Induction of Lactation in the Biological Mother After Gestational Surrogacy of Twins: A Novel Approach and Review of Literature

Breastfeed Med. 2017 Jul/Aug;12(6):373-376. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2016.0112. Epub 2017 Jun 20.

Abstract

One of the important challenges in surrogate pregnancies is the early bonding of genetic mother with her infant and the establishment of breastfeeding. A combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods is often used for the induction of lactation. Reports of induced lactation in surrogacy are limited and scattered. In this report, we present a case of induced lactation and initiation of breastfeeding in preterm twins by the genetic mother, through her novel approach after a gestational surrogate pregnancy. Thematic approach of maternal account is summarized with context and rigor. We reviewed the reported literature of induced lactation in similar cases with an aim to address the various methods adopted.

Keywords: breast milk; breastfeeding; induction of lactation; preterm infant; surrogate pregnancy; twins.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast / metabolism
  • Breast / physiology*
  • Breast Feeding / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imagination
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Kangaroo-Mother Care Method
  • Lactation / physiology*
  • Lactation / psychology
  • Mammillary Bodies / physiology
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Oxytocin / metabolism
  • Physical Stimulation / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Twin*
  • Prolactin / metabolism
  • Surrogate Mothers*
  • Twins
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Oxytocin
  • Prolactin