Adoptive Moms and Breastfeeding

La Leche League publishes a book on adoption and relaction or induced lactation. The title is something like "Adoption and Relactation" or "Adoption and Breastfeeding." The LLL website is: www.llli.org.

J.,
I'm a lactation educator and totally agree with Julie J. You can totally do this! I say, "right on"! I suggest that you go to speak with a lactation consultant once you have been chosen by a birth mom. You will want to start stimulating your breasts before the baby arrives (a few months before) and may need to take some medication to jump start the hormones that are not going to be kicked by a pregnancy. There are also artificial products that you can attach to your breast (it's called an SNS feeder). It has a tiny, thin, silicone tube that is taped to your nipple. Attached to it is a tube that you fill with food (breast milk, formula) and when the baby latches, s/he will get nourishment and stimulate your breast. However, you need a professional to guide you - a lactation consultant. Good luck. J.

Good morning J.,
My name is C. B. and I live near Santa Monica, not that far from you. I'm 56 and breast fed both of my children and was a La Leche leader while they were very young. I would strongly suggest you contact La Leche as they can provide you with the support and proper proceedure. I have heard successes! It's a matter of stimulation while at the same time providing milk or formula through a tiny tube that lays on top of your breast so while the infant is sucking they are getting something to keep them interested.
This was at least what I remember back when, I'm sure there are new inventions that can assist you.
I give you all the support and encouragement for you new path in life. Enjoy each and every moment, for they pass so quickly.
Women I have known who have adopted, bond quickly and enjoy all the same joys of motherhood, it's what you put in, that you will get out!
Congratulations! C.

J.,

I just wanted to pop on and tell you you're amazing for looking into breastfeeding your adopted baby! Truly amazing!!

A.~

I used to work next door to the now defunct back door bakery of silverlake. Deb, the owner, breastfed her adopted baby boy. I do not know her surname, and the bakery is closed, BUT they maintained a myspace page. I would go to myspace and search back door bakery and send a message to Deb that way. A little round about I know, but it may help.
best of luck,
Alexis R

hi J.. I stimulated lactation for my surrogate baby. Two essential bits of info you will need: www.asklenore.com and Corky at the Pump Station in Santa Monica. You will need a supportive doc and to get the Domperidone from overseas pharmacy (try inhouse online - they ate located in NZ).

Store Everything you pump before the baby arrives. You will need it later. It's likely that you won't make enough for the baby, but you will love the experience. My baby is 7 mo now and while we use mostly formula now, he was on 100% breastmilk until 5 months, and I still nurse him down for naps.

Also find yourself a good breastfeeding support group. The pump station has them daily. That is where I found my gracious donors who got us through where my production fell short.

It is not easy, but you will thank yourself over and over. Good luck!! AT

Best wishes J. for your whole adoption process and your growing family. Breastfeeding for an adoptive mother is a great choice and very doable. In my previous work as a postpartum doula, I had the pleasure of working with a family who made that choice and was very successful. I encourage you to contact La Leche League and to speak with your doctors or lactation expert. I seem to remember that there are hormornes to take and herbs which can help.
Best of luck! J. J

There is a drug called Reglan (or maybe it's Regelan). I took if to jump start breastfeeding. My daughter was a preemie and my supply wasn't very good, and even disappeared for a few days. The drug stimulates milk production and is sometime used in infants for acid reflux, so it's safe in limited quantities for little ones.