N 4 (195) 2025. P. 78–84

INDUCTION OF LACTATION. LITERATURE REVIEW AND A CASE OF INDUCTION

Ukrainian Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, Kharkiv, Ukraine LLC “Professor Khmil Clinic”, Lviv, Ukraine
Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise “Perinatal Center of Kyiv”, Kyiv, Ukraine

DOI 10.32782/2226-2008-2025-4-13

Breastfeeding (BF) is the only method of feeding infants, especially during wartime, as it provides access to safe nutrition even in crisis situations. It offers numerous benefits for the health of children, mothers, and families in general. Because of the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, breastfeeding has become a crucial factor in saving the nation’s health.

Our goal was to conduct a detailed analysis of modern approaches to induced lactation (IL) presented in the global scientific literature and to present our own case of IL.

Materials and methods. The literature search in PubMed (April 2024) included studies from 1954 using the keywords: “induced lactation”, “relactation”, “adoptive breastfeeding”, “galactagogues”. A clinical case of successful lactation induction in a woman with primary amenorrhea without prior pregnancies is described, in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and with informed consent.

Discussion. Induced lactation (IL) refers to the stimulation of milk production in individuals who have not experienced pregnancy or childbirth. It involves preparing the body and mammary glands through hormonal and medications, initiating milk production via pumping (with or without the use of galactagogues), and increasing milk supply through breastfeeding or regular pumping.

Despite the absence of a standardized protocol for IL, the literature demonstrates the possibility of successful lactation. According to research, the biochemical composition of milk obtained through IL is indistinguishable from that of milk produced during natural lactation. This makes IL a viable method of providing breast milk to infants, particularly in families with children born via surrogacy, in the process of adoption, or in conditions of forced displacement. We described a unique clinical case in which a woman with primary amenorrhea successfully induced lactation without prior pregnancy or childbirth. She was able to feed her child, born via surrogacy, with her own breast milk.

Conclusions. Promoting knowledge about IL within the Ukrainian medical community will contribute to the effective support of families and ensure breastfeeding even in challenging life circumstances.

Keywords: breastfeeding, induced lactation, galactagogues, breast milk, surrogacy.

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