I have had several clients ask me if I can help them produce milk for their adopted newborn baby….

YES! We can ABSOLUTELY help!

If you want to try and produce your own breastmilk for your baby, our assistance may be of help so that you can begin lactating. Breastfeeding in this very special circumstance will require some preparation and planning several weeks or even months before the baby arrives.

1. Be sure and speak to your family doctor of your plans.

Having your doctor in on your plan will be important. They will know if it is safe for you based on your health history, due to the hormonal changes your body will need to take on. They should be able to recommend medications, hormones, vitamins or supplements that they think you may need while lactating. Some of the ones you may need from them include prolactin and oxytocin.

2. Meeting with one of our Lactation Specialists.

It is best to meet with your lactation specialist to go over the plan way before baby arrives. Then you will most likely need to have a hospital visit from us on the day of baby’s arrival, as well as a home visit within the first few days. The continual support of the lactation specialist may extend from weekly to monthly visits depending on your body’s response to the process.

3. Getting on a birth control pill.

Birth control pills produce hormones that trick the body into thinking that it’s pregnant so that it won’t bother to produce a new egg. That mimicked pregnancy can also be used to convince your body that it’s time to begin producing breastmilk.

4. Switch from birth control to supplements and medications.

Under the guidance of your doctor, you’ll discontinue the birth control once your doctor feels that your body has had enough time to prepare for milk production. Then, you’ll start taking herbal supplements and medications at the recommendation of a lactation expert to help facilitate breastmilk production without affecting the breastmilk itself.

5. Preparing for Baby’s arrival- Start pumping.

About 1-2 weeks before you anticipate baby’s arrival, you will want to start to pump. First start with a few times a day, slowly increasing the frequency and length of each pumping session, until you are pumping every 2 hours during the day and every 3 hours at night. This will lead your body to begin producing milk, and if you stick to it, you’ll begin producing more and more gradually. At this time you should have met with one of our lactation specialists to discuss baby’s arrival plan.