[karla-k]

We are in the process of adopting internationally. Kyrgyzstan is the country. They have very young babies, our son will likely be less than 6 months old when we bring him home.

I have 3 bio kids. DD nursed until she was 18 months old, and my two boys weaned themselves at 11 months. I have never had any problem with milk supply, you could say I was a cow

I have thought about nursing the new baby, but am worried about the time required to get a 6 month old to latch on correctly on top of caring for my other 3 kids. The kids will be 9, 4.5, and about 2 when the baby comes home.

We are looking at bringing the baby home in Dec/Jan probably. What do I need to do to prepare to nurse him?

Thanks,
Karla

BD 9
BS 4
BS 19 months
Adopting from Kyrgyzstan

[Whirled_Peas]

You may want to check out asklenore.com There is a huge section on adoptive nursing. We had hoped to adopt a baby that age and I asked what others had done. A lot of skin to skin and co-sleeping are a good start. If there are other babies your child could watch nursing, that might help. There's also info on getting your milk supply up. Since I'm still nursing a toddler, I started taking domperidone to try and increase my supply. Pumping multiple time a day is essential to building up supply. There's a whole protocol for trying to get a milk supply check out asklenore.

[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