- With Mayo Clinic emeritus consultant
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Dr. Jay Hoecker, an emeritus consultant in the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, brings valuable expertise to MayoClinic.com in general and primary care pediatrics. He has a particular interest in infectious diseases of children.
Dr. Hoecker, a Fort Worth, Texas, native, is certified as a pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He was trained at Washington University's St. Louis Children's Hospital, and in infectious diseases at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1989.
"The World Wide Web is revolutionizing the availability and distribution of information, including health information about children and families," Dr. Hoecker says. "The evolution of the Web has included greater safety, privacy and accuracy over time, making the quality and access to children's health information immediate, practical and useful. I am happy to be a part of this service to patients from a trusted name in medicine, to use and foster all the good the Web has to offer children and their families."
Infant and toddler health (3)
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- Baby Einstein: Can baby DVDs promote infant development?
- Fruit juice: Is it good or bad for kids?
Newborn health (4)
- Newborn care: Should I wake my baby for feedings?
- Baby poop: What's normal?
- Induced lactation: Can I breast-feed my adopted baby?
- see all in Newborn health
Infant health (10)
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- Infant botulism: Why is honey a concern?
- Organic baby food: Is it worth the price?
- see all in Infant health
Toddler health (5)
- Discolored baby teeth: A cause for concern?
- Temper tantrums: What's normal, what's not?
- Toddler speech development: When should a parent be concerned?
- see all in Toddler health
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Question
Induced lactation: Can I breast-feed my adopted baby?
I'm adopting a newborn, and I'd like to breast-feed the baby when I bring him home. What can you tell me about induced lactation? Can I produce breast milk if I haven't been pregnant?
Answer
from Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
With considerable dedication and preparation, induced lactation may be possible.
Normally, lactation is triggered by a complex interaction between the hormones estrogen, progesterone and prolactin during the final months of pregnancy. Upon delivery, levels of estrogen and progesterone fall dramatically — but levels of prolactin remain high. The result is the natural production of breast milk.
Similarly, induced lactation depends on the successful replication of this biological process. You may begin with nipple stimulation — ideally, pumping both breasts with a hospital-grade electric breast pump every three hours around the clock, beginning about two months before you expect to begin breast-feeding. This stimulation encourages the production and release of the hormone prolactin. Your health care provider may also prescribe hormonal therapy, such as supplemental estrogen or progesterone, to mimic the effects of pregnancy. In some cases, other medications may be prescribed as well — although no drugs have been specifically approved to induce lactation, and potential side effects may be a concern.
Typically, hormone therapy is discontinued shortly before breast-feeding begins. At that point, the baby's suckling is thought to stimulate and maintain milk production. Your health care provider may recommend continued pumping to further stimulate milk production.
It's important to note that supplemental feedings with formula or donated breast milk may be needed even if you're able to successfully induce lactation — especially during the initial weeks of breast-feeding, while you're establishing your milk supply. To encourage continued nipple stimulation, you may choose to use a supplemental feeding aide that delivers formula or donated breast milk through a device that attaches to your breast. Supplemental formula feedings can also be given with a traditional bottle.
To learn more about induced lactation and how to increase your chances of successful breast-feeding, contact a lactation consultant at a local hospital or clinic. Counselors from La Leche League or similar organizations may offer help, too.
Next questionSagging breasts: Inevitable after breast-feeding?
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 15, 2008.
- Wittig SL, et al. Induced lactation: Gaining a better understanding. The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 2008;33(2):76-81.
- Bryant CA. Nursing the adopted infant. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 2006;19(4):374-379.
