Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I have been lactating for quite awhile now and love it. I really helps makes me more a women.

What are your experiences?

uh, i havent experienced that

I cannot say that is something I have yet experienced.

Quote from: Dale on November 25, 2011, 10:36:46 PM
I have been lactating for quite awhile now and love it. I really helps makes me more a women.

What are your experiences?

I've experienced something similarly in the beginning of growth. It was more of like the milk ducts were priming or something. But it went away after a few months.

Hugs :)

Quote from: Dale on November 25, 2011, 10:36:46 PM
I have been lactating for quite awhile now and love it. I really helps makes me more a women.

What are your experiences?

  Are you on progesterone as well as estrogen? Lactation is common if your on progesterone due to your body thinking your pregnant lol. After a few months on P i started noticing my shirt getting wet around the area my nipple should be and when i squeezed them a yellowish white liquid came out.

  I actually found this to be quite annoying and told my endo about it. He adjusted my dosage of P so it's doesn't happen as much.

Hmmm, I don't want to spread a great scare but lactation is something that should be rather looked at closely.
My endo mentioned something about it at my first appointment so i don't remember the details but she was talking about possibility of
too high prolactin levels in the pituitary gland of the Hypothalamus in the brain and that an x-ray should be taken to make sure you don't have
something growing on the gland that is not suppose to be there.
Also from what I've read so far E or T suppresses the prolactin production in new mothers sometimes which in turn results in no milk production.
So, for the prolactin production the E or T levels must be low. For you this could mean you are too low on E.
Please share if you have any more or more accurate info about this situation than I have. if it were happening to me I'd be calling my doc immediately.
I sure hope all is OK!

I've lactated a little a couple of times over the past couple years, but not very much... Not sure why either

During my first week of hrt I noticed a small stain on my shirt over my left nipple, but since then I haven't had anything.

Just for curiosity sake. If you used a breast pump for a long period of time, would you start producing milk. Does the body start thinking it needs to. Kind of like supply and demand. lol.

Quote from: BrokenCode on November 26, 2011, 02:48:09 PM
Just for curiosity sake. If you used a breast pump for a long period of time, would you start producing milk. Does the body start thinking it needs to. Kind of like supply and demand. lol.

I haven't tried it, but have heard of people doing that  :)  We actually had a member who made a vid. of her squirting her milk  :laugh:  anyway, it is possible

Quote from: BrokenCode on November 26, 2011, 02:48:09 PM
Just for curiosity sake. If you used a breast pump for a long period of time, would you start producing milk. Does the body start thinking it needs to. Kind of like supply and demand. lol.

  Umm why would you what to?  :laugh:

Quote from: Rukia87xo on November 26, 2011, 03:11:07 PM

  Umm why would you what to?  :laugh:

Haha, I was just curious. I thought I heard a dad doing this a long time ago. But wasn't sure if that was a hoax.

Funny Hugs :)

I don't get the whole lactation-makes-me-feel-like-a-woman thing. It's really gross and smells weird. It isn't happening because we're pregnant, it's happening because our hormones are in flux or too high. You need to make sure you are getting regular labs by your medical provider and that they are checking your prolactin levels and other levels. If you get headaches and other side effects, you might have a pituitary problem that needs to be checked out too. You might not want to "milk" yourself either, it could continue to drive levels up and cause other issues. Just be aware of these things :)

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 :-\

Sorry envie,  but if you hear hooves running (at least here in the US) you should be thinking horses, not zebras.  Lactation seems to be pretty common among those taking progesterone.  There are other threads on this board dealing with the same subject. I take it to increase breast size, which it does by increasing the size and number of milk glands.  At least for those of us who have success.  Now, I inject progesterone monthly.  I sometimes start lactating towards the end of the month as my progesterone levels decrease.  I believe it happens to some women also as they cycle.  I don't think it "smells" nor do I find it "gross", but I'm not a very squeamish person.  I do get a bit of staining though.   I just accept that it is part of the physical transition, one accepted by those women who experience it. If you do a google on the subject you will find that the highly regarded GRS surgeon Christine Mcginn, (herself a MTF) produces milk and breastfeeds her children.   Perhaps you should have more facts before suggesting someone has a brain tumor, though it couldn't hurt to mention it at the next meeting with her endo.  Please note, I'm not an MD, listen to me at your own risk.

