Inducing Lactation Symptoms

Initially, it is common for the mother to produce only a few drops of breast milk. However, as the process of inducing lactation continues, she may begin to experience the following symptoms:

  • increased thirst
  • changes in nipple color
  • fuller and more tender breasts
  • changes in menstruation
  • changes in libido

Inducing lactation may also affect a woman’s appetite or breast tissue.

Inducing Lactation and Newborn Nutrition

There have been several studies conducted for the purpose of assessing the nutritional value of induced breast milk as compared to the breast milk of women who had just given birth. One study found that infants of mothers who had induced lactation were sufficiently nourished. However, most women who induce lactation find that it is not possible to produce enough breast milk to match the appetite as well as nutrition requirements of their baby.

Other studies have found that the composition of induced breast milk differs from postpartum breast milk; colostrum breast milk - which contains high levels of albumin and IgA during the early stages following birth - does not seem to be produced when inducing lactation.

Breastfeeding a baby delivered by a surrogate birth should thus be viewed as a bonding experience. Mothers should not worry about the amount of milk produced, but rather focus on the benefits of the closeness which breastfeeding brings.

There are ways for mothers to provide nutrition for their newborns, such as:

  • donor milk: some women use a feeding tube device worn on the mother’s chest to breastfeed using donor milk
  • using breast milk acquired through a milk bank
  • using the surrogate mother’s breast milk
  • using baby formula 

Breastfeeding and Surrogacy

It is important for expecting parents to discuss the issue of breastfeeding with the surrogate mother prior to the birth of the baby. Many surrogate mothers breastfeed the newborns during the first few hours following birth. However, if parents are concerned about establishing an initial bond with the baby through breastfeeding, they should make arrangements with the surrogate mother.

Some women wish to breastfeed the baby through induced lactation and supplemental devices; others ask the surrogate mom to wear an article of their clothing in order for the baby to become familiar with their scent.

Some intended mothers allow the surrogate mother to breastfeed the baby before they themselves begin nursing the child. This often helps minimize any difficulties with latching, as the baby becomes accustomed to breastfeeding early on.

 

Table of Contents
1. Inducing Lactation
2. Should you induce lactation?
 
 
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