How is lactation induced in the non-lactating woman?
A. Various techniques have been used to stimulate the breasts. Massage techniques included breast massage, nipple massage, manual expression, back massage, and hot or cold packs on the breasts. Sucking stimulation included use of manual or electric breast pump, suckling a borrowed baby (which is not advisable due to potential cross infection and frustration to the borrowed baby), suckling by the SP (spouse/partner) and of course, suckling by the adopted baby. The most helpful techniques prior to adoption seem to be manual massage of the breasts and manual expression. This may provide some stimulation, but experience seems to indicate that its advantage may be more that the contact of self-manipulation fosters a familiarity and relaxed feeling towards breast function, as well as to strengthen the psychological factors contributing to the mechanism which triggers lactation. It can also be helpful as a method of correcting flat or inverted nipples and to make nipples supple for nursing. M
