Three Continents, Two Fathers, One Donor: A Non-Puerperal Relactation Case Study.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Human Lactation
• Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

• Non-puerperal relactation, the re-establishment of milk production in a woman who has not recently given birth, is uncommon.
• This case involves a woman relactating 7 years after her last breastfeeding experience.
• The milk was donated to an infant born via surrogacy to a same-sex male couple.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document a case of successful non-puerperal relactation and milk donation.
• To explore the feasibility of relactation for supporting infants in non-traditional family structures.
• To emphasize the importance of professional support in non-puerperal lactation.

Main Methods:

• The woman consulted with lactation consultants and a physician specializing in breastfeeding medicine.
• A protocol involving domperidone, frequent expressing with a hospital-grade pump, and manual expression was implemented 6 months prior to the infant's birth.
• Milk was expressed and shipped internationally to the recipient infant.

Main Results:

• The woman successfully relactated and expressed a total of 35.06 liters of milk.
• The infant thrived on the donated expressed milk during the first three months of life.
• The process was supported by the woman's partner and family.

Conclusions:

• Non-puerperal induced lactation and relactation can provide human milk for infants, including those in LGBTQ+ families.
• Disseminating knowledge on supporting non-puerperal lactation is crucial for healthcare professionals.
• This case demonstrates a successful model for milk sharing in unique family-building situations.