[KarynB]

Hello,

We adopted from South Africa in 2007 and our son was 5.5 months - he is now almost 2 and still nursing! I also have two other kids - and would be more than happy to share my experiences with you!

I followed the regular protocol (on Ask Lenore) - it was a bit of work - especially the pumping part, but I suspect since you are an experienced breastfeeding mom it wouldn't be as big of an issue for you. I tried to time pumping along with other things - like answering emails or whatever. I also bought a hands-free thing to attach to the pump which might help you be able to tend to your other kids.

Like I said, our son was 5.5 months and latched on immediately - right from day one. This baby was BORN to nurse!!!! So, you may have no trouble at all. The other things you can do to foster a breatsfeeding relationship are things you'd want to do anyways to encourage strong attachment - co-bathing, co-sleeping, skin on skin contact, etc. Lenore can send you articles etc on nursing older babies and getting good latch.

Another great resource is to google "Four Friends Adoptive Breastfeeding" - lots of experience there too.

Or - feel free to email me anytime - PM me for my email address - and good luck! Breastfeeding my son is honestly one of the best things I've ever done - it has made our attachment process smooth, and has been just irreplaceable for us...

Karyn