My SIL is in the process of adopting and had no idea that she could nurse an adopted baby. they will be getting a three day old baby. What are some of the things that she can do to start being able to nurse. Meds? herbs? pumping? What are the resources. She had mentioned that she wouldn't be able to nurse since she is adopting and I told her, that it is possible. Now she wants to know more, so any information would be very helpful.
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Crissy
Mama to Anthony, James, and Donovan
One of my close friends ended up nursing her newborn - whom she had with a surrogate. She's now nursed him 18 months. She was unable to produce enough milk to be his sole source of nutrition (though she was able to provide a significant percentage - probably about 50% of his food came from her breasts) and was able to feed him almost all breastmilk with the help of some donors.
She, however, started preparing for breastfeeding several months prior to his birth. I would recommend she talk to some lacation consultants about how to go about inducing lactation. But, I can say that it is possible - if she is willing to work at it. It is very hard work, but my friend does not for one minute regret the effort it too. I know that if she were to do it all over again, not only would she do so, but she would start earlier to get her body even more ready.
Good luck to your sis.
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Rebecca, wife and mother
Happy Holidays
(and it was the best I could do - I gave it three different photoshoots)
Suggest to her to call her local La Leche League leader as they have lots of information about nursing your adoptive baby or access to that information. In Canada, there is a well-known doctor by the name of Dr. Jack Newman and he has tons of information on this topic as well. She can try Googling his name. He is also very good about answering e-mails and sending information.
HTH,
Chris
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Mom to Emily 12/06/98 and Luke 7/23/02
She would really benefit from reading all around and posting on this message board: http://www.fourfriends.com/abrw/forum/index.php? It's the Adoptive Breastfeeding Resource Website. She'll get the most helpful information from the Mamas who've been there and done that. She could also email me if she likes.
Hope this helps. The information out there now is better and easier to find than when I first started this journey six years ago!
Kerri
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Mama to Cole (9), Naomi (8), Adam (7), and Noah (4)
All adopted - All breastfed
Wife to David for 12 years!
Breastfeeding Counsellor and Doula
Accepted into midwifery school for February 2009!
We are moving to New Zealand on January 29th
Yikes, there is TONS to do before then. Gulp.
Thank you ladies!! I told her about the website, and she is really excited. She thought she would have to miss out on breastfeeding a baby and is now really excited about it.
I learned absolutely Everything I needed to know from the fourfriends website too (in fact, I am Sure I remember Kerri from there!! ). I successfully breastfed both of my adopted daughters, who were born 19 months apart.
Altho it's wonderful to have months to prepare your body (which I luckily did, both times) in many ways the incentive must be So much stronger with an actual baby there to stimulate milk production. I pumped like a madwoman, but it just is NOT the same, yk?
I'm always happy to talk to other adoptive mamas interested in breastfeeding, so please tell her to feel free to ask away ~ it was such an amazing experience, totally worth every bit of inconvenience & then some!!!
She talked to her doctor a few days ago about breastfeeding her adopted baby and her doctor was EXCITED!! Her doctor is going to find out as much information as she can and it sounds like she will be an excellent source of support for her. I'm so glad she has all this support. I love nursing my children and I hope she is able to stay with it.
I too successfully nursed my son for 3.5 years. I would be happy to have you pass on my email as well. Doctors are usually clueless and while they can be supportive the abrw and other adoptive nursing mothers were much more help.
Lisa
treefroggy at yahoo.
). I successfully breastfed both of my adopted daughters, who were born 19 months apart.
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