Induced Lactation - Can it be Done?

I have been fortunate to work with a variety of parents over the years, with many different stories. One of these is the process of inducing lactation in a non-birthing parent. Induced lactation is hard work, but can be very rewarding. There are three main things to keep in mind: You may not make a full supply, any amount of breastmilk is beneficial, and what works for you and your baby may not be what works for someone else.
When counseling parents I start with my go-to book, Breastfeeding without Birthing. Alyssa Schnell's book has tons of information about starting the process of inducing a milk supply, methods to make milk and how to navigate challenges along the way. The next step is to find out what your goals are - do you want to exclusively nurse your baby? Are you ok with supplementing? Will there be someone else also breastfeeding the baby? It is important to make sure you have support from your partner or family and that they understand how important this is to you. Induced lactation requires time and patience (often before baby is even here) and will be much easier with support. 

Your medical team is also a key part of this process. If you don't already have a doctor who is knowledgeable in this area, ask around to find someone who understands induced lactation and can work with you to achieve your goals. Some parents choose to use medication - the Goldfarb protocol is a popular and often effective method to induce lactation. Check out some of the Facebook groups for non-birthing parents wanting to breastfeed, as peer support is also  helpful when going through this. Finally, if you will be present for baby's birth, make sure your delivery team knows breastfeeding is important to you and can support you in the postpartum period. Skin to skin, early pumping and rooming-in can all help you get off to a good start. 
Last but not least, the nuts and bolts - a good pump and a hands-free pumping bra! The most effective pump is a hospital grade, double electric pump. Most insurance companies cover an electric pump, but ask if they will cover a hospital grade for inducing lactation. You can also look into renting a hospital grade pump. A standard electric pump is ok too, just make sure it is well rated for suction and durability. I don't recommend a used pump, both for hygienic and utility (those motors don't last forever) reasons. The newest trend, a hands-free pumping bra can make your pumping life much easier and is more effective than the hands-free pumps on the market (these are often lower strength). 

It's tough to induce lactation but it can be so enriching; don't forget that any amount of breastmilk/breastfeeding is beneficial for you and baby and that your journey belongs to you!

Self Care

I used to hate the phrase "self care". It felt New-Age and entitled and brought to mind a woman in a bubble bath with cucumber slices over her eyes. Now I think of self care as anything that makes my day easier, like a piece of dark chocolate or 15 minutes sitting in the sunshine. Is it possible to practice self care with a newborn? Yes, but we need to re-frame what this means. Aphorisms like "sleep when the baby sleeps" or "take time for yourself" or even "you can't pour from an empty well" can make new moms feel discouraged and inadequate. Here are some basics and above all, know that you deserve this.
How about beginning with things you are not going to do? Here are some examples:

• Minimal social media (check Facebook for 5 minutes at the beginning and end of the day, e.g.)
• No attending social events you don't like
• No checking work email after 6pm

Exercise is good for mind and body, but let's be realistic:

• Walk to the mailbox daily
• Use home equipment 10 mins per day
• Carry baby in a sling or carrier 

Eat right but make it easy:

• Keep frozen meals and veggies on hand
• Make up a dozen hard boiled eggs at once 
• If friends/family ask what they can do to help, say "a meal would be great" (trust me, people want to know)
• Keep a small basket with a granola bar, water bottle and your phone - grab it when it's time to nurse and take it with you

Avoid isolation:

• Call or text someone every day (this is tough but you can always ask a baby question!)
• If you can get out, go to the library once a week - baby-friendly, nice bathrooms, and always temperature controlled!
• If you'd like to go to a mother's group but it feels like too much, try an online one

SLEEP (Just because you have a baby doesn't mean you don't deserve sleep!)

• Rest your body when you can - **remember that this helps, even if you are not asleep
• Consider getting a weighted blanket (not for baby) - this can help reduce anxiety and let you get a better quality sleep, even if for a short time
• When baby is sleeping, get into your bed (under the covers, etc.) and rest **