How to breastfeed adopted baby?

Question

I've heard that it's possible to breastfeed and adopted baby. After trying for two years we are planning to adopt a baby and I'd like to try breasfeeding. I'd be glad to hear how you possibly can help your body to start producing milk, or if you have seen websites of books about this topic, or have this type of experience. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Can I Breastfeed My Adopted Baby?
How wonderful for you and your new baby that you want to breastfeed. You can read stories from mothers who have breastfed their adopted babies. Each situation is unique so it is important to educate yourself as much as possible about this exciting endeavor.

Most mothers are able to produce at least a little milk. Whether you have been pregnant before or not does not affect your ability to produce milk. Adoptive mothers may be able to induce lactation by using a breast pump every 2-3 hours, either before the baby comes or after. Some also use a device such as the Medela Supplemental Nursing System or the Lact-Aid Nurser Training System. These both enable you to feed your baby while he is at your breast. This way, your baby gets enough milk while stimulating your body to produce your own milk. The key to all this is that the more stimulation your breasts receive, either by pump or baby, the more likely milk will be produced.

Mothers who have breastfed adopted babies often say that having achievable goals for inducing lactation helped them feel successful in the long run. They also say that breastfeeding has numerous benefits in addition to nutrition.


Mothers who induce lactation vary widely in the amount of milk they are able to produce and in the amount of time required to produce milk. All agree that inducing lactation is a process that takes patience, commitment, diligence and education. Even mothers who have breastfed previous babies may not ever be able to fully breastfeed an adoptive baby. A sensible goal, then, might be to try to provide some, or maybe most, of your new baby's nutrition yourself, while fully enjoying the closeness and bonding that breastfeeding brings. Even if your baby does not breastfeed, you can still hold him for all his feedings (and lots of holding in between!) and foster the same kind of attachment that all babies have for the mommies and daddies who love them.

Attend a La Leche League Group meeting in your area for additional information and support. To find a Leader of a local Group, check out the section of our Web site entitled "Finding a Local LLL Group".

Answer 2

just before you begin pumping to stimulate lactation I would suggest you supplement the following herbs:
alfalfa, red rasberry leaf, nettle, blessed thistle, and hops.
You could easily find most of theese in tea form, and be sure steep the herbs covered for at least 15 minutes. Drink 1 Liter a day.

Also, the pump you choose matters. I personally recommend the whittlestone pump. I spent a lot of time researching pumps, and this one was the most comfortable and pumped as many times per minute as the average newborn suckles. You can rent most pumps before you buy, and a good LC can also help you to make a decision.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

***I have heard of mothers breastfeeding adopted babies. It just takes some preparation and patience.

***Herbal Teas for Milk Production
There are herbal teas that we breastfeeding mothers use to increase and enhance our milk supply. It would be beneficial for you to start on these so that your body can get a jump-start on plentiful, nutritious milk for your baby. I buy my Red Raspberry Tea from this website and they also have some combination teas already mixed up. Under Premixed Remedies, you will see Mama's Milk Tea and Mama's Red Raspberry Brew.

***Get yourself a breast pump and start the process before baby arrives. I do not know how soon or how often you should do this before the baby gets to you, but you may could do some research. (You might could even urge your husband to pitch in and do some "pumping" of his own. All for the baby, of course :)

***If you have not stimulated the breasts property before the baby begins to nurse, it may be a while before you produce any milk. You would be lacking that hormone that is released because of childbirth that stimulates the milk to be released. But given time, the frequent sucking of the baby will trigger that hormone to be released.

Here are some websites for you to check out:
http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/faq/adoptedbabybfdg.html
http://www.lactivist.com/adopted.html
http://pediatrics.about.com/library/breastfeeding/blbreastfeedingy.htm

Answer 4

It takes diligence, patience, and a trained LC doesnt hurt either! Check with your insurance...they may cover the cost of a pump....i doubt it in this case...but hell, might as well submit the claim anyway. rent a hospital grade pump from a Lactation Consultant. You want to start about 2 months before adoption is complete. This can be tricky with adoption I understand....and pumping every two hours day and night is EXHAUSTING....i really give you credit! Good Luck!

Answer 5

I think it's AWESOME that you want to breastfeed an adopted baby! Kudos to you! Talk to a lactation consultant right now. Every larger hospital should have a few. Also, find a LLL group. It helps to hang out with nursing mothers and their babies.

Answer 6

The person above has gave you a excellent answer!!! Which I also gave a thumbs up.

Good-Luck :)