Lactation

[generous4]

...spontaneous lactation ...

I do not think the question is spontaneous lactation.  For us it would be induced lactation, http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/protocols_intro.shtml completely different and very safe.

[Shantel]

I already mentioned the same thing but no reaction.
I guess some people would rather walk around with a brain tumor  and live their fantasy.
Oh well

Yeah you've posted good advice Envie, I've heard of MtF people taking meds to promote lactation, it's just plain dangerous and is really kind of sick thinking in my estimation, after all what would be the point?

[kathy bottoms]

Yeah you've posted good advice Envie, I've heard of MtF people taking meds to promote lactation, it's just plain dangerous and is really kind of sick thinking in my estimation, after all what would be the point?

I'm sorry Shantel.  I can't completely explain everything about why lactation could be imprtant to me, just like I can't explain so many other things in my life.  At 61 I'm only now getting my life back together after feeling like I was somehow mentally sick for most of those years.  I really dont know what to think now, so it's just another thing being added to my therapy list.

Kathy

[Shantel]

I'm sorry Shantel.  I can't completely explain everything about why lactation could be imprtant to me, just like I can't explain so many other things in my life.  At 61 I'm only now getting my life back together after feeling like I was somehow mentally sick for most of those years.  I really dont know what to think now, so it's just another thing being added to my therapy list.

Kathy

I wasn't criticising you Kathy, just a generalizing thought.

[kathy bottoms]

I wasn't criticising you Kathy, just a generalizing thought.

Oh Shantel, it's really o.k.
I just had a few bad days.

Love, Kathy

[Catherine Sarah]

Yeah you've posted good advice Envie, I've heard of MtF people taking meds to promote lactation, it's just plain dangerous and is really kind of sick thinking in my estimation, after all what would be the point?

Shantel, you surprise me.

You may care to explain to me how the "meds to promote lactation" is just plain dangerous. When most of the "meds" in the article linked to, are exactly the same "meds" most HRT transsexuals are already on. As you have been on HRT considerably longer than I, it sounds somewhat hypocritical.

You may even enlighten me on what is "sick thinking" about lactation? I assume most of us found our initial sustenance through it. Can it be all that bad?

And, "as to the point?" I hope you are not intending to destroy a very long term held need and desire to have my own family. Although my up coming operation will provide some aspects of womanhood, regrettably it will not provide the necessary attributes for motherhood. However, when my new family arrives, I'd like every opportunity to raise them as maternally as possible.  After all, is that not an inalienable right of both parenthood and motherhood? Or am I assigned to languish in enforced mediocrity at the whim of those who find the whole process disgusting, inappropriate or just plain sicking because of their immature, bigoted and narrow minded outlook on life?

Please excuse my 'rant' and I apologise if I have offended anyone; however I find the any attempt to alienate me from a future family very hostile.

Respectfully yours.
Catherine

[monica.soto]

From what I've seen from the oprah show with Dr. Mcginn, there's a part where she talks about breastfeeding her children with induced lactation (she says something about taking specific meds that other women who can't lactate take to induce lactation).

I was just talking about myself and my hypochondria, that if I did HRT and started growing breast, and they would lactate there would always be something in the back of my head saying "you know what, you probably have a brain tumor". 

I didn't mean to start some controversy, so sorry about that!

[kathy bottoms]

I didn't mean to start some controversy, so sorry about that!

Hi Monica:

Let's see, you're sorry you said something about health concerns?  Please don't be sorry for pointing out serious issues that some of us (especially me) need to think about once in a while.   Don't worry, people will tell you if you got bad information.   But you know, sometimes health gets in the way of ambition, and a lot of things are ignored.

On my mothers side of the family there's a whole bunch of stuff that needs to be weighed when decisions are made.    Things like breast cancer, osteoporosis, various thyroid conditions, and even cases of marfan syndrome (with gigantism).  Hormones, and drugs that effect hormone balance can effect us even when we don't show signs of the health conditions in our family history.  The Endo told me that a genetic link might be there, and taking something without supervision is just asking for trouble.  After spending 25 years in a crap-shoot betting my health and life, it's best to have people give me a few warnings.

Kathy

[monica.soto]

I'm not sorry for the advice, I'm mostly sorry about the controversy generated.

Transitioning is not a walk in the playground, after all, taking estrogen has been linked to breast/uterine cancer and messing with your endocrine system has serious consequences.

