A Complete Guide on Surrogacy Breastfeeding and Pumping

January 15, 2024

Category

Starting a surrogacy journey is a profound and life-changing experience. It becomes clear that breastfeeding and pumping are important aspects of the post-birth journey as prospective parents navigate through the complex process of building their family through surrogacy. This all-inclusive manual aims to shed light on the minute details related to breastfeeding and pumping while using surrogates, offering intended parents, surrogates breastfeeding, and medical professionals a path forward. This guide aims to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and resources to navigate the intricacies of surrogacy while embracing the deep and personal bond that breastfeeding can have on the surrogate-parent relationship. It’s important to conduct research beforehand because providing your baby with breastmilk through either induced lactation or having the surrogacy pump milk can be challenging and complex.

How is breast milk provided for a baby born via surrogacy?

Methods of Breastfeeding

Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding a Baby Born through Surrogacy

Advice for Breastfeeding and Pumping a Baby Born Through Surrogacy

How is breast milk provided for a baby born via surrogacy?

Breastfeeding a child born through surrogacy requires careful planning and cooperation between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. Given the many advantages of breast milk for the health and development of the infant, the surrogate mother may frequently decide to start surrogate breastfeeding. The desire to create a close and early bond between the surrogate and the child often drives this choice. However logistical issues could come up, and the surrogate could choose to pump breast milk if breastfeeding isn’t possible or desired. When direct breastfeeding is not an option, the intended parents can still provide their baby with the priceless benefits of breast milk by having the surrogate express and store breast milk through pumping. The intended mother can still breastfeed her child without giving birth through Induced lactation. Through communication, understanding, and support between the intended parents and the surrogate, this collaborative process highlights the shared commitment to the child’s well-being and aims to give the surrogate and intended parents the best start in life possible.

Also Read: Does a surrogate mother share DNA with the baby?

Methods of Breastfeeding

Induced lactation (Breastfeeding without giving birth) – Through a procedure known as “induced lactation,” people who have never given birth or been pregnant can encourage their bodies to produce breast milk. This technique is especially useful when a non-birthing parent wants to actively participate in breastfeeding, as in surrogacy or adoption cases. Typically, the procedure entails the use of hormone-stimulating drugs, such as prolactin and oxytocin, to start the production of key milk-producing hormones and replicate the hormonal changes linked to pregnancy. To get the body to produce and release milk, you need to consistently pump your breasts to induce lactation or simulate nursing in addition to hormonal intervention. The success of induced lactation is a complicated and unique process that depends on a number of variables, including general health and hormonal responsiveness.

Pumping or surrogate breastfeeding – Two separate but related methods of supplying breast milk to a surrogate baby are exclusive pumping and surrogate breastfeeding. Direct breastfeeding creates a close and instant bond between the surrogate and the infant by having the surrogate mother feed the child at her breast. This approach not only offers vital nutrition but also cultivates a special kind of bonding. But in the context of surrogacy, exclusively pumping means that the surrogate uses a breast pump to express and gather her breast milk, which is then given to the intended parents so they can feed the child. This method offers flexibility, allowing the surrogate to support the child’s health without providing direct nursing care. If necessary, the surrogate’s pumped breast milk can be shipped and kept in the freezer or refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. If you’ve induced lactation, you can use a lactation aid to supplement with your own breast milk. Alternatively, you can bottle feed your baby the breast milk. Bear in mind that breast milk should only be refrigerated for three to four days before being used or frozen; however, if you know you won’t be using it right away, it’s best to freeze it straight away. It is best to use frozen breast milk within six months, but it can last up to a year before losing its nutritional value.

Make sure to let your surrogacy agency and the prospective surrogate know up front if you are inclined to have the surrogate breastfeed or pump solely so they can make sure you are paired with a surrogate who is willing to do so. Your surrogacy Agreement should specify the surrogate’s compensation for pumping or breastfeeding; it usually consists of a weekly payment plus supply reimbursement. The additional time and effort needed for pumping is the reason for this compensation.

