How to Induce Lactation - the Well May Not Be Dry!

In a world where breasts are used to sell anything from deodorant to sports cars, it is understandable that they don't get a fair shake when it comes to their most basic of purposes: breastfeeding. Yet, sadly, the potential of breasts goes mostly untapped. Women in other parts of the world have long been aware of the ability to start (or "induce") lactation without having given birth.

The United States is finally catching up! Americans are inducing lactation to nurse their adopted babies. Working women are taking long weekends to restart their milk production and get their babies back to the breast. Some women have even taken a break from nursing for chemotherapy treatments, and then induced lactation and reestablished a breastfeeding relationship with their child, sometimes with only one remaining breast.

What Brings It To Life?

The first step in inducing lactation is to understand the production of breast milk. During pregnancy, breasts are ordinarily prepared for lactation because of the influence of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and other hormones that increase in a woman. The body naturally responds and the ducts within the breasts increase in size.

Upon completion of the pregnancy, the levels of progesterone and estrogen drop while prolactin increases. This results in lactation. That means: you start making breast milk!

However, without pregnancy and simply through nipple stimulation, prolactin begins to be secreted. This also prompts a signal to the brain from the breast to release oxytocin, which is the key to start the ejection of the milk (also known as the "let down reflex").

Stimu-WHAT-tion?

You may be wondering just exactly what I mean by "nipple stimulation." It's simple, really. You can begin nipple stimulation by allowing an actual baby to suckle at your breasts. However, many women choose to jump start the process with a dual-action breast pump. Many find the hospital grade pump is worth the money, when factoring in the amount of use that will be required.

Obviously, if a woman is inducing lactation in preparation for an adoption, she would only have access to a breast pump. However, if a woman is wanting to increase her milk production or restart lactation after a break from nursing, she has the magic bullet: her baby. Nothing can stimulate milk production like the suckle of a baby - NOTHING!

It is amazing how many women forget a very basic principle in breastfeeding: supply-and-demand. That means that the more there is suckling on the breast, the more prolactin increases, the more oxytocin is released to signal the brain, and the more breast milk you will produce! Repeat after me, "More suckling equals more milk. Less suckling equals less milk."

The Adoptive Breastfeeding Resource Website (ABRW) has become an invaluable resource for induced lactation or relactation. They provide articles, resources and constant support through their message boards. You can also find details on when and how to pump, other tips and advice on increasing supply and several personal stories from women who have induced lactation.

Ann Sutherland at ABRW has helped many women reestablish a breastfeeding relationship with their child after a decline in milk or a complete break from nursing. Her Relactation Boot Camp is stringent, but can be accomplished over a long weekend. It basically puts you and your baby together continuously throughout the process. You might call it a breastfeeding vacation, of sorts. When you consider the benefits it will bring back to you and your child, then you'll call it "magic"!

Some women are able to purchase a lactation aid and use that exclusively to increase their milk supply. Basically, these types of devices consist of small tubes that run from a bag or bottle of formula, and are then placed against the mother's areola. The baby can then receive their formula through the tube, but in doing so, the mother's nipples are being stimulated. The result is eventual milk production.

Herbs and Other Helps

There are several natural herbs that can help with milk production. According to Dr. Jack Newman, a pediatrician that specializes in breastfeeding issues, herbs can be taken without any harm to mother or baby when used as directed on his website.

Many experienced mothers also swear by the benefits of increased food and water intake along with proper rest. Stress is known to decrease supply. Some women even swear by a full bowl of cooked oatmeal every day.

Medications

Domperidone, a drug generally used for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, has been very helpful for increasing milk supply. It increases prolactin secretion indirectly. Domperidone interferes with dopamine production. Dopamine is what decreases the amount of prolactin produced by the pituitary gland.

While multiple women use this medication for lactation, it has not been tested by the manufacturer for this specific use. The FDA submitted a warning in June 2004 concerning domperidone used intravenously, but many doctors were upset by the scare, because the warning had nothing to do with the amounts used orally.

Needless to say, if you consider the use of medication, it should only be done under your doctor's care. Ask your OBGYN to do some research for you. Your local La Leche League support group can help you find more information.

Some women, who have some lead time with an adoption, have gone as far as to follow the Newman-Goldfarb Protocols. This approach uses birth control pills to simulate pregnancy in the body for months, followed by other deliberate steps to trigger lactation. The information can be found through AskLenore.com and should be discussed with your physician.

It's Why They're There

Whatever your approach, you can feel confident in knowing that there are many options to help you start or improve breastfeeding. A few days off from work to relax and focus could bring months or years back to the health of your child. Whether you produce an ounce a day or a full supply for your baby, you will both reap the rewards.

Sources used for this article:

http://www.fourfriends.com/abrw/

http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVOctNov04p103.html

http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/biology.html

http://www.drjacknewman.com/

http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nbreastfeed/0,,456z,00.html

www.kellymom.com