My youngest is now 4, and it's been over a year since I've breastfed, but I heard re-lactation is very possible, and I've always produced plenty of milk. I really want to breastfeed my foster son (aged 3 months) to assist nutrition and bonding. Are yeast pills and high dairy likely to produce milk, or is it more complicated than that? Any advice welcome.
2007-08-31 00:43:48 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Hi! I haven't really got a very useful answer for you (sorry), but I just wanted to ask, have you checked with your case worker about doing this? I'm just thinking that firstly, they may have a problem with you breastfeeding, as the little boy may be returned to his birth family, but also, if they're fine with it, they may have come accross this type of situation before, and would know where to refer you to to get some advice and support.
I live in Australia, and I don't think that's allowed here (I'm not sure though), but I don't know where abouts you are in the world! Maybe your department of child protection or equivalent could also refer you to some places to help you, or try your GP or nursing mothers association.
Hope you get some good advice, good luck!
2007-08-31 00:56:34 · answer #1 · answered by ♥♥Mum to Superkids Baby on board♥♥ 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think what you are trying to do is a great idea! My only concern for you is since this is a foster child, as opposed to an adopted child, how will the foster system respond/support you in this decision? Perhaps you can do some research on that and ask around.
As for the process of relactation itself, I have heard that it is possible and not as difficult as some might imagine. I personally doubt if many physicians have a clue about this, so I would not start there.
I would first start by pumping, if you haven't already. Considering the fact that it sounds like you breastfed for years already, it probably will not take you long to relactate (and perhaps you still have milk but don't know it).
I would also recommend that you contact a La Leche League (LLL) group in your area and start with them regarding how to get this going the best way. I know I have read about it in LLL books, so they definitely have resources for you.
Good luck!
2007-08-31 04:44:24 · answer #2 · answered by apmama2four 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is possible and will be even easier for you than most women since it has only been a year since you have been lactating. Unfortunetly, I don't have any details and I think you should consult with the La Leche League or your doctor because I know there are specific things you need to do. Good Luck
2007-09-03 09:45:35 · answer #3 · answered by howdesdoit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several questions you want to ask before you attempt to breastfeed your foster son.
First, you may want to check with whoever is supervising your foster son before you start to attempt breastfeeding. From what I read online it may take awhile before you can reestablish your milk supply and unfortunately foster children get moved around to different homes or the courts decide that it is now safe for the children to return to their parents. Also you don't want your good natured attempt to bond with your foster son to be misconstrued as sexual abuse. Finally, does your foster son even know how to breastfeed correctly and does he have any developmental delays that may prevent him from latching onto the breast and suckling. Once these questions have been answered, there are several websites that discuss how to start re-lactation. One I found is
http://www.lact-aid.com/rpt025.htm
2007-08-31 01:10:39 · answer #4 · answered by justine lauren 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://library.adoption.com/adoptive-breastfeeding/induced-lactation/article/2477/1.html
This website is made for women who either have Adopted children or Foster children. It tells you how you can Induce Lactation. I've never heard of anyone breastfeeding there foster child. But I think that if it gives them more nutrition and there birth mother is not in a place to do so. Then I say go for it.
God Bless you. I hope this website helps.
2007-08-31 00:53:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think there are medicines/drugs that can stimulate breastfeeding in women but are only available by presrciption from a specialised doctor. Make an appt with your doctor and see if this is an option.
Very admirable to do this for your foster son, plenty of women in other cultures breastfeed other peoples babies so don't let anyone discourage you to do it.
Good luck to you and your new baby
2007-08-31 00:52:10 · answer #6 · answered by Cindy; mum to 3 monkeys! 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yeah it is possible i know one person who did this, well not for a foster child, but anyway.
Go down to your local chemist and they will be able to give you the correct advice!!
GOOD LUCK
2007-08-31 00:55:19 · answer #7 · answered by *Charli* Mamma Di Gemini's 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is possible but it's usually a spontaneous thing where you just start lactating.(you can try to stimulate your breast and massage them) Ask your doctor I'm sure he/she knows something to give you.
good luck
2007-08-31 01:42:52 · answer #8 · answered by Greeneyed 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Never met anyone who did that, I hope it works for you! (Sorry I am useless for actual help) but wanted to offer my support.
2007-08-31 00:50:17 · answer #9 · answered by starrystarrynight 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think this is more of a question you need to be discussing with your physician.
2007-08-31 01:46:06 · answer #10 · answered by ¤¤Je§§ica¤¤ 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