[JenRo]

Does anyone have any experience with nursing a 1 year old?

Our situation is somewhat different in that, our baby came home at 7 mos, but I'm thinking about trying to nurse her when she turns 1 year old. As for "why now?" --the answer is a bit complicated--so, if you can just bear with me on that point (and not judge the reasoning) and share any experiences that you may have, I would greatly appreciate it.

p.s. I am not going to be taking any meds for milk --I will already (hopefully) have the supply --my question is more ... will a 1 year old even latch on???

Thanks very much!

Jen R.

[triciabn]

I don't know what an adopted one yeaar old will do....BUT I just wanted to really encourage you in your goal! I aam currently nursing my son (bio) who will be one in a week or so... aand I see every single day the great rewaards from still breastfeeding him. And I have no intention of stopping becaause he turns one.
There are so many benefits from this nurturing act....I hope you find all the answers you need.
Tricia

[elisalou]

Have you contacted a LLL near you? They are a tremendous help.

I nursed two of my three kids until the were 2 1/2. Certainly not the norm but my pediatrician was all for it.

Good luck

Elisa

[nurse_reedle]

JenRo,
There are many people that have been successful with doing exactly what you are planning. A great place to go for more tips, advice, help, encouragement.....whatever you need, is.....
1ABSupportgroup. It is a yahoo group and really helped me more than anything else when I was planning to nurse Isaac. He started nursing at 7.5 months old and at 27 months, he is still going strong. I am hoping we make until he is at least 3, because it really seems to help him deal with stressors.

Good luck and if you have specific questions, feel free to e-mail me!
RiAnnon

[JenRo]

Thanks everyone for your responses!!!

I'll check out the places you recommend!

Much appreciated!

Jen R.

[LJR1974]

What about biting? I have thought a lot about adoptive breast feeding, but when we went to visit Zack at 10 months, he already had 8 teeth. Scares me a bit to tell you the truth!

[wertygirl]

I think it's a great idea, and I wish you luck. La Leche League would definitely be a good source. I nursed my bio son until he was 2 and a bit. He bit me once or twice when he was a baby, but I just pulled away and said ouch and he didn't do it again.

[6kidsforme]

Absolutely go for it Jen! Inursed all my bios till they were about 2 1/2 and I nursed Abby too! It can't hurt to try and it would do you so much good with bonding!!!
PS- I have heard of 1 yr old adopted babies nursing at that age. Maybe that is the key to the bonding...maybe thats what both our babies lacked in their FM? That very close skin to skin, eye to eye holding? I nursed Abby as much and often as I could, always taking off my shirt and doing skin to skin nursing...perhaps that is the key.... PLease let me know how it goes!!)

[lanngriffin]

I think each child is different and it is a case by case decision. It could work. I breastfed my bio son until age 3 and it was so wonderful for him, also so bonding for the two of us. I support you. I thought about it with my daughter who just joined us 4 weeks ago (she is 11 months) and I can't even consider it because she will bite right through my t-shirt if I even put her against my chest or stomach. It is very painful, she has 6 teeth. She just likes to chomp whatever her face is against so it has ruled it out for me, but it may work fine for you. Follow your instincts.

[annaguat]

Just try it. I started a baby older then that and comfort nursed. Anna

[coachmom]

I used a lactaid to help Cody latch on..he nursed from 8 months (when we brought him home )
to 1 year, then didnt want it anymore..
Hope it goes well!
Coachmom

[Tina021994]

If nursing does not work you can always do skin to skin bottle feeding. Each child is different, my son at one no longer wanted a breast or bottle. My adopted son gave up his bottle at 11 months on his own. Just don't discouraged if it does not work at that age. I think many also use the carriers for holding the children close to you when babies come home for bonding.
Tina

[MomtoJABE]

I nursed all of my bio and both of my adopted children. I loved it. I'm actually having a hard time realizing that our 2 in Guat and I will not have that bond. I am praying that their bmoms nursed them.

I used a SNS, supplimental nursing system, which has a bottle with a long, small tube you can put on your breast and still use milk or formula. You still get the bonding even if you don't have milk or if you don't produce enough to satisfy the child.

Best of luck and cheers to you.
Tammy

[nurse_reedle]

I wanted to say one thing about the biting. I did get bit a lot early on, but as long as a child is actively nursing they cannot bite you. It is physically impossible. I learned to have my finger ready to hold his mouth open while he unlatched. That helped TREMENDOUSLY!

[JenRo]

Thanks everyone!!

I appreciate the advice/support!! It's great to hear of so many people successfully nursing adoptive kiddos!!

Jen R.