Co-Breastfeeding with my wife!
Many people do not know what it means, much less that it is a viable option for same sex couples who both want to share in breastfeeding their baby. I already knew the health and bonding benefits that come with breastfeeding. So when my wife and I decided to have another child, we couldn’t help but wonder, what if we could both share in that experience? Was it even possible? Those questions turned into a journey that led me to ultimately understand that co-breastfeeding IS possible, and actually, as we’ve recently found out, amazing.
The term “induced lactation” is a way to mirror the normal production of breast milk for mothers who are not pregnant. While studying and researching our options we found the Newman Goldfarb Protocol as our method of induced lactation. First, it’s important to note that the Newman Goldfarb Protocol isn’t the only way to induce lactation but after doing extensive research, I found that it seemed to be the most popular and most effective. It starts by “tricking your body into thinking it’s pregnant” with a combination of birth control (active only pills) and increasing your prolactin levels by taking a medication called Domperidone. The hormones each have a role to play to prepare your breasts to make milk. The protocol suggests having at least 22 to 24 weeks in preparation time, and it’s very important that if you decide to go with the protocol that you start as early as possible for the best results.
For the most up to date information, I recommend visiting Dr. Jack Newman’s website on inducing lactation. After so much preparation and anticipation, we were thrilled to welcome baby Orion to the world on September 2, 2018. When he was born I had over 700oz of breast milk saved in the freezer! Telling my story and sharing my family’s journey to cobreastfeeding is important to me because when I started down this path, I really did not have many places to turn for advice and support. BREASTFEEDING IS NOT ONLY FOR BIOLOGICAL FAMILIES.
With the right preparation, expectations, and support, any mom can provide her child the benefits of breast milk!
Glenis Decuir | @decuirinducinglactationstory