Surrogacy: Can an Intended Mother Breastfeed?

Many intended mothers who are unable to give birth give up the hope of being able to breastfeed their babies, as they are under the impression that they will not be able to do so without being the biological mother to their baby. 

However, intended mothers who are interested in this wonderful bonding experience may be surprised to learn that they do have an opportunity to be able to breastfeed their baby. Continue reading to learn more about how you can breastfeed as an intended mother and why you will often hear people say “fed is best.” 

Breastfeeding as an Intended Mother

If you are an intended mother who had lost all hope that you would be able to breastfeed your baby, you should know that you do have other options. Intended mothers who are interested in breastfeeding should speak with their doctor. In some cases, your OBGYN or certified nurse midwife (CNM) may be able to prescribe you hormones that make your body think it is pregnant. 

If you are interested in breastfeeding your child, closer to the delivery of your baby, you may have the option to begin taking supplements that encourage milk production. In these cases, you would then also begin pumping, gradually increasing the strength and amount of time until you start producing milk. Once your baby is born, if you are producing milk, you should be able to experience this connection with your baby. 

“Fed Is Best” 

Although it is certainly possible to breastfeed your baby born through surrogacy, it is important to note that many intended mothers do not produce enough breast milk on their own and will often utilize a supplemental nursing system (SNS) using donor milk or formula in order to ensure that the baby is receiving enough to eat. 

In some cases, despite initially being able to produce milk, intended mothers are unable to continue breastfeeding. With that being said, the phrase “fed is best” will often be heard in pediatricians’ offices, your social media mom groups, and even in the hospital where your baby is born. 

Breast milk is certainly the preferred option for babies through their first year of life, but “fed is best” simply means that regardless of whether your baby drinks formula or breast milk, what is most important is they are receiving nutrition and are healthy, thriving, and loved. 

If you choose to attempt to breastfeed your baby, have your surrogate mother pump and/or breastfeed, or choose to feed your baby formula, just know that you will have made the right choice for you and your baby.

Reach Out to a Respected Surrogacy Agency

The entire surrogacy process can often feel very clinical, as you are in and out of doctors’ offices, filling out paperwork, and building contracts—all while being physically unable to feel your baby growing and moving. But when you finally are able to hold your baby for the first time, and possibly even breastfeed them, it will make everything you have been through worth your while. 

If you are ready to start exploring your surrogacy journey as an intended parent, schedule your first appointment at Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc. now. You can give us a call at 412-281-9906 or click on the contact button at the top of the page, and we will be in touch to discuss your availability.