Resources for Inducing Lactation
Tessa Coffey
Induced lactation: Explore Resources to Learn How to Breastfeed Without Pregnancy
Did you know that it’s possible to breastfeed without being pregnant or giving birth? This process, known as induced lactation, allows intended parents, surrogates, and others to produce breast milk through a combination of hormonal and non-hormonal methods. Whether you’re considering this journey or just exploring your options, there are plenty of resources available to provide guidance and support.
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While these resources can help you learn more about induced lactation, they are meant to **supplement—not replace—**the advice of medical professionals. Always consult with your IVF clinic, OB-GYN, or pediatrician to determine the best approach for your individual needs and your baby’s health.
Web articles
- La Leche League (March 23, 2020): https://llli.org/breastfeeding-without-giving-birth-2/
- Jack Newman, International Breastfeeding Center, 2017 (based in Canada): http://ibconline.ca/induction/
- The Protocols for Induced Lactation: A Guide for Maximizing Breastmilk Production, Lenore Goldfarb (IBCLC): https://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/protocols4print.shtml https://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/adoptive_breastfeeding.shtml
- CDC, Supporting Families with Relactation, 2020: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/supporting-families-with-relactation.html
- Mom Loves Best, 2021: https://momlovesbest.com/induced-lactation
- Rachel Hilts Nutrition Counselling, Induced Lactation: How to breastfeed without pregnancy, 2022: https://www.rachelhiltsnutrition.com/blog/inducedlactation
- Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS, Relactation and Induced Lactation (Hospital in the UK): https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/our-services/maternity/feeding-your-baby/relactation-and-induced-lactation
- Mother Nutrient, HOW I INDUCED LACTATION, 2021 (personal experience of a parent via surrogacy): https://www.mothernutrient.com/blogs/mother-nutrient-blog/how-i-induced-lactation
- Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond, Feeding Finlay: A Personal Journey to Induced Lactation, 2014: https://www.pregnancy.com.au/feeding-finlay-a-personal-journey-to-induced-lactation/
Academic articles
- American Academy of Family Physicians, “Case Report: Induced Lactation in an Adoptive Parent”, 2023 (article behind a paywall): https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/0200/letter-induced-lactation.html
- SAGE Journals, “The Three Step Framework for Inducing Lactation”, Alyssa Schnell 2021 (article is behind a paywall): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/08903344221076531?icid=int.sj-full-text.citing-articles.1
- Katherine Evans, academic presentation for UVM ScholarWorks “Induced Lactation” 2015, (No paywall): https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=fammed
- Oxford Academic, “Induction of lactation in the intended mother of a surrogate pregnancy: Case report” 2001 (No paywall): https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/16/3/581/642453
- Malays Fam Physician, “Experiences of women who underwent induced lactation: A literature review” 2021 (No paywall): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8088744/
Podcasts
- Breastfeeding Outside the Box, hosts Alyssa Schnell and Hope Lien: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breastfeeding-outside-the-box/id1078526428
Books
- Breastfeeding Without Birthing: A Breastfeeding Guide for Mothers through Adoption, Surrogacy, and Other Special Circumstances by Alyssa Schnell, 2013
- Relactation: A Guide to Rebuilding Your Milk Supply by Lucy Ruddle, 2020
Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Services
- Alyssa Schnell (author, IBCLC): https://alyssaschnellibclc.mykajabi.com/
- San Diego Breastfeeding Center (virtual consults): https://www.sdbfc.com/inducing-lactation
- Nurture Columbus, (IBCLC team, virtual consults, based out of OH): https://nurturecolumbus.com/2020/11/13/breastfeeding-outside-the-box/
And finally, the IVF clinic Pacific Northwest Fertility made the following recommendations…
- Elia Kass NDÂ https://intergalacticpediatrics.com/
- Sarah Herrington, ARNPÂ https://schedule.swedish.org/doctors/family-medicine/wa/seattle/sarah-herrington-1386013647
- The Lactation Network: https://lactationnetwork.com/
No matter your journey—whether you’re a parent through surrogacy or adoption, a surrogate, or someone facing lactation challenges—support and resources are available to help you. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to download our Inducing Lactation Resource Sheet PDF for easy reference.
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