Lactating Man

Interesting Jan 05, 2021

While it is indeed not common in our society, the lactating man is a genuine phenomenon. Lactation can occur spontaneously, or it can be induced.

Lactation that occurs spontaneously should be checked out by a doctor. There are several medical reasons for this, including a tumor on the pituitary gland.

Hormone problems can also be a serious issue that may need to be checked out by a physician. A lactating man who is not producing milk by choice should seek medical advice to rule out any other conditions.

Amazing Stories

Men Breastfeeding

While the phenomenon of a man lactating is not necessarily new, it is not something that is often talked about in today’s culture. However, as more and more men take an active and equal role in the parenting of their children, a man breastfeeding his children is bound to get more attention.

Several articles talk about adult men breastfeeding their children after inducing the production of milk through breast pumps, supplemental nursing systems, and even the power of the mind. With more men supporting breastfeeding, the occurrence of breastfeeding men increases.

Induced lactation in men is not much different than inducing lactation in an adoptive mother. Although a woman’s breasts are designed to respond to nipple stimulation more quickly and with more milk than a mans, it is possible for men to breastfeed.

Lactation is induced through the use of a breast pump beginning a few months before starting the breastfeeding relationship, making sure that the nipples get plenty of stimulation. To create milk, the lactating man needs to create a surge in the hormone prolactin. This is done by pumping on both "breasts" every few hours, and it is also beneficial to pump once or twice during the night as well, to maintain the levels of prolactin.

Once the baby is born, or it is time to commence the breastfeeding relationship, the baby can provide the nipple stimulation by suckling directly at the breast in combination with a supplemental nursing system that delivers either breast milk or formula to the baby’s mouth via a small tube attached to his nipple. This is the same kind of system that is used for adopted babies.

If the prolactin levels are maintained, it is possible for a lactating man to produce enough milk to nurse exclusively in the early month, but supplementation with formula or donor milk is likely to be necessary.

It is hard to say if the occurrence of men and breastfeeding will be more common in the future, but there is definitely a growing interest in the possibility of men breastfeeding their children, if only in theory.

By Katelynne Shepard
I Think It's Wonderful. Women's Don't Have to Bear All the Burden.

"For far too long men's bodies were only thought of for reproductive means and possibly protective means. But in today's societies men don't have to play a "protective" role. When I realized the purpose of mammary glands in mammals I realized that the purpose is to support and nurture the young. So a man can breast feed his babies which makes men's roles in the child rearing process somewhat equalized. I've known that the desire to have children happens almost equally in both men and women. So why not the ability to nurture and take of the young? A man being able to breast feed his babies is nature's way of protecting the species."

Male Lactation - It's an Experience Worth Having.

"My journey began with herbs (Dong Quai, Kwao Krua, fenugreek, and dandelion root) which quickly established some breast tissue ( 3 months). Went from a Tanner 0 to a 2, and this peaked around 3 months (a good thing, considering I didn't want large breast, nor am I into presenting other than male).

Also, I began focusing on lactation foods (watercress, red clover, carrots, avocados, alfalfa, walnuts, etc). Then began using a Medela pump, which wasn't consistent at first, but after 2 months I began getting Oxytocin release from the stimulation and got addicted. I used the pump twice a day.

Breast have swelled to 4" greater than band size but found these awesome t-shirts for gynecomastia compression t-shirts, which hide the bulge.

Considering what I'm doing, my diet has become very important. Fast Food restaurants are a thing of the past and I have lost unwanted weight. Another side-effect is that some weight shifted to my butt, not a lot, but I am no longer boney."


Tracy Behr