I did alittle early on when I was trying to get my estrogen dosage right. I found it slightly surreal (my body is making... food... ) but mostly gross because I'm just not used to the idea of fluid coming out of there. And annoying because it would happen when stupid babies wouldn't stop crying. Or when I was out jogging.

In my case I know why I happened to me my Prolactin levels were elevated. such an abrupt increase in Estrogen induced it as a pesudo-pregnancy symptom....

it became a cause of concern when I got migranes aswell... as both of those signs are indictative of pituitary gland swelling caused by adverse metabolism of estrogen. A course of mironized progesterone for 2 weeks stopped the lactation and corrected the problem with me and it hasn't happened again.

@ Cindy Stephens
I mentioned in my earlier post that I don't recall the details about the warning that my endo  mentioned to me but I know she mentioned pituitary gland swelling in combination with lactation is something that needs to looked at and make sure it is not cancerous. I also asked to please give more information and correct me if I am wrong and said I don't want to spread great scare but this is what I've heard. So I actually appreciate you sharing your experience!
With my second post I was just trying to get people's attention as everyone seemed to be just indulging in lactation without second thought.
As few other ladies have already stated there is at least a good reason to mention this to her endo. Pebbles even went on to say how she got the problem fixed.
All I wanted is to bring attention to the safety. And if everything is determined to be cool then lactate people as much as you want.

You can even pump yourself and donate the breast milk to the breast milk bank. I'm not kidding there are BM banks all around and in need for donors as there are babies who need it urgently.
Colostrum(the first milk) is worth gold for the newly born and some mothers don't have it! So if you have it you may make the best out of it. Just saying, I got nothing against lactation other wise.

Quote from: Rukia87xo on November 26, 2011, 03:11:07 PM

  Umm why would you what to?  :laugh:

Some T-chicks use breastpumps to stimulate the nipplegrowth during their transition, so I guess that's what was hinted about.

I can see the point if the nipples are extremely small and the transitioner are bothered by it if they haven't grown suffiecently during hormone treatment, although I would say that apart from that, it is perhaps otherwise not a good idea, as overusing it could instead give the nipples a "Sucked out" look in a similar way as a natal female may have that have intensily breastfed a child, which isn't very nice looking at all.

Better moderately sized smooth and pouty nipples than worn out nipples.


By the way, that guy the other member heard about using a breastpump, was probably one of the guys that was involved in a feministic experiment to try to make Cis-males to produce milk by having themselves constantly stimulating their breasts with breastpumps, so that they could give their babies suckle just like the mothers.
Interesting experiment indeed but also somewhat ridiculous. ::)

Quote from: MeghanAndrews on November 27, 2011, 12:08:14 AM
I don't get the whole lactation-makes-me-feel-like-a-woman thing. It's really gross and smells weird. It isn't happening because we're pregnant, it's happening because our hormones are in flux or too high. You need to make sure you are getting regular labs by your medical provider and that they are checking your prolactin levels and other levels. If you get headaches and other side effects, you might have a pituitary problem that needs to be checked out too. You might not want to "milk" yourself either, it could continue to drive levels up and cause other issues. Just be aware of these things :)

True, it doesn't happen in MTF's because they are pregnant but because the body thinks that it is, because of the hormones.

Which reminds me of a friend of mine that started lactating large amounts of white,thick milk, which she also showed me by "milking" her breasts in front of me, something she claimed occured when she started anti-androgenes, although I do suspect that it was rather because of the type of female hormones that she took.

Another trans I knew, didn't have any lactation but wanted it for a sexual thrill. I think it was because of her work as a stripper

Anyway, if a MTF's is on hormones and starts lactating, it is totally harmless. The only downsides to it is if the person are bothered by it, such as having no control over when the lactation occurs, which was the case for an older MTF that had a constant lactation and could stand talking to people when all of the sudden her blouse grew wet, and she said; "Oh there goes the milk again!". :laugh:

As said, it's nothing dangerous and nothing to do with braintumors, provided that the person experiencing it is MTF and on female hormones- It may just be inconvenient if unwanted.

