Lactation Without Pregnancy, Induced Lactation, Relactation
In humans induced lactation and relactation has been observed frequently in primitive cultures and demonstrated with varying success in adoptive mothers. It appears plausible that the possibility of induction of lactation in women (or females of other species) who are not biological mothers does confer an evolutionary advantage especially in groups with high maternal mortality and tight social bonds. The phenomenon has been also observed in most primates, some lemurs and dwarf mongooses.
Lactation can be induced in humans by a combination of physical and psychological stimulation, by drugs, or by a combination of those methods. Some couples may stimulate lactation outside of pregnancy for sexual purposes.
Rare accounts of male lactation (as distinct from galactorrhea) exist in historical medical and anthropological literature, although the phenomenon has not been confirmed by more recent literature.
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Famous quotes containing the word induced:
“Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and none will do it enthusiastically. Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it, unless we are made to think we are at the same time doing something for ourselves.”
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)