As far as I can guess from what you've written, you're on the correct path with the whole HRT deal being done by qualified professionals. Any changes, including lactation should be discussed with them so they can give a correct diagnostic and treatment.

Anyhow, hugs and take care!

[Shantel]

Shantel, you surprise me.

You may care to explain to me how the "meds to promote lactation" is just plain dangerous. When most of the "meds" in the article linked to, are exactly the same "meds" most HRT transsexuals are already on. As you have been on HRT considerably longer than I, it sounds somewhat hypocritical.

Please excuse my 'rant' and I apologise if I have offended anyone; however I find the any attempt to alienate me from a future family very hostile.

Respectfully yours.
Catherine

Ok Catherine, take a deep breath! What I'm referring to is a medication used by breastfeeding mothers to increase lactation. I'll not name it here specifically but it's actually used primarily for digestive tract problems. One of the side effects is that it bumps up the hormone prolactin and nursing mothers have used it throughout the world to increase lactation. When a woman gives birth her estrogen levels drop and her progesterone levels increase but that in and of itself doesn't get the milk flowing, the prolactin levels come into play here and if they are insufficient to produce the necessary milk then some doctors will proscribe the medication I'm talking about to bump up prolactin and increase the milk supply. It's not readily available in the uS because the FDA has not approved it's use. But I know that there are MtF women that use it to promote lactation just for thrills which is weird and potentially problematic.

[Stephe]

is really kind of sick thinking in my estimation, after all what would be the point?

Hmm this sound exactly like what far right wing people would say about you and me... Very slippery slope!

[Shantel]

Hmm this sound exactly like what far right wing people would say about you and me... Very slippery slope!

Tell us then, what would be the point for a trans woman with no infants to want to cause herself to lactate?

[peky]

Here is the drug in question: domperidone

The link below disscuss soem important imfromation regardig tis sues for inducing lactation. Note that the FDA has not approved domperidone for use in the usa. I seems some critical dat on its safety is lacking.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domperidone

[Stephe]

Tell us then, what would be the point for a trans woman with no infants to want to cause herself to lactate?

It's not for you to ask. Someone could just as easily ask "What is the point in taking hormones when you still have the wrong chromosomes?" "What is the point in a vagina when you can't produce children" etc etc

My point was, finger pointing about someone's personal desires is never pretty. Even if this is a sexual turn on for someone or makes them feel more female. Why is that "weird"? Because you don't feel that way?

I guess I have a problem when people (especially here) start using the word "weird" or "problematic" in this context.

[Shantel]

It's not for you to ask. Someone could just as easily ask "What is the point in taking hormones when you still have the wrong chromosomes?" "What is the point in a vagina when you can't produce children" etc etc

My point was, finger pointing about someone's personal desires is never pretty. Even if this is a sexual turn on for someone or makes them feel more female. Why is that "weird"? Because you don't feel that way?

I guess I have a problem when people (especially here) start using the word "weird" or "problematic" in this context.

Whatever!

[generous4]

the point

I am inducing for my partner.  It is good.

[BlonT]

Weird  is something personal ! Never understand the fuss over some things.
I would LOVE to have my breast to produce milk .Why mmm well it would make me feel more woman.Would love to taste it chance in taste as what i eat Maybe the grow more The YES feeling.
Make this that i am weird ? Do i care ?  Nope. Do i keep trying?  O YES

[generous4]

...grow more

I have definitely gotten larger and heavier.  My nurse practitioner says it is normal when inducing lactation, because your milk-producing glands and ducts get larger and weigh more.  I can actually do a self-exam type palpation and feel my ducts getting larger.  My NP showed me how.

We have another few months to go before my milk comes in.  My partner and I are quite excited about it  though she is banned from normal breast play til about April.    After that, however, we will have a lot of lovely breast time every day.

[noleen111]

Over the last few months I have been on meds to be able to lactate..

My doctor helped me every step of the way. We got my hormones levels to that of a pregnant woman and then started taking the meds. it took two months before I could lactate a little. I use a breast pump to milk myself. the first time was a few drops, but as time passed on my milk increased.

It now comes out quite easy, (about 6 months in).. I milk myself 3 times a day. The feeling of the pump sucking on my nipple is wonderful.

My breasts have become fuller and look more developed. My doctors say my breasts will mature as they are producing milk and serving their function. she says i have fully or near developed breasts. My breasts are a nice size (c -cup)..

[spx_1112]

Hi Noleen it's Shannon.  I am so happy for you.  What a feeling and experience.  Hugs.