Breastfeeding beyond the conventional: a case report of induced lactation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v41i5.14108Keywords:
Breastfeeding, Human milk, Breast milk expression, Case reportAbstract
Introduction: Induced Lactation allows breast milk production, not only for biological mothers but also for adoptive mothers or same-sex couples. In addition to emotional bonding, induced lactation can be important in humanitarian contexts, contributing to infant health and survival outside the traditional aspect of pregnancy and childbirth.
Case description: This case mentions a 30-year-old woman who desired to breastfeed a child conceived by her same-sex partner. Following an induction protocol involving medication therapy and mechanical stimulation, satisfactory milk production was achieved, enabling complementary breastfeeding to the gestational mother.
Comment: Breastfeeding plays a significant role in the physical and mental health of families. This case report opens up new perspectives on breastfeeding, and lactation induction provides new opportunities for homoparental families. Babies can be nourished by caregivers who did not gestate them, allowing infants in these contexts to be fed in the best and most complete way possible.
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