Combination and Alternatives of Breastfeeding

Feeding Formula:
Formula feeding offers a nutritionally complete substitute for breastfeeding when it is not feasible or preferred. To guarantee that the baby gets the nutrients they need for healthy development, modern infant formulas are made to resemble the nutritional makeup of breast milk closely.

Donor Milk:
Families who would prefer to breastfeed but are unable to do so themselves may choose to use donor milk, which can be obtained from milk banks or reliable donors. By using this technique, the advantages of breast milk can be obtained without the biological parent’s direct involvement.

Because breastfeeding offers so many advantages to both the mother and the child, it is frequently regarded as the best option when it comes to infant nutrition. However since breastfeeding may not always be possible or desirable, a number of substitutes and combinations have been created to meet a range of needs. One well-liked alternative is infant formula, which is carefully prepared to supply vital nutrients for a baby’s growth and development. Furthermore, breast milk facilitates flexibility and convenience by enabling mothers to divide up the feeding duties. Families that want to create a balanced approach that takes individual preferences and lifestyles into account may decide to mix formula and breastfeeding. It is essential that caregivers are knowledgeable about the options available, taking into account things like the baby’s specific needs, convenience, and nutritional content. The ultimate objective is to guarantee that babies get the nutrition they need for healthy development, encouraging a flexible and supportive approach to baby feeding.

Also Read: Different Types of Surrogac

Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding a Baby Born through Surrogacy

The decision to breastfeed a child born via surrogacy can be complicated and unique, depending on a number of factors. Here are a few possible benefits and drawbacks to think about:

Pros of Breastfeeding

Nutritional Benefits: Breast milk is thought to be the healthiest food for newborns. It has vital nutrients, enzymes, and antibodies that support a baby’s general growth and well-being.
Cost Savings: Compared to the cost of formula, bottles, and other feeding-related accessories, breastfeeding is typically less expensive.
Benefits to the Mother’s Health: Breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, among other illnesses.

Cons of Breastfeeding

A large time and energy investment is needed to breastfeed. Babies frequently need to nurse 10–12 times a day, which requires a lot of work from moms.

Physical Restrictions: Some biological moms may experience physical obstacles to breastfeeding, such as poor milk production or trouble latching. These difficulties may exacerbate tension and frustration.
Dependency on Pumping: The biological mother may have to rely on pumping breast milk, which can take time and may not always produce enough if direct breastfeeding is not possible because of distance or other issues.

Breastfeeding a child born via surrogacy is ultimately a personal choice that should be based on the particular circumstances and preferences of every individual. Navigating the difficulties and advantages of breastfeeding in a surrogacy setting requires open communication, comprehension, and support from medical professionals and support systems.

Also Read: 10 pros and cons of Surrogacy

Advice for Breastfeeding and Pumping a Baby Born Through Surrogacy

Advice for breastfeeding

As soon as you can after birth, start pumping to create and preserve your milk supply.
Establish a regular pumping schedule to increase the production of milk.
Since prolactin levels are higher at night, nighttime pumping sessions are essential for preserving the milk supply.
Invest in a hospital-grade, high-quality breast pump for effective and efficient pumping

Breastfeeding tips

Consider using an SNS to supplement milk while your baby is at the breast in order to encourage their natural sucking reflex if they are not latching.
Have patience with yourself and your baby. It may take some time to establish breastfeeding, particularly in special circumstances such as surrogacy.
Consult a lactation consultant for assistance with any breastfeeding difficulties. They can offer tailored advice.
If breastfeeding proves to be difficult or is not feasible, donor milk can be used as a formula substitute.

Keep in mind that every breastfeeding experience is different, so it’s critical to be adaptable and sensitive to your baby’s needs as well as those of the surrogacy arrangement. Throughout this process, getting assistance from medical professionals, lactation consultants, and support groups can be beneficial.

Also Consider What is cord blood banking? Is it possible to do with surrogacy? For more information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anyone navigating the complex and frequently emotional process of surrogacy will find great value in this thorough guide on breastfeeding and pumping during surrogacy. This special process is made all the more complex and beautiful by the combination of scientific insights, useful advice, and emotional support. Remember that every surrogacy journey is unique, and individual experiences may vary. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals and lactation consultants is crucial for success.