Quote from: envie on November 26, 2011, 12:15:15 AM
Hmmm, I don't want to spread a great scare but lactation is something that should be rather looked at closely.
My endo mentioned something about it at my first appointment so i don't remember the details but she was talking about possibility of
too high prolactin levels in the pituitary gland of the Hypothalamus in the brain and that an x-ray should be taken to make sure you don't have
something growing on the gland that is not suppose to be there.
Also from what I've read so far E or T suppresses the prolactin production in new mothers sometimes which in turn results in no milk production.
So, for the prolactin production the E or T levels must be low. For you this could mean you are too low on E.
Please share if you have any more or more accurate info about this situation than I have. if it were happening to me I'd be calling my doc immediately.
I sure hope all is OK!

My daughter breastfed her two daughters for a total of five years. So one can lactate for awhile without harm. I am on E & P and motilium. I pump when I can. This is my 3rd lactating period. Like 3 pregnancies. My Dr keeps a close watch on the blood work

Quote from: BrokenCode on November 26, 2011, 02:48:09 PM
Just for curiosity sake. If you used a breast pump for a long period of time, would you start producing milk. Does the body start thinking it needs to. Kind of like supply and demand. lol.

Unless you use meds just pumping is a long way to get there. Once the milk comes in yes its a supply and demand thing

Quote from: envie on November 27, 2011, 12:44:26 AM
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 :-\

I do not have a tumor, been castrated for many years so no fantasies. Just something I wanted to do. As I said, my daughter breastfed for a total of 5 years!

Just to clarify I have absolutely no interest in being right.
I've only stated what I've heard and asked for other people's experience.
I am not an MD and have no intent to prove anything but I reacted to what I saw as "red flags" in terms of taking the lactation as lightly and as a non issue.
When my endo mentioned lactation, pituitary glad enlargement, x-rays to exclude tumor I took it seriously. After all I want to improve my life and not end it prematurely for the sake of wonderful boobs.
You may have not had any problems but Pebbles did and there is another gal here that also stated concerns about it.
I have no problem with people disregarding my concerns as long as I know they heard them.

By the way I would have given anything to have had the chance to breast feed my daughter. She used to reject the bottle and when her birth mom was not around I had to figure out how to feed her and at times it was not going well. I felt terrible being unable to feed my baby, so useless unable to provide the most basic need for her. And it directly affected my dysphoria.
So I am not against BF but I do have my concerns about it as a transsexual. My daughter is 2 and a half and her birth mom is still breast feeding and that is fine. In my opinion the difference is that she is cisfemale and I am not. The difference is obviously the medication I am on.

An excellent article on the subject can be found at      http://www.secondtype.info/lactation.htm (http://www.secondtype.info/lactation.htm)
Not only does it describe processes, procedures, etc. It gives a pretty good history and the experiences of what seem to be competent, cautious people.   It doesn't seem to contain a huge number of red flags. 
Is it possible your endo simply wasn't familiar with transsexual lactation? Here in the states, being examined by an endo for a brain tumor with x-rays or cat-scan, can be a very expensive proposition not covered by insurance if part of a transition.  Perhaps 3-6 thousand US,  Maybe more if a cat scan is used.  Well worth it if something seems truly wrong.  But maybe not for something that seems to be a fairly common occurrence among us. 

I have been for 3-4 months now. Not a ton, still the colostrum (and it doesn't leak or anything anymore). My doctor isn't that worried about it (she checked my levels to make sure things weren't funky). She said a sudden dip in estrogen can cause this to start (and since I was on a very high dose and then switched to half of it later, that was probaby what did it).

At first I was really creeped out by it (just kind of strange...ok, very strange), but also kinda kewl (being "functional" as female in some aspect was neat :D)...and wasn't sure what to do (like... should you just ignore it? or do you need to do something?). Now I don't really think about it much, just kind of waiting for it to go away.

Quote from: Cindy Stephens on November 27, 2011, 01:04:58 PM
Sorry envie,  but if you hear hooves running (at least here in the US) you should be thinking horses, not zebras.  Lactation seems to be pretty common among those taking progesterone.  There are other threads on this board dealing with the same subject. I take it to increase breast size, which it does by increasing the size and number of milk glands.  At least for those of us who have success.  Now, I inject progesterone monthly.  I sometimes start lactating towards the end of the month as my progesterone levels decrease.  I believe it happens to some women also as they cycle.  I don't think it "smells" nor do I find it "gross", but I'm not a very squeamish person.  I do get a bit of staining though.   I just accept that it is part of the physical transition, one accepted by those women who experience it. If you do a google on the subject you will find that the highly regarded GRS surgeon Christine Mcginn, (herself a MTF) produces milk and breastfeeds her children.   Perhaps you should have more facts before suggesting someone has a brain tumor, though it couldn't hurt to mention it at the next meeting with her endo.  Please note, I'm not an MD, listen to me at your own risk.

