The thing is, I think the social worker who did our homestudy will frown on it, and I realise a lot of others may too, but I want this chance to give the babies bonding opportunities. Also, I come from a culture where breastfeeding other children in the family, children of friends, neighbours, etc, is perfectly normal.
Should I tell our social worker, or leave it out?
2007-08-29 03:38:02 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Thats a hard one. I dont think its an issue of socially acceptable with the social workers, but the issue that you're not the childs parent and they cannot monitor what medications or chemicals you're passing from milk to baby.
I personally dont think you're nuts, but iam sure many other people will freak out.
There are groups at hospitals that pump and donate their milk for premies and neonatal patients. And i dont see a difference. A lot of babies in foster care are sick, theyre taken from crack heads or drunks, so they have health issues and breast milk could really offer them a leg up.
We looked into fostering before I got pregnant, and now that I have breastfed my son I know i have longed to provide that benefit to infants who dont have the chance. I would personally do it in secret if i had to. Because i believe that much in how good it is for the child.
2007-08-29 03:45:21 · answer #1 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I think it may be difficult, but that it's a good idea. Bonding is so important for young infants, especially those who have been through some upheaval.
Are you currently lactating?
If not, have you seen those cool tube thingies that help supplement with formula while breastfeeding? That should be a big help.
I DO think that you should tell the social worker. Otherwise, the kids might get yanked after they've already formed an attachment to you - not good.
2007-08-29 11:16:29 · answer #2 · answered by stormsinger1 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I personally think that since you aren't actually adopting the children that you really should discuss it with the social worker. Other than the fact that the babies still technically are in the care of the State and aren't "yours", another problem is that the social worker will probably be checking up on you and asking questions about what the kids are eating and stuff, so if you don't tell them about your plans, you will have to lie to them. Lying will probably get the kids taken away from you.
2007-08-29 10:44:59 · answer #3 · answered by Mrs.P 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Babies who have only been bottle-fed are not likely to take to breast-feeding, as it's more work to get the milk from the breast. All other considerations aside, I think this will be your main battle. Don't get me worng, I'm a huge proponent of breast-feeding - I think all babies shoud be given only breast-milk for at least the first 6 months, but I just think it's going to be a huge battle. Also, the health worker is going to make sure you go through the appropriate health screening to ensure that you don't have anything communicable.
2007-08-29 10:50:47 · answer #4 · answered by woodlands127 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think you should tell the social worker...but I think you should not breastfeed foster children because they probably won't be with you long and the bond you think you're going to create is unrealistic.I think its a better idea to breastfeed adopted children seeing as they will be with you longer, and a bond to be created is not so farfetched.I do think breastfeeding is a good idea but not if you have the children temporarily.....
2007-08-29 10:47:29 · answer #5 · answered by itscarolj 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Yeah I don't see that going over so well. If it were your child or you were adopting them then by all means. But you are just caring for them temporarily. If you "left it out" I'm guessing you could lose your license or maybe worse if they found out.
2007-08-29 14:04:31 · answer #6 · answered by pookiesmom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are their caretaker not their parent. This is absolutely out of the scope of being a foster parent. The fact that this is questionable to you brings up that you are perhaps not as suitable for children as you would think.
2007-08-29 10:46:11 · answer #7 · answered by HandS 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You should discuss it with a pediatrician, get him to write you a letter of recommendation. Maybe even a woman who works for La leche league international. And get her a letter from them also. I think what you are doing is wonderful and selfless. I do understand the unfortunate societal stigmas that you will be facing. Just stand firm with your convictions, don't get emotional, have references and good luck!
2007-08-29 10:43:51 · answer #8 · answered by Katie C 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
HOW? Unless you have recently given birth and are still breastfeeding this will be tricky! Otherwise you should probably let them know. Unless you are adopting, this isn't your child to make that decision.
2007-08-29 10:43:28 · answer #9 · answered by gemini 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Gross
2007-08-29 10:48:03 · answer #10 · answered by Megan 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