How to Lactate

Lactation is the production of milk in female mammary glands, and occurs naturally during pregnancy and post-pregnancy breastfeeding. Women may want to induce lactation if they are planning on adopting a baby or if they agree to be a surrogate nurse for a baby whose biological mother cannot breastfeed. Lactation is governed by pituitary hormones (as opposed to ovarian hormones) and, therefore, any woman can stimulate lactation, regardless of her obstetric or gynecological history. You do not necessarily have to go to a doctor or to take any special medications to start producing your own breast milk. Just follow these instructions for how to induce lactation.