Trans and adoptive parents are breastfeeding without giving birth: 'It made me feel more like a mom'

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https://www.insider.com/breastfeeding-without-pregnancy-birth-induced-lactation-trans-adoption-2022-9

The social changes of recent decades have redefined what it means to become a parent. Queer couples are now able to pursue their dreams of starting a family, and adoption and surrogacy remain pathways for many parents as well.

Dr. Sharon Silberstein, an OB-GYN and lactation consultant in London, says she has seen increased demand for assistance with induced lactation in the past few years.

"Due to the use of social media, induced lactation is becoming more widely known," Silberstein said. "More people have access to guidance via remote support, and more literature has been published on the topic. I do believe it's more common now."

Silberstein said many parents who couldn't or hadn't given birth were seeking ways to confer the health benefits of breastfeeding to their children — like reduced infections and a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome — as well as bond with them.

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1. afternoon kick