I'm a gay dad and can't breastfeed, obviously! How can I make sure my new baby gets the benefits of breast milk?
Raising a child is tough these days – we have so much information overload on what is “right and wrong.” A big early decision that all families face, no matter who they are, is how and what to feed the new baby. These decisions are hard enough without throwing surrogacy into the mix. In situations with two dads, it can be downright nerve wracking!
There are many ways your baby can still get the benefits of breast milk. Your baby might not be able to physically breastfeed right from the source, but they still can get the breastmilk. Most hospitals will provide donated breastmilk to parents that are unable to breastfeed, if that is the route you and your partner chooses. All milk that has been donated to the hospital has been checked for any harmful bacteria. Also the mother that has chosen to donate the milk has gone through a very intense screening process to make sure she has no harmful illnesses to be passed through the milk.
There are many milk banks outside of the hospital that also are available for parents seeking breastmilk. The cost can be a little steep at around $3.00-$5.00 per ounce. While expensive, this helps cover some of the costs associated with the screening of the donors and the processing of the milk, as most milk banks are non-profit.
Additionally, before your baby is born, you and your surrogate can agree, if she is willing, that she will pump for the baby. This will mean she is going to attach to a pump every three to four hours for 30 minutes at a time. That’s four to six hours a day pumping, even waking up in the middle of the night to pump! Compensation is usually involved for her time and pumping supplies.
There are many benefits of breast milk, but if this is not an option for you, formula feed babies are healthy too. Formula also provides babies with the nutrition they need. Colorado Surrogacy is proud to help create happy and healthy families and would love to have a free consultation with you today!