Adopted Infants Benefit From Breastfeeding ,Too

Traditionally, breastfeeding is considered possible only after biological reproduction. Adapting the advantages of breastfeeding to meet the needs of an adoption may seem far fetched indeed. Yet, this has become a viable option for an increasing number of mothers and babies. As more and more emphasis is placed on the value of human milk and the ancillary benefits of breastfeeding, mothers-to-be around the globe are seeking ways to provide these gifts to their babies.

Nursing supplementers, like the Lact-'aid* have proven their worth for adopting mothers, who wish to breastfeed. Preplacement protocols, which take advantage of the prolactin boosting side effects of various medications, have also been used to stimulate milk production in women who have not experienced a recent pregnancy. Simply allowing an infant to suckle will, in time, produce some milk in most women.

As interest has risen in adopted breastfeeding, successful routines have been developed which allow adopting mothers to nurse their babies. Information and support is available through traditional sources like La Leche league International as well as on the Internet at sites such as fourfriends.com/abrw/ where an active group of experienced mothers is available to aid those who need them.

As in any breastfeeding experience, a mother needs information, determination, and support of both peers and family. Much of the process parallels a bio breastfeeding experience so basic knowledge about what to expect during the early weeks and months is essential. An adopting mother may chose to try and establish a milk supply, in advance if her baby's arrival, in order to immediately supply the basic benefits of antibody protection and superior nutrition. Some may opt for the use of donor milk to accomplish these goals as they slowly build their own supply. The use of artificial milk as a supplement is also an option.

Using a nursing supplementer will allow the baby to feed at mother's breast and avoid any nipple confusion that may arise from trying to offer milk in a bottle as well. Frequent suckling will help to encourage mother's body to produce milk and satisfy the infant's need to suck. This assists in the development of strong facial muscles needed for good speech. Switching from side to side while nursing helps with eye muscle development needed for good reading skills.

Even four ounces of human milk daily helps provide sufficient antibody protection to maintain good health and the combination of human milk and the social interaction of mother and baby allows for an increase in an infants IQ. For an infant who may have had a less than perfect prenatal life, the many benefits of breastfeeding can help the new family avoid many of the traditional pitfalls of adoption related behavior during the teen years. For any baby the process if infant feeding covers far more than simply supplying nutrition.

In preparing for an adoptive breastfeeding, the mother-to-be needs to research the three main paths to success. The most traditional routine is to do some basic nipple preparation, as described in a breastfeeding manual, learn about manual expression from a source like lactationinstitute.org, purchase a nursing supplementer, and await your baby. If you wish to give yourself a head start, you can add some pumping with a double electric pump such as the PIS*. Start out on a medium setting and use the pump for about five minutes, pause have a drink and repeat. Do this 3 to 4 times a day for a few days. Then increase the number of times per day until you approximate the 6-8 times an infant will need to nurse when your dear baby arrives. You may see little or no milk until the bay begins to nurse so do not et discouraged.

Because medications like domperidone and the herb fenugreek increase prolactin levels as a side effect, many are now using them to enhance milk production in a variety of circumstances. Once you begin to see drops of your own milk, you may consider adding these substances to your diet. You can find several articles on how they work and the possible contraindications at breastfeeding.com. It is wise to check these out before using the. Additional information for you and your health care provider can be located at CBI.org where La Leche League International maintains a professional level information service.

Canadian Dr Newman has developed a rigorous preplacement protocol involving the use of birth control pill, Diane 35, domperidone and fenugreek along with a frequent pumping routine to help induce a milk supply. Those using this routine report an average of a 3/4 supply while those following the more traditional path seem to average 1/2 supplies. Consideration needs to be given to one's due date and likely placement. In the US some 25% of adoptions go awry. The emotional distress of a failed adoption is hard enough to manage without the added burden of a budding milk supply. Milk can be safely frozen for up to a year so some simply continue to express and wait.

For those wishing to use donor milk as a bridge, Milk Banks provide human milk with a doctor's prescription and insurance usually covers the cost. With today's more open adoptions birth mothers may share their milk during the post patrum period. Some mother-to-mother sharing is done on mothering.com, breastfeeding.com and at fourfriends.com/abrw/. Friends and family members may be an additional source. It is wise to ask for a doctor's release stating a donor is free from illness, not taking any medications and will not compromise their own nursling by sharing. This helps protect the babies. Due to the serious danger of cross infection, only a birth or adopting mother should nurse a baby at their breast.

The Academy of pediatrics recommends at least a year of breastfeeding. The World Health Organization suggests two years for additional health protection. The many benefits of breastfeeding help both mother and child in countless ways as they interact with each other as nature intended for both long-term emotional and physical health. Those adopting parents who chose to share this special gift with their child will find a unique closeness that bonds them forever. Even those who adopt an older baby may find breastfeeding a wonderful bridge to connect them as a family.

Side bar References:
Womanly Art of breastfeeding available along with a free catalogue of useful materials from LLLINc, Schaumberg, Il ( lalecheleague.org)
Lact-Aid supplementer from lact-aid.com or the LLLI catalogue
PSI-pip in style or other brands from LLLI catalogue
Dr Newman protocol newman@globalnet.com
Adoption Today article, Yes, You Can Breastfeed Your Baby, July 01
Breastfeeding, an Adoption Option, from the author AH Sutherland-
MSAHS4abf@aol.com includes suggestions for donor milk & travel tips

Addendum- to personalize this article add the following:
although placement of our adopted daughter was unexpected, the decision to breastfeed her was as natural as it had been with our three biological children. Dawn had been bottle fed for the two days she spent in the hospital but took to nursing with ease. I was fortunate to receive a gift of several hundred ounces of human milk and a lact-Aid supplementer to get us started.

In spite of past experience, I felt very clumsy for a few days as we worked on breastfeeding with a supplementer. Within five days, I could express drops of my milk even though it had been some ten years since I last breastfed. I expressed twice a day to keep track of increases and offered Dawn 2 to 3 ounces of donor milk 6 to 8 times a day as she nursed some twenty to thirty minutes per feeding. My supply increased cc by cc and I froze the milk until I had several ounces to share in the supplementer. These were special treats for both of us. Being able to provide a full feed of my milk was very good for my self esteem.

Friends continued to provide donor milk for several months and Dawn was gaining nicely as she doubled her weight by six months and tripled by a year. She began solids at 6 months and used the supplementer until she was nearly two. At that time, she was content to nurse solo and went on for about another year. This was a special time for us and we wish you the same delights.

Ann H. Sutherland - educator, author, and Mother of four breastfed children, one of whom is adopted.