Breastfeeding your baby after surrogacy may seem out of reach—but it’s more possible than you think.
Many intended mothers have successfully induced lactation for surrogacy, giving them the chance to nourish their baby and experience the same intimate bond as parents who carried their child.
If you’re considering inducing lactation for surrogacy, our specialists at American Surrogacy can help you explore feeding arrangements with your surrogate during the contract stage. Fill out our form today to get quick support.
With the right preparation, medical guidance, and support, your body can produce milk—even without pregnancy.
What Is Inducing Lactation for Surrogacy?
Inducing lactation for surrogacy is the process of stimulating your body to make breast milk without having been pregnant.
By combining hormonal treatments, pumping, and ongoing support, you can prepare your body to provide milk for your baby once they arrive.
This process isn’t just about nutrition—it’s also about bonding. For many intended parents, breastfeeding is a powerful way to feel fully involved in their child’s earliest days.
How to Induce Lactation for Surrogacy: The Newman-Goldfarb Protocol
The most widely used method for inducing lactation for surrogacy is called the Newman-Goldfarb protocol. It was designed specifically for mothers who want to breastfeed but did not carry the pregnancy. Most lactation consultants are familiar with it.
The protocol includes two stages:
- Hormonal preparation: Birth control pills mimic pregnancy, while a medication like metoclopramide boosts prolactin (the hormone responsible for milk production). This stage usually lasts several months to prepare breast tissue.
- Pumping phase: About 6–8 weeks before your baby’s birth, you’ll begin pumping 8–12 times per day. This frequent stimulation signals to your body that it’s time to produce milk.
Note: In some countries, domperidone is used to support lactation, but it is not approved for use in the U.S. American parents typically use metoclopramide.
For more detailed guidance, La Leche League provides resources that can help you understand how this process works.
Is Induced Lactation Breastmilk as Good as Natural Breastmilk?
Yes—milk produced through induced lactation contains the same nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that help protect and nourish your baby.
According to Folx Health, while it may take some time to reach full composition, induced breast milk provides the same essential benefits as traditional breastfeeding.
Benefits of Induced Lactation for Intended Parents
Wanting to breastfeed after surrogacy isn’t really about the nutrition (though that’s great too). It’s about so much more than that.
After watching someone else carry your baby for nine months, breastfeeding can feel like finally getting to be the mom in a really tangible way.
There’s something really special about that skin-to-skin contact and the bonding that happens during nursing. Your body releases oxytocin – the love hormone – which helps you and your baby connect.
After a surrogacy journey where you might have felt a bit on the sidelines, breastfeeding is something that’s just between you and your baby.
Considering the Cost of Medications for Inducing Lactation
The cost of inducing lactation for surrogacy varies depending on treatment length and insurance coverage. On average, families should consider:
- Metoclopramide: $20–$60/month
- Birth control pills: $15–$50/month (often covered by insurance)
- Lactation consultant visits: Varies by provider
- Breast pump rental or purchase: Hospital-grade pumps are most effective
While these expenses add to overall surrogacy costs, many families find them manageable with advance planning.
How Long Does it Take to Induce Lactation for Surrogacy?
The process usually takes 4–6 months:
- Hormonal prep: 2–4 months
- Pumping: 6–8 weeks before the baby’s arrival
Some parents notice milk production within days of pumping, while others take several weeks. Factors like age, medical history, and consistency with the protocol all play a role.
Challenges and Limitations to Consider
Inducing lactation for surrogacy can be amazing, but it’s not always smooth sailing. Not every mom ends up with a full milk supply, and some only make small amounts even when they do everything perfectly.
The medications can make you feel pretty crummy sometimes, nausea, tiredness, mood swings, stomach issues.
And honestly, it can be emotionally tough if things don’t go as planned. Some moms feel really disappointed or stressed if their milk supply doesn’t develop like they hoped.
How to Increase Breastmilk Supply When Inducing Lactation for Surrogacy
If your milk supply is lower than expected, try:
- Pumping every 2–3 hours (including overnight)
- Using “power pumping” sessions (10 minutes pumping, 10 minutes rest, repeated for an hour)
- Ensuring your pump fits properly; hospital-grade pumps are most effective
- Exploring natural supply boosters like oats or fenugreek—with your doctor’s approval
The Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation emphasizes consistency and equipment quality as keys to better results
Professional Guidance: Who Can Help?
You need expert professional support for inducing lactation for surrogacy.
Your can find a lactation specialist for surrogacy who’s an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) – that’s the gold standard.
These specialists really know their stuff and can give you personalized advice for your situation.
They’ll help you navigate the whole process and troubleshoot any issues that come up.
When you’re looking for a lactation specialist for surrogacy, make sure they’re IBCLC certified and have experience with induced lactation specifically.
Many of them do virtual appointments too, which is super convenient when you’re still in the preparation phase.
Alternatives if Inducing Lactation Isn’t Possible
If inducing lactation for surrogacy doesn’t work or doesn’t feel right, you still have other nourishing options:
- Surrogate-provided milk: Some surrogates are willing to pump and supply breast milk.
- Donor milk: Certified milk banks offer screened donor milk, though it can be costly.
- Formula: A safe, reliable feeding option used by many families.
Many parents use a combination of these methods to meet their baby’s needs.
How American Surrogacy Supports Your Feeding Journey
At American Surrogacy, we understand that feeding choices are deeply personal. Our team helps you:
- Discuss breast milk arrangements during your surrogacy contract (including whether your surrogate may pump after birth)
- Connect with trusted lactation consultants experienced in inducing lactation for surrogacy
- Explore all feeding options—induced lactation, surrogate-provided milk, donor milk, or formula—so you feel empowered to make the best choice for your family
Our specialists can answer your questions about breastfeeding and help ensure your feeding preferences are included in your surrogacy contract.
Reach out today to begin planning for the feeding journey that feels right for your family.