Lactation induction is a method of stimulating milk production in women who are not pregnant. With this method, a mother who adopts a baby has the opportunity to breastfeed her baby.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for infants for the first 6 months of life, which should be continued until the age of 2 years with complementary foods.
Breast milk (breast milk) is the best nutrition for babies. Breast milk production is triggered by the interaction of three hormones, namely estrogen, progesterone, and human placental lactogen (a hormone produced by the placenta) during pregnancy.
Main Reasons Behind Induction of Lactation and What is Required?
There are two main reasons for induction of lactation, namely to build a strong bond between the mother and the unborn child, and to meet the nutritional needs of the adopted baby.
Commonly used procedures for induction of lactation are hormone and breast stimulation, or often a combination of both. Breast stimulation is done manually with a breast pump or direct breastfeeding, in order to trigger the release of the hormone prolactin which stimulates milk production.
In addition, the doctor will give hormone-stimulating drugs, usually in the form of hormonal contraceptives and oral contraceptives galactagogue. Contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone are used to mimic the stages of pregnancy, whereas galactagogue is a substance that triggers the production of breast milk by mimicking the stages of labour.
How to Make Lactation Induction Successful?
Lactation induction process should be started before the baby to be adopted is born or as soon as possible. To increase the success of this process, the adoptive mother must possess the following:
- Strong desire.
- Positive suggestions, confidence, and self-confidence.
- Feeling calm and not stressed.
- Good nutritional intake so that stamina is always maintained.
If the induction of lactation begins after the baby is born, the adoptive mother must breastfeed more often and pump breast milk to increase its production. If the baby is dissatisfied because of the lack of milk production, it can be assisted with a tube-shaped device that is attached to the mother's breast so that the baby continues to suckle.
If you want to induce lactation, first consult with your doctor to get a thorough explanation of the process that will be followed. And if you have problems breastfeeding your baby with induced lactation, you can ask a lactation consultant for help.
Written by:
dr. Meristika Yuliana Dewi
