Feeding A Surrogacy Baby: Is Breastfeeding Possible?

surrogacy is one of the most advanced infertility treatment methods that can help couples struggling with getting pregnant achieve their dream of becoming parents. However, a common question arises: how will a surrogacy baby be fed after birth? Many intended parents wonder if their surrogacy baby must rely on formula, or if breastfeeding in surrogacy is possible.

Since proper nutrition plays a key role in a newborn’s growth and health, let’s explore the best surrogacy baby feeding options.

Can the Genetic Mother Breastfeed a Surrogacy Baby?

During pregnancy, a woman’s body naturally prepares for breastfeeding through hormonal changes. In surrogacy, the surrogate produces milk, while the genetic mother has not gone through pregnancy and therefore isn’t physically prepared to breastfeed. However, modern medicine has made it possible for even women who haven’t been pregnant to breastfeed. Fortunately, with the help of induced lactation, even the intended mother, who have never been pregnant, can stimulate milk production and nurse her baby.

In some countries, surrogacy contracts may also include breastfeeding arrangements where the surrogate provides breast milk for the first few months. In Iran, religious scholars sometimes recommend that the baby also receive milk from the surrogate to form a milk kinship.



How Intended Mothers Can Breastfeed Through Induced Lactation?

Induced lactation in surrogacy is a medical process where the intended mother takes hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin under specialist supervision. Treatment usually begins around the 25th week of the surrogate’s pregnancy.

By combining hormonal therapy with regular breast pumping, the intended mother can successfully produce breast milk. This approach has already been used by adoptive mothers and transgender parents worldwide. Importantly, the milk created through induced lactation carries the same nutritional and immunity-boosting benefits as natural breast milk.

What are the Alternative Feeding Options in Surrogacy?

If direct breastfeeding is not possible, there are other safe alternatives for feeding a surrogacy baby:

Surrogate Breastfeeding;

In many cases, based on the agreement signed between the intended parents, the surrogate can directly breastfeed the baby or provide pumped milk.



Infant Formula;

Formula is the most common substitute for breast milk. While it cannot fully match the unique benefits of breast milk, modern high-quality brands provide sufficient nutrition and safety for the newborns in surrogacy.

Donor Breast Milk.

In some countries, milk banks collect and store donated breast milk. However, in some countries like Iran, this option may face cultural and religious restrictions.



Why Breast Milk is the Best Choice for Surrogacy Babies?

Scientific studies have shown that breast milk is the best infant nutrition. It strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of infections, and supports brain development. For intended mothers, breastfeeding also creates a deep emotional bond with their baby.

What are the Challenges of Breastfeeding in Surrogacy?

Despite its benefits, breastfeeding in surrogacy comes with certain challenges:

• If the surrogate breastfeeds the baby, the emotional attachment may make the separation more difficult;
• Induced lactation requires early and careful preparation weeks before delivery;
• Hormonal treatments may cause minor side effects for the surrogate mother, require medical supervision;
• Since surrogacy laws in some countries, like Iran, are unclear, feeding arrangements should always be clearly included in the surrogacy contract.



Conclusion

Although feeding a baby born through surrogacy can be challenging, there are several safe solutions available. Intended (Genetic) mothers can breastfeed through induced lactation, while surrogate milk, formula, or donor milk provide safe alternatives. Ultimately, breast milk remains the most beneficial choice for surrogacy babies, supporting both physical health and emotional connection between mother and child.

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FAQs on Feeding the Surrogacy Baby

·Is breast feeding better than formula in surrogacy?

Yes. Breast milk contains antibodies and live nutrients that formula cannot fully replicate.

·Can an intended mother breastfeed her surrogacy baby?

Yes. With induced lactation, even women who have never been pregnant can successfully breastfeed.

·Are there any risks with induced lactation?

The process is generally safe. In rare cases, hormonal treatments may cause mild side effects for the mother.

·When should induced lactation start?

This hormonal treatment should begin around the 25th–28th week of the surrogate’s pregnancy.

·Does breastfeeding create an emotional mother-baby bond in surrogacy?

Absolutely. Studies confirm that breastfeeding strengthens attachment and emotional security between the mother and her child.