yet, if you are not taking any progesterone; and you lactate, and have other symptoms such as painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness, please by all means do see your endo/general practitioner to rule out an adenoma of the pituitary

In the beginning I messed with dosages doubling etc. and ran out of everything except my progesterone cream and in about a week I was in full lactation mode talk about an emotional experience I used a pump for awhile thinking they would grow more, my breast swelled and after awhile longer when I got back on my normal HRT everything mellowed out. Really cool and feminine experience I just might have to repeat someday.

That it can be scary yes, but if its *milk*  wow neat, make me wish i was :)

Quote from: Cyndigurl45 on November 28, 2011, 01:28:26 PM
In the beginning I messed with dosages doubling etc. and ran out of everything except my progesterone cream and in about a week I was in full lactation mode talk about an emotional experience I used a pump for awhile thinking they would grow more, my breast swelled and after awhile longer when I got back on my normal HRT everything mellowed out. Really cool and feminine experience I just might have to repeat someday.

Cyndi,  I love you quote "I Love being her"!!!!!

Quote from: Dale on November 29, 2011, 09:17:11 AM
Cyndi,  I love you quote "I Love being her"!!!!!

Thank You :)

I havent had actual milk production but I have had a tiny amount of clear liquid come out when my buds started growing. I was doing my massage and thought I felt moisture, thought it was odd so I squeezed and a very small bit came out. This happened as I first noticed the milk ducts forming to the buds.

I lactated a bit after my breast augmentation. Oh wait, that was just the extra blood draining itself. Eww!

I have heard of this happening to some t girls but never read any first hand accounts. Interesting....

Dale. I have thought about adding motilium too.  Hugs Shannon

I'm pretty sure it's a bad idea to actually breast feed a newborn if you are taking all these meds...

I wouldn't be with a newborn.

Quote from: Stephe on November 01, 2012, 10:05:39 PM
I'm pretty sure it's a bad idea to actually breast feed a newborn if you are taking all these meds...

No, it is pretty safe.  Many women induce lactation for adopted newborns.

I mentioned this to the Gender Therapist and she said it's not uncommon in the tg/ts community for some women to have an interest in lactation.  The Endo also questioned about liquid discharge two different times (once in a telephone call).  He explained that if it happens it could be an indication of problems, or it could just show him there's a need to further adjust my hormones.  But he said it would require an entirely different series of new tests, and imaging.  His questioning started as part of his routine interview process.  But he opened up the questioning even more when I got into the breast cancer history of my mother, my sisters lumpectomies, and one of my mothers sisters horribly aggressive cancer. 

I kind of think lactation is something that those of us who raised children during our marriages wish we could have experienced in that process.  After all we saw our wives feeding our children, and since our brains are wired female why wouldn't we miss nurturing our children in this very personal and natural way.  Lactation is a wonderful part of being a woman, and I'd love to experience it.

I think lactation is super-awesome and something I would love to experiment, but my hypochondria and the internets informs me that spontaneous lactation might be a sign of a certain type of non cancerous prolactin Brain tumor called a prolactinoma.

Pituitary tumors can cause male breast growth and lactation, and that is one of the things a doctor will test.  If lactation is induced by hormones or stimulation the Endo will still do testing just to make sure the lactation didn't occur due to other factors.

Kathy

Quote from: kathy b on November 16, 2012, 10:48:17 AM
Pituitary tumors can cause male breast growth and lactation, and that is one of the things a doctor will test.  If lactation is induced by hormones or stimulation the Endo will still do testing just to make sure the lactation didn't occur due to other factors.

Kathy

True that Kathy!

That's why hormones should be prescribed by doctors and people under HRT need to get regularly checked.

Quote from: monica.soto on November 16, 2012, 10:18:18 AM...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 (http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/protocols_intro.shtml) completely different and very safe.

Quote from: envie on November 27, 2011, 12:44:26 AM
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?

Quote from: Shantel on November 16, 2012, 06:41:37 PM
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

Quote from: kathy b on November 16, 2012, 07:39:14 PM
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.

