Breastfeeding is a topic that needs to be thoroughly discussed between the Surrogate Mother and Intended Parents.
Breastfeeding through Surrogacy can be implemented by a milk bank, breast milk donor, Surrogate Mother or the Intended Mother can prompt lactation in advance of the birth.
Induced lactation has been incorporated as a method enriching the connecting relationship between a new Intended Mother and baby born through Surrogacy.
What is Lactation?
Prolactin and oxytocin are the two pituitary hormones that allow lactation to transpire. The hormones can still be stimulated despite the woman's inability to carry the child. Lactation may be prompted through a few options. The amount of milk produced through inducement varies for every woman.
The most desirable way women induce lactation is channeled by manual or mechanical stimulation. Lactation is actuated by massage, nipple guidance and either through the baby sucking or a breast pump. The second method that is typically used is hormone therapy.
Typically, the woman is prescribed medications such as Domperidone and Metoclopramides to induce and intensify her milk supply.
Induced stimulation can take between two and six weeks; hormone therapy takes between one to four months. Lactation naturally arises during the final trimester of their Surrogate Mother's pregnancy.
In any case, COMMUNICATION between the Intended Parents and Surrogate Mother is the key.