Yes! If a lactating man’s prolactin stays high, he can produce enough milk to breastfeed in the first few weeks. Most of the time, parents still need to add some formula or donor milk to make sure the baby is full.
Even though it’s not something we see often, men can absolutely lactate. Sometimes the body starts lactating on its own, and other times a person can induce it.
If a man starts lactating without trying, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. A few medical issues, like a pituitary gland tumor or other hormone problems, can cause this, so it’s important to see a doctor.
Men Breastfeeding Video
How to Lactate as a Man
A lactating man isn’t actually a new phenomenon. As more dads get really involved in parenting, men breastfeeding their children is starting to get more attention.
Some articles show that adult men can breastfeed after inducing milk production using breast pumps, supplemental nursing systems, and even mental focus. Just like with adoptive moms, men can produce milk—though women’s bodies usually respond faster and make more milk.
To induce lactation, a man usually starts pumping a few months before breastfeeding, giving the nipples plenty of stimulation. The goal is to increase prolactin, the hormone that helps make milk. Pumping every few hours—and even once or twice at night—helps keep prolactin levels up.
Once the baby is ready, they can help stimulate milk production by suckling at the chest, often with a supplemental nursing system (SNS) that delivers milk or formula through a tiny tube at the nipple. This is the same system adoptive parents use.
If prolactin levels stay up, a man can sometimes produce enough milk to breastfeed exclusively in the early weeks. But usually, some extra feeding with formula or donor milk is needed to make sure the baby is full.
It’s hard to say if men breastfeeding will become more common, but interest is definitely growing—and it’s an exciting possibility for involved dads.
Gender Roles
As more men are recognized as capable of lactating, it challenges traditional ideas about parenting and gender roles. It shows that nurturing and feeding a baby isn’t just a mother’s job—dads can actively participate in ways we might not have imagined before. This shift encourages shared responsibilities and a more inclusive view of caregiving.
Featured Comments
By Katelynne Shepard – I Think It’s Wonderful.
“For far too long, men’s bodies were only thought of for reproductive means and possibly protective means. But in today’s societies, men don’t have to play a “protective” role. When I realized the purpose of mammary glands in mammals, I realized that the purpose is to support and nurture the young. So a man can breastfeed his babies, making men’s roles in the child-rearing process somewhat equalized. I’ve known that the desire to have children happens almost equally in both men and women. So why not the ability to nurture and take of the young? A man being able to breastfeed his babies is nature’s way of protecting the species.”
Male Lactation – It’s an Experience Worth Having.
“My journey began with herbs (Dong Quai, Kwao Krua, fenugreek, and dandelion root), which quickly established some breast tissue ( 3 months). I went from a Tanner 0 to a 2, which peaked around three months (a good thing, considering I didn’t want large breasts, nor am I into presenting other than male).
Also, I began focusing on lactation foods (watercress, red clover, carrots, avocados, alfalfa, walnuts, etc.). Then began using a Medela pump, which wasn’t consistent at first, but after two months, I started getting Oxytocin release from the stimulation and got addicted. I used the pump twice a day.
Breasts have swelled to 4″ greater than band size, but I found these awesome t-shirts for gynecomastia compression t-shirts that hide the bulge.
Considering what I’m doing, my diet has become very important. Fast Food restaurants are a thing of the past, and I have lost unwanted weight. Another side-effect is that some weight shifted to my butt, not a lot, but I am no longer bony.”
What do you think about dads breastfeeding? Let us know in the comments!
Q&A: Male Lactation
Q1: Can a man really lactate?
A- Yes. With enough hormonal stimulation—mainly prolactin—men can produce breast milk. In rare cases, lactation starts naturally due to medical conditions, but more often, it can be induced through pumping, stimulation, and sometimes medication.
Q2: Is male lactation safe?
A- Yes, it can be safe. However, if a man begins lactating without trying, it’s important to see a doctor. Spontaneous lactation may signal a medical issue such as a pituitary tumor or other hormone imbalance.
Q3: How can a man induce lactation?
A – The process is similar to how adoptive mothers induce lactation Regular pumping (every few hours, including nighttime) to raise prolactin levels. Nipple stimulation from breast pumps or a baby’s suckling. Using a supplemental nursing system (SNS), which delivers donor milk or formula through a small tube at the nipple while stimulating milk production. Diet and herbs (such as fenugreek, fennel, or blessed thistle) are sometimes used, though medical guidance is advised.
Q4: Can a man produce enough milk to exclusively breastfeed?
A- In some cases, yes—especially in the first weeks if prolactin stays high and pumping is consistent. But most men need to supplement with formula or donor milk to ensure the baby gets enough nutrition.
Q5: How long does it take to induce lactation in men?
A- It varies, but often takes a few months of consistent pumping and stimulation before noticeable milk appears. Just like in women, the body responds gradually to hormonal and physical cues.
Tracy
I’m Tracy Behr, a qualified wellness and nutrition coach, breastfeeding advocate, and homeschooling mom of two. For over sixteen years, I’ve been helping mothers navigate breastfeeding challenges through my website breastfeeding-problems.com I combine evidence-based knowledge with real-life experience to help parents feel more confident in their breastfeeding journey. I’ve experienced firsthand that breastfeeding isn’t always as easy as we expect. When I had my babies, I faced my own challenges and quickly saw just how much support and clear guidance moms truly need. That’s why I started this website—to share what I’ve learned, offer encouragement, and help other moms feel less alone on their breastfeeding journey.