes, THC is fat soluble. Smoking it puts some THC in the breastmilk, but if you want to get REALLY high, eat some edibles, drink tons of water and let your breasts fill up... if your partner has a job that requires random drug testing, there IS a risk that if you consume/smoke marijuana, your partner can test positive for THC. Just something some may want to keep in mind.

• Question about marijuana and adult breastfeeding. : AdultBreastfeeding

https://www.reddit.com/r/AdultBreastfeeding/comments/gni9ve/question_about_marijuana_and_adult_breastfeeding/

One of the earliest writings on the Marmet Technique, a form of manual expression used to drain the breast milk reservoirs, was published in 1978 by Chele Marmet and the Lactation Institute of Ventura, California, and some women are now using this as a form of inducing lactation...

• The Marmet Breast Massage Technique

https://www.bountifulfruits.com/the-marmet-technique/

Here's a quick video on the technique.

Breast Changes

Any color than red, pink or black are just fine and are completely normal...

• Color discharges when first inducing (Reddit thread)

https://www.reddit.com/r/AdultBreastfeeding/comments/6rme9g/what_color_discharge_is_normal_when_first/

First, time is imperative. A couple should set aside between six and eight weeks to have the best chance of bringing in her milk. While some rare women have accomplished full lactation in four weeks, others need ten, thus six to eight is the most reasonable expectation.

• A Guide for Couples' Lactation [an example protocol to follow]

https://leftmostfew.blogspot.com/2010/07/guide-for-couples-lactation.html

...a change in the nipples and/or areolae is not only common, but also a very good indication that lactation has successfully begun. This change may include an enlargement and/or darkening of the nipples and areolae.

• Questions and Answers with the Loving Milk Maid

http://www.bountifulfruits.com/advice/

Although there were no initial signs of lactation, after about four months of performing her NBE routine, she did begin to see a change in her breasts, one that she describes as “noticeable”...

• One Woman’s Journey from Natural Breast Enhancement into Lactation: Carolbrigid’s Story

https://www.bountifulfruits.com/one-womans-journey-from-natural-breast-enhancement-into-lactation-carolbrigids-story/

Medical Interactions

The effects of Fenugreek, Fennel and Blessed Thistle actually delay how long it takes to start lactation... To induce lactation is increase prolactin which is suppressed by both Estrogen and Dopamine. Domperidone massively reduces Dopamine in the body which is the primary method it uses to induce lactation. As for temporarily lowering estrogen? Oatmeal is actually great at cleansing excess estrogen from the body. Once lactation starts and hits its main phase (basically as soon as the milk turns white) go ahead and start back on the supplement(s). It will probably be about a week or two after you start getting drops, and it will help increase your supply.

Excerpt from this Reddit thread.

Many moms with PCOS have no problems with breastfeeding, but recent research is showing that mothers with PCOS are at greater risk for insufficient milk supply. On the other hand, about one-third of women with PCOS report problems with oversupply...

• Breastfeeding and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/pcos/

First, here's what breastfeeding moms shouldn't take: estrogen.

"Forms of birth control with estrogen can lower milk supply, so we try to avoid them in breastfeeding moms," explains Cristina Perez, M.D., ob-gyn at the Women's Specialists of Houston at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women. "Estrogen isn't dangerous to the baby, but most moms would rather not take something that can potentially decrease their supply."

Estrogen is in conventional combination birth control pills, in Nuvaring, and in the birth control patch, so breastfeeding moms shouldn't take those...

• Parents.com - Birth Control while Breastfeeding

http://www.parents.com/parenting/relationships/postpartum-birth-control/birth-control-while-breastfeeding/

Most likely. It depends on the kind of surgery you had, but most approaches are compatible with breastfeeding. Incisions made under the fold of the breast or through the armpit shouldn't cause any trouble. A "smile" incision around the areola increases your risk of having breastfeeding problems. ... You won't know exactly how your milk supply has been affected by breast augmentation surgery until you try to nurse. If you still have feeling in the nipple, you have a much better chance of having a full milk supply...

• Breastfeeding after breast augmentation (implants)

https://www.babycenter.com/0_breastfeeding-after-breast-augmentation-implants_8680.bc

...Avoid herbs like fenugreek, which have an effect on blood sugar levels. If you have type 2 diabetes and are on oral medication, you should discuss with your doctor about the healthiest medication that can be taken for you... Do not drink alcohol, as it can decrease milk let down and also increase your risk of hypoglycemia if you take insulin...

• Breastfeeding and Diabetes

http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/breastfeeding-and-diabetes.html

... There are two key players: estrogen and prolactin. Estrogen is a hormone that maintains a comfortable level of moisture in your vagina; prolactin is a protein that gives you milk to feed your baby. The link? Estrogen counteracts prolactin. If your estrogen is high, your prolactin can also be high and you still won’t produce much milk. In fact, your body starts producing prolactin while you are still pregnant, but high estrogen levels prevent you from producing milk during that time. After you have your baby, your estrogen levels drop, the prolactin kicks in, and your milk starts flowing.

Unfortunately, the low estrogen levels can also make your vagina uncomfortably, even painfully dry. Whether this happens to you, and how serious it is, largely depends on your personal chemistry. ... If this happens to you, consider making a vaginal moisturizer part of your daily routine. A vaginal moisturizer is the equivalent of hand lotion for your vagina – not really medicine, just something to make the dry parts less dry.

Since your vagina is more sensitive than your hands, you should use extra care in choosing the right vaginal moisturizer; we recommend a natural moisturizer that matches that natural pH and salt balance of the vagina.

If a moisturizer isn’t enough to solve your vaginal dryness, talk to your health care provider about prescription estrogen. This might come in either a cream or a capsule that you use like a suppository; whatever form it takes, it will be something that you apply directly to the vagina, not something you take orally.

• Breastfeeding and Vaginal Dryness - Good Clean Love (Article assumes child breastfeeding; for adult breastfeeding similar principles apply)

https://goodcleanlove.com/blogs/good-clean-love/everything-you-need-to-know-about-breastfeeding-and-postpartum-vaginal-dryness

• Additional info: Vaginal Dryness and Breastfeeding – Gynatrof

https://gynatrof.com/us/vaginal-dryness-and-breastfeeding/

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More Links

There are a lot of opinions and methods to get any number of desired results. Everything from just a few drops, to several ounces per session can generally be achieved by following whichever method posted here that you feel comfortable with.

• Methods of Inducing and FAQ on Reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/AdultBreastfeeding/wiki/index
https://www.reddit.com/r/AdultBreastfeeding/wiki/faq

• Fetlife Inducing Lactation Information Groups

https://fetlife.com/groups/44059  (Induced Lactation, 1,173 members)
https://fetlife.com/groups/32820  (Induced Lactation for Women, 1,813 members)

• Relactation and Induced Lactation Resources

http://kellymom.com/ages/adopt-relactate/relactation-resources/

• Laally - An at-breast supplementation device that helps babies latch to the breast and moms increase milk supply.

https://laally.com/

• MilkMaidens Forums

http://milkmaidens.yuku.com

• Drugs and Lactation Interaction Database (LactMed)

https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/newtoxnet/lactmed.htm

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