For surrogate mothers, the journey doesn’t always end with the birth of the child. One question often asked is- after delivery what do you do with the 
breast milk your body produces? Whether you choose to pump and provide milk to the intended parents for the baby, donate it to a milk bank, or stop lactation altogether, understanding your options is essential.
Why Breast Milk Matters
Breast milk is often referred to as “liquid gold” because of its incredible nutritional and immunological benefits. It provides newborns with antibodies, promotes healthy growth, and can reduce the risk of certain illnesses. Many intended parents value the opportunity to provide breast milk for their baby, even if it’s through pumping and bottle feeding.
Providing Milk for the Baby You Carried
If the intended parents have expressed interest in using your breast milk, you may consider pumping and freezing milk for them. This requires establishing a pumping schedule to maintain milk production and learning proper storage techniques. Pumped milk can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, ensuring the baby has access to its benefits for an extended period.
Donating Breast Milk
If providing milk to the intended parents isn’t part of the plan, donating breast milk is a generous and impactful alternative. Human milk banks screen and pasteurize donations to ensure safety and often provide milk to premature or medically fragile infants. To donate:
- Contact a Certified Milk Bank: Find a reputable milk bank through the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA).
- Complete the Screening Process: This involves a health questionnaire, blood tests, and approval from your doctor.
- Follow Proper Pumping and Storage Guidelines: Use clean equipment, store milk in sterilized containers, and label bags with the date and time.
Stopping Lactation
If you choose not to pump, your body will eventually stop producing milk. To ease the process, wear a supportive bra, avoid stimulating the breasts, and use cold compresses to reduce discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relief can also help with swelling and tenderness.
If you have any questions about your surrogacy journey, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Shared Conception. We are here to answer any of your questions or concerns. Call us today at: 713-622-1144.
expecting twins, you’re giving an extraordinary gift—blessing someone with more than they may have ever dreamed of. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, it’s essential to pay extra attention to your body’s needs and enjoy the special moments that come with carrying multiples.
someone else. Whether you’re an early sharer or prefer to wait, the key is to approach the conversation with confidence, clarity, and a plan.
parents, deciding when to share the news that someone else is carrying your child can feel overwhelming.
you’re a surrogate, you’re already embarking on an incredible journey that symbolizes hope and renewal. While traditional New Year’s celebrations might involve champagne toasts and late-night parties, being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. Here are some creative ways to ring in the New Year while embracing your role as a surrogate mother.
The Christmas season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. For surrogates, the holidays offer an even deeper meaning as you carry the incredible gift of life for another family. While pregnancy brings unique challenges, there are plenty of ways to fully embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy this special time of year.
to show appreciation for their surrogate. The surrogacy journey is an incredible gift, and the holiday season offers an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the surrogate’s role in helping build your family. Choosing a thoughtful gift not only expresses your gratitude but also strengthens the bond between you.
matching process. 
born through surrogacy. While the surrogate will handle the physical aspects of childbirth, the intended parents have an important role to play in the hospital experience. To be well-prepared, it’s important to pack thoughtfully for this special occasion. Here’s a list of key items intended parents should consider packing for the hospital:
the holiday season can come with a unique set of challenges. Carrying a baby for someone else is already a life-changing journey, and doing so during a family-centered holiday like Thanksgiving can deepen your sense of purpose and connection while also presenting new dynamics to navigate.