The Intricacies of Induced Lactation for Same-Sex Mothers of an Adopted Child. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilson, Erica; Perrin, Maryanne Tigchelaar; Fogleman, April; Chetwynd, Ellen
• Other Names: Pérez-Escamilla Rafael guest-editor.; Sellen Dan guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of human lactation. Volume 31:Number 1(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: adoption -- breastfeeding -- induced lactation -- lesbian; Breastfeeding -- Periodicals; Lactation -- Periodicals; 612.664
• DOI: 10.1177/0890334414553934
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-3344

Abstract

The definition of a modern family is changing. In this case study, we describe the breastfeeding experience of a child receiving human milk from all 3 of his mothers: his 2 adoptive mothers, who induced lactation to nurse him, and his birth mother, who shared in his early feeding during the open adoption process and continued to pump and send milk to him for several months. We review the lactation protocol used by his adoptive mothers and the unique difficulties inherent in this multi-mother family dynamic. Both adoptive mothers successfully induced moderate milk production using a combination of hormonal birth control, domperidone, herbal supplements, and a schedule of breast pumping. However, because of the increased complexity of the immediate postpartum period and concerns with defining parental roles in a same-sex marriage, maintenance of milk production was difficult.