Adoptive nursing??

Question

I got such an overwhelming response to a question I asked last night about breast feeding that it made me curious. How many people know that an adoptive mother (whether she has given birth before or not) can breastfeed her child??? If you knew of one, how would you feel about what she was doing??? And, if you adopted a child, would you be willing to try this??

Answer 1

i think that would be incredible. i personally felt a strong bond after my baby was born and i started breastfeeding. if i ever adopted and infant i would definately relactate and breastfeed or pump to feed the baby. the babies get so much more from breast milk than formula, although formula now and days is quite amazing and you can have a very healthy formula fed baby, you can't replace the antibodies and beneficial bacteria found in breast milk!

Answer 2

i have heard of it and know someone who tried it with adoptive baby.  unfortunately she couldnt produce enough so had to quickly give up.

her doctor encouraged her to try it and said that it helps form the bonds that birthing would have given.  

however there are ways that she learned to bottle feed..bare chested with baby against skin that she felt produced the same effects of bonding.

i think its great if one can do it.

Answer 3

I think its a wonderful thing for an adoptive mother to care enough to put such an effort into providing the best for her baby.  I have 2 daughters of my own, but if I'd been unable to bear children, I would have adopted and absolutely would have induced lactation.  

Nearly everyone can produce milk (except in some cases where a defect causes a lack of the right breast tissue, called hypoplastic tubular b*****s).  Even men can make milk!  There are tribes remaining today where the men nurse the babies while the women hunt.

I applaud any adoptive mother willing to do what it takes to induce lactation.  Its too bad that some mothers take their breats for granted and dont even "bother", when other mothers work so very hard to provide breastmilk for their babies.

I am currently nursing my 3 month old.  I've always had an easy time producing extra milk, so I pump in between feedings, and donate the extra milk to a mother who could not breastfeed her own daughter.  I figure, if I'm able, I should.

Answer 4

I think that it is an amazing thing. When I first heard of this I thought to myself how interesting. I think that it would definitely help the adoptive mother bond with the child more and create a stronger bond between them. I personally would do it.

Answer 5

I have heard that before. Never known anyone to do it but breast is best so if you can do it then awesome!