Quote from: Shantel on November 16, 2012, 08:55:49 PM
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

Quote from: Shantel on November 16, 2012, 06:41:37 PM
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

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".  ;D

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

Quote from: monica.soto on November 17, 2012, 05:57:24 AM
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

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!

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on November 17, 2012, 12:02:32 AM
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.

Quote from: Shantel on November 16, 2012, 06:41:37 PM
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!

Quote from: Stephe on November 17, 2012, 10:02:59 AM
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?

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

Quote from: Shantel on November 17, 2012, 10:09:56 AM
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.

Quote from: Stephe on November 17, 2012, 06:56:41 PM
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!

Quote from: Shantel on November 17, 2012, 10:09:56 AM
the point

I am inducing for my partner.  It is good.

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

Quote from: BlonT on November 18, 2012, 02:37:49 PM
...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  8) 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.

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)..

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

Generous...I am happy for you too.

I thought I had posted in this topic before, but I had not.

The technical medical term for what many MtFs experience is "galactorrhea," as it is unassociated with pregnancy or nursing.  True natal male lactation, for the purpose of nursing babies, has been documented, however.

Quote from: noleen111 on December 01, 2012, 08:51:57 AM
...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.

I am about 4.5 months now, my nurse practitioner says I could lactate now if I needed to, but she wants me to go at least nine months before we bring my milk in.  She says pumping or nursing now will interfere with my supply -- my partner is chafing at the bit, she wants my boobs ALL the time.  I am so glad to give this to her but she has to wait, doctor's orders.  8)

I have to admit, it is lovely to feel so heavy and full and knowing I will provide this for my partner.  Very good.

Quote from: noleen111 on December 01, 2012, 08:51:57 AM
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)..

Sounds logical, now I want to lactate doctorally supervised as well.

What do you do with the milk you pump? do you throw it away? Drink it up? Play with it?

squirt gun fights... duh! :)

Quote from: monica.soto on December 03, 2012, 08:16:56 AM
What do you do with the milk you pump?

It is food, Monica.  8) Don't throw it away, do not play with your food.   :o

My NP says I will probably have a good milk supply, and it is a demand/supply system, but I doubt I will produce a huge amount like a woman who's been pregnant.  We do not have the somatomammotropin made in the placenta.  Some moms produce many ounces per day, 80 or more.  But I expect to produce a moderate daily for my partner.  It is good.

Quote from: monica.soto on December 03, 2012, 08:16:56 AM
What do you do with the milk you pump?

I believe in the States there are milk banks set up to supply to the medical fraternity for various reasons. I read somewhere just recently, of research being done with cancer patients under going chemo. Apparent there are benefits in taking breast milk after either radiation or chemo.

Huggs
Catherine

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on December 05, 2012, 08:57:01 AM...benefits in taking breast milk after either radiation or chemo.

A recent study showed that mother's milk kills cancer cells.  I am sure they are doing more studies to establish and solidify that finding.

Mpms who produce many ounces per day can bank their milk.  THose of us inducing likely will not be producing such abbondanza.

Quote from: generous4 on December 08, 2012, 08:08:59 PM...not be producing such abbondanza.

Though my nurse practitioner just told me Friday that my milk supply is going to be good.  She says I will probably produce as much as necessary.  I told her I'd be feeding my partner, an adult, morning, noon and night, but she says my breasts will accommodate even that much nursing.  She has a patient who can pump a gallon of milk every day.  One of the moms I know has nursed all five of her children, and she is not surprised about that much production, because she went though years of nursing two and three children every day, combination of toddlers and infants.

So we will see how it goes.  It will be interesting. 

I haven't started transitioning yet since i'm still in the closet and only young,  but lactation is definitely something i would want to experience

Yep and breasts are fuller and plumper for it :D

Quote from: Snowpaw on December 17, 2012, 01:53:18 PM
Yep and breasts are fuller and plumper for it :D

Definitely true in my case.  Noticeably heavier, too.  Normal bra size was a B, and I could camouglage my shape fairly well in boy mode.  But now it is necessary to wear a C cup, way tougher to achieve boy mode, which I don't really try much lately.  My NP says to expect at least one more cup size by the time my milk comes in.  :o  If this is how a C cup feels, Lord have mercy on me if I get up to a D.   :D

Quote from: thetruth101 on December 17, 2012, 12:46:34 PM
...lactation is definitely something i would want to experience

Yes, I agree.  My partner and I are looking forward to it this spring.

