[linsybyster]

I'm still not even adopting for sure (LOL) so I may be jumping the gun here, but we hope to adopt in the future and I am going to try my darnedest to BF! I BF my 11 month old bio daughter and when we adopt, there is a chance that she may still be BFing, depending on when she weans and when we adopt. I am just wondering, if you start BFing a newborn while still BFing a toddler (or older baby), without the hormonal effects of pregnancy, does your milk still adjust at some point to the newborn's needs? A mother's body's ability to adjust to the needs of her infant is one of the most fascinating aspects of BF in my mind, and I am just wondering if anyone knows the ins and outs of how it all works when BF an adopted child.
TIA!!

[linsybyster]

Oops, one more question! Is there anyone here who had the BMom BF the baby after birth, so the baby would get the colostrum? Is that done? And when/how do you broach the subject of BF with the BMom?

[Scarlet Moon 13]

Originally Posted by linsybyster

Oops, one more question! Is there anyone here who had the BMom BF the baby after birth, so the baby would get the colostrum? Is that done? And when/how do you broach the subject of BF with the BMom?

colostrum comes after giving birth... so no you wouldn't have that.

But I have heard that the body does increase milk production with the increased demand of a newborn.

If you want the child to have colostrum you will have to ask if the birthmother is willing to pump ofr 6 weeks..

[adoptafricablog]

Hi there - good luck on finding Neko's baby brother! Adoptive breastfeeding is an interesting subject. I can tell you from my experience, my milk did NOT increase when I started nursing an adopted newborn while still nursing a bio toddler. It surprised me! I never had any trouble having PLENTY of milk for my bio babies, so even after lactation consultant training, I still expected I would just "ramp up" right away. Didn't happen. However, I did have a long and lovely nursing relationship with that baby! There is lots of info about there about increasing your milk for your adopted baby - the most commonly suggested seems to be the use of Domperidone combined with pumping or just with nursing, once the baby gets there. Some moms are able to produce everything their baby needs, but most moms end up using some sort of supplementer - either the SNS or the Lact-Aid (my favorite). And yes, I have heard of moms who have asked their children's birthmothers to nurse the baby for the first three days for the colostrum (that's all you need - just 2 or 3 days). Or, even more, I have heard that the mom who is placing WANTS to nurse and give that gift to her baby. (But, both situations seem pretty rare.)

Good luck! It's a great thing, IMO.

Holly

[linsybyster]

Originally Posted by adoptafricablog

Some moms are able to produce everything their baby needs, but most moms end up using some sort of supplementer - either the SNS or the Lact-Aid (my favorite).

Thanks - I know about the SNS and am fully prepared (and pretty much expecting) to use one, but hadn't heard of the Lact-Aid, so that is really helpful information!

Originally Posted by adoptafricablog

And yes, I have heard of moms who have asked their children's birthmothers to nurse the baby for the first three days for the colostrum (that's all you need - just 2 or 3 days). Or, even more, I have heard that the mom who is placing WANTS to nurse and give that gift to her baby. (But, both situations seem pretty rare.)

I'm not counting on finding a bmom who feels this way, but it would be so amazing if we could. I have to admit that I worry a tad about the increased bonding that comes with nursing and a possible increased chance of her changing her mind, but that is something we'll just have to think about when it comes. I would love for the baby to get even a day's worth of colostrum, as that first bit of "liquid gold" (LOL) really gives the immune system a boost.

Thanks for your response!! I hope that in the future there will be more studies of adoptive nursing, and more literature. Right now it doesn't seem like there is a lot of concrete info out there.

[taramayrn]

I have to admit that I worry a tad about the increased bonding that comes with nursing and a possible increased chance of her changing her mind, but that is something we'll just have to think about when it comes.

I know it's hard, but please remember that if a bmom is going to change her mind it isn't because of her breastfeeding. It is because she is changing her mind. I was very afraid to breastfeed my babe because I might get "too attached". It is one of the biggest regrets I have regarding his birth and placement. If she knows that placing is right for her then breastfeeding won't change her mind.

[SchmennaLeigh]

Originally Posted by taramayrn

I was very afraid to breastfeed my babe because I might get "too attached". It is one of the biggest regrets I have regarding his birth and placement.

Ditto. I was told by my agency and the hospital that I wasn't allowed. One of my biggest regrets in the adoption.

[adoptafricablog]

Jenna, I am so sorry. "Not allowed" - what a bunch of hooey. I personally think it's a wonderful last gift from first mama to that sweet baby.

Holly