[Robbye]

We (I) have been planning on breastfeeding since going through our homestudy. Our reasoning’s are three-fold. 1. Bonding 2. Nutrition 3. Won't have to buy formula... maybe

I've attended La Leche League meetings in my local area and have joined. I've been reading up on all the information out there and next week plan on going to my doctor and asking for a prescription so I can start lactating.

Anyone else?

Here are some links to get you started if you want more information.

http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBadoptive.html
http://www.fourfriends.com/abrw/

[savannah310]

I did think about it and collect information. I changed my mind. We're in a potential domestic adoption. I didn't want to prepare myself physically for breastfeeding then have the adoption fall through ... or worse yet...breastfeed the baby for a few days then the birth mother changes her mind. Know what I mean? I guess I'm just trying to protect myself as best I can emotionally.

Go for it though! It's a wonderful option.

Deb

[SuburbanMom]

I am planning on adoptive breastfeeding. But in my particular situation, it will be re-lactation. I nursed bio DS til less than 3 months ago, and I haven't completely dried out. I'm debating whether to start pumping to keep the supply up, though.

Are you planning on taking any meds or herbs? I'm not big on the idea of dom for me, but am thinking of herbs (blessed thistle, fenugreek). Good luck with this. Breastfeeding can be really hard (BTDT!) and it helps to have a positive attitude and a lot of support.

[twyla]

Hi, Ya'll

It's great to know there are several others on this board that are going to make the effort to provide natural nurishment for that precious bundle of joy! My agency's waiting adoptive parents support group just had a meeting with just the gals to discuss this very subject. We had a bio/adoptive mom and a social worker/bio mom that were both currently breastfeeding there to tell us all about the pros and cons of it. It was a fantastic meeting and I left feeling totally gung-ho about breastfeeding. I had already decided months ago that I was going to do so, this meeting just gave me the information to help me be successful at it.

I'm going to be getting a medela pump-in-style soon so I can get started and maybe put some milk away in the freezer for a back-up in case we are chosen for twins. Milk will keep for 6 months in a properly cooled chest-style freezer, (below 0 degrees).

I wish everyone much success in this Motherly endeaver!

[Robbye]

I've been praying about which method to choose in order to get a good milk supply going before the little guy arrives. I’ve already purchased some Lansinoh cream and have started applying it. Got hubby doing his part…. He loves it.

Because I’ve never lactated before I’m going to take fenugreek & blessed thistle and I’ll start pumping until I get my prescription for Domperidone. Then hopefully by then I can start storing it until the baby arrives in February. I’m still going to get the Lact-aid system so that if I am not producing enough I can supplement to promote proper sucking.

From what I’ve learned once there is an actually baby nursing… no need for the other stuff!

[Stormy]

I breastfed my bio son until about a year ago. When we were placed with our infant son through adoption I wanted to breastfeed him as well. I was still lactating a little and choose instead of pumping to allow relactation to occur naturally. I am so glad I choose to breastfeed. It was a wonderful way to bond with my son and I am very proud of myself for sticking with it and giving him that connection with me. I used a Medula suplementary nursing system. Also, a lactation consultant suggested that I eat lots of oatmeal to increase my milk suppy rather than medications. I learned through my experience with both my children that nursing is a continum but always a wonderful benifit to the child. With my older son I exclusevly nursed him, he never had a bottle, didn't start solids until 8mo. and self weaned at 3. With my young son he got very little mommy milk, nursed one to three times a day, was mainly formula fed and we choose to use the nursing as a bonding experience. Before I had my younger son I thought the only way to be succesful in breastfeeding was to wrap my life around it. But I learned with my younger son that I didn't have to feed him exclusevely mothers milk to be a succesful breast feeder. If you always have to supplement the milk supply, or have trouble getting into a routine with your child, know that the connection and commitment that comes with breastfeeding is the most important part. Success comes in just doing. And good luck to you! I would never change my breastfeeding experiences with my children. I hope you all nurse and love it! Also, I wanted to mention that you don't HAVE to start pumping before hand. Some people find that too emotional, I did. You can pump after the child arrives and still do just fine. I found a good website and suggest it. It is http://www.fourfriends.com/abrw/. Take a look!

Good Luck!

A

[Stormy]

Sorry, I didn't realize the four friends web-site was up here already. I liked that web-site the most. So I guess i am not the only one who found value in it.

[Bogie]

I am hoping to nurse our baby too. - If we ever actually get a baby. We've had one failed adoption already. I have been wondering when I should start pumping and taking the herbs. We could be waiting a long time, or it could happen quickly. - I don't want to be pumping for 2 years. Any recommendations? Thanks!

Heather

[rae529]

We have 3 bio children, 2 girls and 1 boy. We are thinking of adopting to fill the last spot. I BF all 3 kids. I'm not lactating any more, (son weaned himself 4 months ago). Just wondering if anyone has had similar situation and got the milk flowing again without drugs? If I start pumping, will the milk come back? Thanks to all and good luck.

[AirmansWife]

After two years of fertility problems, my husband and I are looking to adoption. Breastfeeding has been a thought, but I really was not sure how to go about it. Thank you everyone who posted on this thread. I found it very helpful.

[DFSquare]

My youngest is almost 7. Any ideas if I'll have to "start from scratch" with meds & herbs or just start pumping again?

I'm going to start researching and see what I can find. Gotta love the internet!

Dawn

[bohjanen]

I have never been pregnant and am happily breastfeeding my adopted babe! I didn't use meds or herbs.. just the baby! It can be done!

[AwaitingBeloved]

bohjanen...
I've been thinking about abf, too, but kind of hesitated because I have never breastfed before and really don't want to take any herbs or meds/creams, etc, for my own reasons... I have some questions, but will PM you!

[akcskye]

I have hormonal imbalances that have caused me to leak colostrum since I was 16 (I am 31 now)

I wonder if I were to adopt an infant if I should just let it latch on and the milk will come down, or if I would still need a medicine?

Certain times of the month, I will go beyond colostrum and start showing milk...then it will go back to colostrum.

Needless to say, hormone problems suck...especially when the blood tests all say clear, with the exception of knowing for sure I have PCOS and Fibroid tumors.

What do you girls think?