The BEST Breast Pump To Induce Lactation
It’s quite extraordinary but a person who has not given birth is actually capable of producing breast milk!
Even without getting pregnant, breasts can produce milk (called inducing lactation) if they are stimulated and drained enough
You can stimulate and drain the breasts in 3 ways: with a baby feeding at the breast, manual hand expression, or by an electric breast pump… or a combination of all three.
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Inducing lactation means people other than the person giving birth can also give the baby the amazing benefits of breast milk and build a nurturing bond with the child through breastfeeding.
There are many people who choose to induce lactation:
Adoptive parents who would like to breastfeed their adopted baby
Same-sex couple who has a non-gestational parent who would like to breastfeed as well
A mother who didn’t breastfeed in the beginning but changed her mind
A person has a baby with a surrogate
However, you need to know that inducing lactation is no small feat. You have to be mentally ready as you’ll likely be stimulating and pumping your breasts for days and weeks at a time before you start seeing any progress.
Quick tips to induce lactation
Start hand expressing a couple weeks before pumping.
Hand expressing is a more gentle way to introduce all the nipple and breast stimulation coming your way.
It’s also a fabulous way to jump start milk production. Learn how to hand express here.
Invest in a quality breast pump.
You can induce lactation with any breast pump, but the absolute best results come from using a hospital-grade double electric breast pump.
Hospital-grade pumps have stronger, more powerful motors, provide a higher level of suction, and are designed for frequent, daily pumping. (see below for our pick for best breast pump to induce lactation)
Start early.
The sooner you start pumping, the better. It can take a few weeks to months for your milk to come in so start as soon as possible.
Pump with one (or both!) hands free.
Because you’ll be pumping very frequently, it’ll be super convenient to have your hands free while doing it. We love this hands free pumping bra on Amazon that’s super affordable and received loads of 5-star reviews!
Use lubrication.
Since you won’t have any breast milk come in for awhile, using lubrication on both your breasts and breast pump flanges while you pump can be super helpful. This particular lubricant is perfect for pumping.
Incorporate heat and massage.
We recommend using heat and breast massage along with pumping to help speed up the milk making process. This heated massager is made specifically for pumping and is super helpful for inducing breast milk.
Talk to your healthcare provider.
They can connect you to resources and may even give you the option of taking hormones that can imitate the hormone levels of pregnancy to aid in the lactation process.
The best breast pump to induce lactation
The Medela Symphony Hospital Grade Double Electric Breast Pump
This hospital-grade pump can be rented or purchased and is the most effective at stimulating milk production.
It’s both strong and durable and up to the challenge to induce lactation and can withstand frequent, daily use.
Due to their expense, most women rent them. You can find one from local lactation consultants, hospital pharmacies, or baby boutiques. Find one near you.
Because hospital grade pumps can be used by more than one mom, each mother will need to use her own collection kit. Get your very own Medela Symphony kit on Amazon.
Supplement to help induce lactation
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