Breastfeeding without pregnancy

Breastfeeding is a natural and logical step in the sequence of conception, pregnancy and childbirth. However, a woman can breastfeed even without preceding pregnancy. (Szucs et al 2010, Biervliet et al 2001) This is named induced lactation. To induce lactation protocols are being used, where the use of hormonal medication plays an important part. The presupposition is that it is hardly, if at all, possible to create a full milk production, suitable to satisfy a child’s total nutritional needs. Gribble, however, found I her extensive review f the literature that in some cultures it seems to be no problem at all to relactate and subsequently fully breastfed for an extended period. Adoptive mothers in developing countries may have greater milk production than mothers in the west because they are more knowledgeable about breastfeeding, practice frequent breastfeeding, remain in close physical contact with their children and live in cultures that are supportive of breastfeeding. Adoptive mothers in the west should be encouraged to maximise their milk supply by emulating the mothering styles of women in developing countries and developing a strong support network for breastfeeding.
Gribble KD: The influence of context on the success of adoptive breastfeeding: developing countries and the west. Breastfeed Rev. 2004 Mar;12(1):5-13.
Szucs KA, Axline SE, Rosenman MA: Induced Lactation and Exclusive Breast Milk Feeding of Adopted Premature Twins. J Hum Lact August 2010 26: 309-313, first published on June 22, 2010
Biervliet FP, Maguiness SD, HayDM, Killick SR, Atkin SL: Induction of lactation in the intended mother of a surrogate pregnancy: Case report Hum. Reprod. (2001) 16(3): 581-583