Newman-Goldfarb Protocols for Inducing Lactation

The Newman-Goldfarb induced lactation protocols are designed to imitate (as much as possible) the hormonal changes that occur in the body in order to 'fool' the body into thinking it is pregnant. This will result in changes to the breast/mammary glands and help the milk making apparatus develop.

The protocols use a low dose estrogen/progesterone birth control pill in combination with domperidone (to increase prolactin levels). At the end of a prescribed period of time (usually 60-90 days), the birth control pills are abruptly stopped, thus mimicking the sudden drop in progesterone after giving birth.

By pumping, with an electric breast pump, on a regular 3 hour schedule it causes the body to react by starting to produce milk.

The Protocols

The Regular Protocol

The regular protocol is recommended when you have several months to prepare before you need to begin lactating. It involves taking combined birth control pills along with domperidone for a period of at least 60 days, then abruptly stopping the birth control while continuing the domperidone and beginning a pumping schedule.

The Accelerated Protocol

The accelerated protocol is designed for situations where there is less time available. The preparation period is shorter, and the protocol relies more heavily on domperidone and frequent pumping to stimulate milk production.

The Menopause Protocol

For menopausal women (and/or women over the age of 35), the menopause protocol does not use the estrogen/progesterone combination birth control as there are some health risks. Instead, it relies on using just the progesterone component in combination with domperidone. See Induced Lactation After Menopause for more details.