Can I Breastfeed My Donor-Egg Baby?

Breastfeeding is a way of providing nourishment to newborns and infants. It has been widely recognized as the best form of nutrition for infants and has many benefits for both the mother and the baby. However, breastfeeding is not always easy and it's not for everyone. 

And if you are pursuing donor eggs to grow your family, you may be wondering if you will be able to breastfeed if the child is not genetically related to you. In this blog post, we will answer all your questions. Let’s dive in!

First off, what are the benefits of breastfeeding? 

There are loads of benefits to breastfeeding, including:

• Nutritional benefits: Breastmilk is the perfect food for infants as it contains all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, breastmilk changes to adapt to the baby's needs as they grow and develop.
• Health benefits: Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of certain illnesses and conditions in both the mother and the baby. For the baby, it can reduce the risk of infections, allergies, asthma, and obesity. For the mother, it can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and postpartum depression.
• Bonding: Breastfeeding can create a special bond between the mother and the baby as it involves physical and emotional contact. Additionally, the release of the hormone oxytocin during breastfeeding can promote feelings of calm and well-being in both the mother and the baby.
• Convenience: Breastfeeding can be convenient as it does not require any preparation, bottles, or clean-up and it's always available and at the right temperature!

But – let’s not act like it’s easy. What are the challenges of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for both the mother and the baby, but it can also be really hard, or even impossible. Here are a few common challenges that mothers may face when breastfeeding:

• Physical challenges: Breastfeeding can be physically challenging, especially in the first few weeks. Some mothers may experience sore nipples, engorgement, and mastitis. Additionally, some mothers may have difficulty producing enough milk or have a medical condition that makes breastfeeding difficult.
• Time-consuming: Breastfeeding can be time-consuming, especially for mothers who are working or have other responsibilities. It can be difficult to schedule feedings around other activities and it can be challenging to pump and store milk when away from the baby.
• Social and emotional challenges: Breastfeeding can be difficult in social situations and some mothers may feel self-conscious breastfeeding in public. Additionally, some mothers may experience emotional challenges such as postpartum depression or feelings of isolation.
• Limited flexibility: Breastfeeding can limit a mother's flexibility as it requires the baby to be close by and available for feedings. This can make it difficult to travel or have a night out without the baby.

So can I breastfeed a donor-conceived baby if they are not genetically related to me?

Yes – in general, most mothers are able to breastfeed their donor-conceived child. But, it depends on the individual case and the methods used to achieve the pregnancy. 

If you carry the pregnancy, your body will work the same way it would if you got pregnant any other way. Lactation is a biological, hormonal response that occurs during and after pregnancy. Whether your baby was conceived from your own eggs or donor eggs, your body will trigger specific hormones to initiate milk production. So if breastfeeding is easy or hard for you – know that it would be that way regardless of the genetics of the baby. 

Can I breastfeed if I use a surrogate?

Yes – it is possible for some women who did not get pregnant to breastfeed their child; but it’s  not easy. This process is known as induced lactation, a process in which a woman can stimulate milk production through a combination of techniques such as hormone therapy, breast pumping, and/or breast massage.

The process of induced lactation can take several weeks or months, and you’ll need to work closely with a lactation consultant to ensure the process is done safely and effectively. The amount and quality of milk production can vary greatly and in some cases, it might not be enough to fully sustain an infant, therefore the use of formula may be necessary (and that’s OK!).

Induced lactation is not an easy process and it may require a lot of time, effort, and dedication. You should also consider the emotional and psychological aspects of this process, as it may bring up feelings of sadness, disappointment, or loss, especially if the woman has a history of infertility or has gone through a difficult pregnancy.

Will breastfeeding pass on my DNA?

If you breastfeed a donor-conceived child, they will not receive your DNA through the breastmilk. DNA is the genetic material that is responsible for the inherited traits and characteristics of an individual. It is present in every cell of the body and is passed onto offspring through the egg and sperm cells. Breastmilk is produced by the mammary glands and contains a mix of different nutrients, antibodies, and hormones that are beneficial for the growth and development of a baby, but it does not contain DNA.

The benefits of breastfeeding your donor-conceived child

In addition to providing an important source of nutrition and immune support for your baby, breastfeeding can play a significant role in the bonding and attachment between a mother and her donor-conceived child. The act of breastfeeding can release hormones like oxytocin in both the mother and the child, which can help to promote feelings of love, calm and bonding. 

One study of mothers who breastfeed their children found that they exhibit more maternal sensitivity. Maternal sensitivity was defined as the synchronous timing of a mother’s responsiveness to her child, her emotional tone, her flexibility in her behavior and her ability to read her child’s cues. However, the effect sizes were small, so don’t stress out if breastfeeding isn’t possible.

Summing it up

If you have a baby through donor eggs, and you carry the pregnancy, you can breastfeed just as you would otherwise. Even if you use a gestational carrier (surrogate), breastfeeding is still possible, although more difficult, through induced lactation. This is a process in which you stimulate milk production through a combination of techniques such as hormone therapy, breast pumping, and/or breast massage. There are a lot of pros and cons to breastfeeding, and it’s best to work with your provider to determine what’s best for your family. We are wishing you all the best on your journey!