Inducing Lactation: How You Can Breastfeed Without Pregnancy

Yes—it’s true!

You don’t have to be pregnant to produce breast milk. With the right support, many people are able to bring in a milk supply and nurse their baby, even if they haven’t given birth. This process is called inducing lactation—and it can be a deeply meaningful way to nourish and bond with your child.

What Is Induced Lactation?

Induced lactation is the process of stimulating milk production without a recent pregnancy or birth.

It usually involves:

  • Regular stimulation (pumping or nursing)

  • Sometimes medications or herbs to encourage the body to produce milk

Because milk production is triggered by hormonal signals and ongoing stimulation, it’s possible to “teach” your body to lactate even without the postpartum hormone shift that follows childbirth.

Why Someone Might Induce Lactation

Parents choose to induce lactation for many reasons, including:

  • Adoption – To nourish and bond with your newly adopted baby

  • Surrogacy – To breastfeed your child from birth, even if you didn’t carry the pregnancy

  • Shared Nursing – For couples who want both partners to participate in feeding

  • Chest/Breastfeeding After Transition – For transgender or non-binary parents wishing to feed their baby

How Much Milk Can You Expect?

For many, it’s about more than milk—it’s about closeness, comfort, and creating a nurturing feeding relationship.

The amount of milk you produce may vary:

  • Some parents make a full supply

  • Others produce partial amounts and supplement as needed

Why Work with a Lactation Consultant

Remember: any amount of your milk has value for your baby.

Inducing lactation isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can:

  • Help you choose the best protocol for your timeline and health

  • Support you in establishing and maintaining supply

  • Offer guidance on feeding methods, supplementation, and latch techniques

  • Provide emotional encouragement throughout the process

We’re Here to Support You

At Arizona Breastfeeding Center, we support parents through every stage of the inducing lactation journey—from planning before baby arrives to troubleshooting once your little one is home.

Schedule an inducing lactation consultation today to learn what steps will work best for your situation.

Arizona Breastfeeding Center | Tempe, AZ
(480) 442-8491
azbreastfeedingcenter.com

Jennie Bever