I'm working on developing guidelines to support LGBTQ parents, and I need some research evidence to base this on.
For same sex couples, or where there are barriers to the gestational parent breastfeeding, we are sometimes asked for advice and support for inducing lactation in the parent who is not giving birth.
Can anyone direct me towards any hospital guidelines, professional association guidelines, research papers or other evidence or protocol which I can base this on.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Last year I heard this very interesting presentation, although it's in german it might be helpful (at least the literature given at the end).
https://www.stillen-institut.com/media/2020-stillen-in-einer-adoptivfamilie-handout-guoth-gumberger.pdf
Thank you Elizabeth, I will look into it - I was not aware of Schnell, and I will see if I can translate the presentation. I appreciate it.
I have used the Newman Goldfarb protocol with non-birth parent with some success. Key point is that they have to start the protocol early enough for best results.
Liz
Nurse Program Coordinator: Lactation
https://www.canadianbreastfeedingfoundation.org/induced/regular_protocol.shtml
My suggestion would be at least 6 months prior to the birth parent delivery. I have had better success with larger volumes of milk. I also have used the SNS with the non-birth parent to assist with increasing milk supply when baby is born.
I have not found guidelines particularly helpful when it comes to nursing. Nursing is all about desire to nurse. A woman who wants to nurse and does not give the baby ANY supplements will succeed. The baby will nurse and nurse and nurse and eventually milk will appear. That entails 24/7 being next to the baby in bed with breasts constantly available.