#lactate

Okay, I get asked these questions almost on the daily, so I’m going to go ahead and write this big ol’ post with all the answers and so on. I’ll even post the link to where this info is coming from so y’all can check for yourself too!

Is lactation possible if you’re never been pregnant, or you aren’t pregnant and trying to lactate?

Yes, it is totally possible! With the right strategy, support, and techniques, it is totally achievable. My advice for anyone trying to induce lactation is to understand the process, educate yourself on what to expect, get proper support through a lactation consultant, consult your doctor, and so on!   It’s important to avoid false expectations, have an open mind going into the process, and allow the yourself to give it your very best! Refer to the Newman-Goldfarb protocol for specific steps.

What kind of milk supply can be expected?

The amount of milk someone is able to create will depend on a wide range of factors including:

The person’s health history

Their motivation to induce lactation

The condition of their breasts

Whether they has ever breastfed in the past

Amount of support from the partner, family, etc.

The amount of time they have to prepare their breasts/body

The routine and protocol the person follows to make milk, such as taking herbs/medications, and frequent breast stimulation

There is a particular protocol called the Newman-Goldfarb Protocol that has a very good success rate (60-100%) for inducing lactation for most people. It includes a combination of steps and can be started at any point prior to the arrival of “the baby”. The idea with any of the protocols to induce lactation is to mimic the pregnancy and what happens after in terms of a drop in progesterone and estrogen, and a rise in prolactin after delivery. Prolactin is the “milk maker” and oxytocin works to “release the milk.”

What supplements, foods, and medications may help with promoting a milk supply?

A baby suckling at the breast and/or frequent breast stimulation is the best way to induce the hormones needed to produce milk. And combine this with other herbal and prescription medications, and you have a protocol for inducing lactation. There are several different protocols that have been developed by various experts in the field like the one mentioned before. There are also other ways mothers can help support milk induction, including using a breast pump to stimulate the breasts, herbal supplementation, prescription medication, and certain foods.

Using Birth control to prepare breasts for milk making

If someone has plenty of time to prepare, starting a birth control pill for 6-9 months can help prepare breasts for breastfeeding. The pill mimics the estrogen and progesterone that a pregnant mother would have in order to support breastfeeding. It helps create the glandular tissue and milk ducts. You can really start a protocol at any time to help inducing lactation.

How to make more milk

Once you are able to produce milk, the act of removing milk will trigger the body to create more milk. The most effective prescription medication initiating that milk-making process initially is Domperidone because it can be used for an extended period of time without significant side effects to the breastfeeding individual or a baby. If you have heart-related conditions, it’s advised to not take it. Domperidone is approved in many countries including Canada, Switzerland, United Kingdom, South Africa, Mexico, New Zealand, and others, to increase milk supply, but it is still in the process of being approved by the FDA in the U.S.

Herbal Supplementation

Herbal supplements that may be helpful in inducing lactation include alfalfa, blessed thistle, fennel, fenugreek, goat’s rue, saw palmetto, and Shatavari. Each of these has its unique characteristics and timing may also be important in terms of when each should be taken, and under specific circumstances. It is advised to work with an herbalist to understand what’s right for your particular need. As with all supplementation, it’s best to work with a healthcare team to ensure it is the best solution for you.

Lactogenic Foods

As far as specific lactogenic foods to increase milk production, there aren’t a lot of studies, but there is information from those who do lactate that has been passed down from generation to generation. Specific foods may be helpful to increase milk production, but eating a diet rich in healthy fats, dark green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts and seeds is truly the best way to ensure optimal nourishment for inducing lactation.

One of the very few foods that has been studied is moringa or the Malunggay tree. It is a “superfood” grown in Asian countries and can be bought in a powdered form or the leaves can be cooked like spinach leaves. 

How can you tell how much milk is being transferred when lactation starts?

Small quantities of milk may be produced at first, but within a month, if you are  consistently removing milk, and inducing more, it may increase. You can use frequent breast massage and expression to see how much you may be producing.

What are some helpful mindset techniques to help with inducing lactation?

Keep an open mind so you are not disappointed; if you’re able to produce milk, great, if not, know you tried and still gave it your best.

Remember why you want to induce lactation. Just like in many areas of our life, we have to have a strong enough “why” in order for us to stick with something.

Positive affirmations can help you feel empowered and equipped to mentally and physically handle the experience. 

Enjoy the process along the way, enjoy the relaxation as your hormones start increasing in your body, especially the oxytocin.

Keep a positive mind, YOU can do this!

What kind of time and effort is involved with inducing lactation?

Once you accept the commitment, your mindset will play a huge role in motivating you to continue the journey to induce lactation. It’s important to understand the time and energy involved in inducing lactation, There may be financial resources involved too, like purchasing a breast pump, herbs, and medications. And of course, there is the time involved in pumping- whether it be hand expression or with a manual pump.

Here’s the link to where all this info can be found!

Had this 6yr SF yorki mix come in with a GDV.

Trocharized on triage, lacate: 8.7, IVF bolus-has a heart murmur.

Heading into sx as we speak! Hopefully she’ll pull through ❣️

UPDATE: Doing well! Has a history of megaesophagus so thats why she is in a high chair. 💕