Researchers at Duke University have published a study that allows transgender women to breastfeed using hormone-altering technology.
The report, titled “New Breastfeeding Introduction Protocol for Transgender Women Who Want to Breastfeed: A Case Report,” was published March 27 in the National Library of Medicine. This is the fifth report ever published on breastfeeding in transgender women, but the only one that uses metoclopramide to induce lactation.
The research was conducted by second-year medical student Esme Trahair, clinical pharmacist Sarah Cocosa, researchers Andy Weinhold, researchers Heather Purnell, associate professor of medicine Carly Kelly, and Andrea Dott of family medicine and community health. It was carried out by Associate Professor Song and others.
The anonymous 50-year-old transgender woman in the study began receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy in 2018 and was planning to breastfeed her grandchildren in 2022.
According to the report, the woman's main motivation for trying to induce breastfeeding was to experience the bonding that breastfeeding does not have with her own five children.
Within 4 weeks of starting modified hormonal therapy with metoclopramide 10 mg three times daily, the patient was able to breastfeed.
The woman reported breast milk production for 2 weeks, during which time she breastfed her 4-month-old granddaughter multiple times.
Since breastfeeding her infant, the patient reported an emotional bond with her grandchild and affirmation of her female gender, and breastfeeding “felt very different from formula feeding other children.” This is pointed out in the report. She has a special bond with this baby and she is grateful, she said. ”
The patient did not experience any side effects from the treatment. She said she wishes she had known about this option sooner and hopes other transgender women can achieve their breastfeeding goals as well.
The report concluded by highlighting the need for further research on breastfeeding protocols for transgender individuals and the need to better understand the priorities of transgender patients who wish to breastfeed.
The Chronicle requested an interview with the study author, who forwarded the request to the Duke Health News Office. The agency did not respond to requests for comment.
Get The Chronicle delivered straight to your inbox
Sign up for our weekly newsletter. You can cancel at any time.
Madera Longstreet-Lipson is a first-year student at Trinity University and a reporter in the news department.
