[DaveAndKymm]

Hi,
Has anyone BF an internationally adopted child at 8mos - 10mos old. My husband and I are adopting from China and the arrival age is usually at the age given above. Does it make sense to BF when they are use to being bottle fed for so long or is this a good bonding tool for baby and mom at such a late age? Any input or resources would be helpful.
Thanks,
Kymm

[JunipersMom]

Haven't personally, but know many that have. There are great email groups at www.egroups.com for adoptive breastfeeing that you can check out and get some first hand experienced peoples views.

I'm breastfeeding my daughter, but she was 2 weeks old when we started because I fostered her in Guatemala. She's now 10 1/2 months and still going strong. Well worth the considerable effort!!

[marimari]

Not sure either if at that age it is going to be of enough value for your baby; maybe more important for the bonding would be a lot of holding. It seems that there will be plenty of adjustments on both sides..for you and the wee one..breast feeding would be my last concern; skin to skin contact, eye contact, touching, talking...Oh, and soemthing I read a few years ago stated that it's important to acknowledge our children's pains, whether it's an ouchy from falling or maybe even as basic as missing where they have been...validate your baby's feelings and love the wee one. You may experience more frustrations than anything, which will also be communicated to the child..why not focus on welcoming your baby home and helping to make that home feel safe and loving..and you can relax a little, too?
Hope it all works out well for your whole family!

[traceyk]

Check out fourfriend.com/abrw there have been some that started when the babies were 3 yrs. old mainly for bonding purposes.

[nurse_reedle]

I started breastfeeding my son at 7.5 months. It was DEFINITELY worth it and I KNOW helped him not be as sick when he came home. He is SOOOOO healthy now and we are bonded very, very tightly! Go for it!