Is There A Way To Induce Lactation In Male?

Posted on Sat, 8 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 8 Aug 2020 Answered on

4 days ago Last reviewed on

Question : Is there a way to induce lactation in male? Wife asked if I could help as she full time works outside of home and I am stay at home husband. 29 weeks from the due date today according to OBGYN

Answered by Dr. Soumya (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Male cannot lactate

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your wish to lactate your child.

Mammary glands in men are not many in number or big in size for lactation. Even if induces by hormones, will not produce sufficient milk.

If your wife is busy or not willing to breastfeed, you can consider formula feeding from bottle after few months.

Let me know if you need anymore help.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Soumya (6 days later)

my wife read an article in Men's Health that stated it could be done, taking progestin, a hormone that plays a role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy and produces milk-producing glands once a day during maternity.
Then, during the last six weeks of pregnancy, the dose increases to taking domperidone four times a day, continuing to do so for as long as the baby needs to breastfeed. In the kit is a pump to help men breastfeed, as male nipples need more stimulation.
That is why I am asking and I want to start if I will be able to lactate and nurse our child. If it is your opinion that this article is false please let me know so I can show her I have tried.
Otherwise please write a prescription for me so I may start?
Thank you , XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Soumya (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Practically not possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The article you are quoting tells about the theoretical possibility of lactation in men. Hormonal modification you suggested / read is neither practical nor feasible to produce enough milk secretion.

If it was that easy or practical , many men would have attempted it. This is near to impossible, and done only in experimental settings.

Such hormonal manipulations carry risk of breast cancer in men and hence better not to be attempted.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar