I've heard that you can breastfeed even if you didn't give birth yourself. Anyone have any ideas?

Question

My partner and I are trying to conceive a baby and of course want to breastfeed if we can. I know that babies can have breast milk from other women other than their mother and it's still perfectly healthy. And I think I've read somewhere a few years back that there is a hormone or a pill or something else a women can take (usually adoptive mothers who don't give birth) so they can breastfeed even though they don't give birth. Anyway, my partner is the one who is getting pregnant and we would both love the chance to breastfeed our child so we both can bond and hopefully between the two of us he/she will be able to get enough milk. Any suggestions? Anyone know anything?

THANKS!!!!!

Answer 1

It is possible if they take the hormones!  I think it's neat :)

Although, it's possible that your partner will be unable to breastfeed.  I'm sure if you talk to your doctor or midwife about it they would be able to give you details.  

They should have statistics to show how successful the hormones are.  

Answer 2

Yes you can and congrats on being willing to do the best thing for a baby, even if it is not yours. There are several prescription drugs that have been used to increase milk supply: Metoclopramide (Reglan), Domperidone (Motilium), and sulpiride (Eglonyl, Dolmatil, Sulpitil, Sulparex, Equemote).   Two websites you should visited with tons of information and forum to talk with people how have successfully made it work at www.kellymom.com and http://forums.llli.org/.  Wishing you all the best luck with the conception and breastfeeding.

Answer 3

Yes you can!

http://www.llli.org/NB/NBadoptive.html

Answer 4

i love that idea that you two that love each other want both breastfeed your baby that is so great hear i don't know how you go about doing but i wish you two the best of luck

Answer 5

Yes you are right you can check with your gynecologist they will know exactly what needs to be done. and That is great that you are  wanting to bond and have a family like that. My son can't find anyone to have a long term relationship with  most people now days are so shallow and not wanting commitment.Good Luck to you both.

Answer 6

It's possible!  

I don't know about the hormone part, but stimulating your b*****s by hand or using a electric breast pump, to get it started, before the birth should help!

Also, there are devices that you can put pumped breast milk in, then thread the tiny tube to your breast, so the baby suckles on your nipple and the tube, will help until yours can come in.

Call the La Leche League or the Mothers Milk Bank.  They should be able to give you all that advice.

All the best.  Good Luck!

Answer 7

It would probably be easier if you had the next baby and took your turn then! You'll both have to express in order to keep your milk supply up though. Your bodies won't be able to self regulate (or baby regulate I guess it is) if you aren't nursing consistantly. It would be a hassle, but like anything, if you really want to you'll put up with the hassle. I would definately get advice from your local breastfeeding association. Your baby could have trouble learning to latch on since your b*****s will be different sizes, shapes and whatever. They may recommend you wait until bub and birth mum get the hang of it. I don't know, just giving you thoughts to consider and research.

Good luck with it :)

Answer 8

When you go to the doctor next, tell them your situation and they will let you know of all the possible ways for you to produce milk as well.

Answer 9

yes you can.  It was all over the news recently when that pre-op transgender guy gave birth to the baby.  His wife took pills and is breast feeding the baby.