Are you lactating Dale?  Who else is?  Hugs Shannon

I started lactating a few months ago. not heavily but enough to where with a few squeezes it starts to come out and I love it. ^^

nope,  plain ol ordinary oral estradiol and spiro.  But I also massage my breasts 3 times a day for 30 mins each time. When clear fluid started coming out them after a few months I invested in a manual breast pump and now they are full blown lactating.  I want to add progesterone to my regime tho.

Nope its within normal guide lines, and they didnt test my prolactin/progestrone.  But my doctor thinks its mostly just due to the intense self attention regime I have.

I just made a post on lactation in the progesterone thread: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,141600.80/topicseen.html

I'm really serious about lactation now.  I just posted on the Progesterone thread, and maybe I should also ask here if there's any advice for discussing this with my doctor.  She's a Transgender specialist and does all the medications for her patients in a large health care system clinic in Oakland, CA.  This all has to be done by email and telephone as I'm in Michigan, and I don't want to say someting wrong and hurt my chances for a prescription.

Tesla. How are you feeling?  Hugs Shannon

Generous4. How are you feeling?

Quote from: spx_1112 on September 02, 2013, 10:07:52 AM
Generous4. How are you feeling?

Breasts are very heavy, full.  We will be bringing in my milk in mid-October.  I am ready. 

Are you using Motilium?  Are you wearing nursing bras?

You can read about the induced lactation protocol here: http://asklenore.com/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/gn_protocols.shtml (http://asklenore.com/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/gn_protocols.shtml)

My NP says I should wait for milk to come in before getting a nursing bra.  Still size changes to come, hard to imagine.  [Gen4 shakes head in wonder.]

Nursing my partner like mad.  When she goes to work, pumping like mad.  Hydrating like mad.  My NP is delighted with my state. 

Quote from: generous4 on October 17, 2013, 10:13:32 AM
Nursing my partner like mad.  When she goes to work, pumping like mad.  Hydrating like mad.  My NP is delighted with my state.

Chances are that your partner is going to be a chubby baby! :)

I'm glad I found this thread. I've been reading all the lactation threads I could locate here. Looks like there's been a few.

Anyway, my bf noticed I started lactating two weeks ago, when we were out of town. It was a pleasant surprise though. I was pretty shocked and amused by it. In a few days the left one started to actually squirt. Now the right one does, too. I really don't mind, as I'd previously heard it was possible and can be a different sort of bond for two people to share (my boobies get no peace now).

I don't believe I did anything in particular to trigger it. I've been on spiro/prog/estradiol for 3 years ~ In the past I've massaged them a little daily..just incidental massage. I also took my estradiol shot a week early when we noted it. I also noticed the nipples were feeling a bit sore for a while, like they did in the early weeks of E. But that's all I can think of. :\

Thanks ladies, it's good to see so much information about it. I will phone my endo about this asap now, too.

Quote from: livinit on December 25, 2013, 01:29:14 AM
....
Anyway, my bf noticed I started lactating two weeks ago, when we were out of town. It was a pleasant surprise though. I was pretty shocked and amused by it. In a few days the left one started to actually squirt. Now the right one does, too. I really don't mind, as I'd previously heard it was possible and can be a different sort of bond for two people to share (my boobies get no peace now). ...

Lactation has been a secret desire for many years.  I'm 18 months oh HRT and my nipples get damp, but allas, no more.  I quit progesterone about three weeks ago due to a hair problem, and since having real hair is more important than lactating (barely) I'm going to try something else.  Every Friday is injection day and maybe I can talk to my doctor about a temporary increase in my injections.  Maybe as a gender specialist she'll be a little more open to the idea. 
K

May update: Producing very well, abbondanza.  We are very happy.

I actually experimented a bit with lactation once, years before I even started HRT. I read an article on the internet about men being able to lactate under certain circumstances, and I really wanted to try it myself. I'm not sure how I managed it, but after spending several days doing breast massages and stimulating my nipples, I actually was able to produce some colostrum. I guess it must have been sheer willpower or something. After the first time I produced, I stopped doing the massages, and I was never able to duplicate my earlier results. :( It was still pretty cool that I was able to do that though, because that was the most like a girl that I had ever felt up to that point. ...How was it that it took me so long to figure out I was transgender again? :P